The decision by the Government to invoke the veto in relation to an unsatisfactory WTO deal for the agriculture sector has been warmly welcomed by Independent MEP Marian Harkin.

“I welcome the Government’s decision as it is a necessary step towards protecting the country’s vital agriculture and food sector and securing the Yes vote which will strengthen Ireland’s hand in pressing for a satisfactory WTO outcome”, she said.

She praised the IFA for it’s campaign to highlight the threat posed by the Mandelson WTO negotiation tactics.  “The IFA will now be doing a good job for Irish agriculture and for the country by focussing it’s energies and resources to secure that Yes vote which is important to the future welfare of it’s own members”, she concluded.