The Independent MEP Marian Harkin is
calling for a slowing down of EU trade deals with major trading blocs such as
Canada, the US and the Mercosur group of South American countries. Ms Harkin
was speaking in the European Parliament where MEPs questioned the EU’s Trade
Commissioner on news that a beef deal had been withdrawn from trade
negotiations with the Mercosur states. However,
Marian Harkin is warning the EU needs to put the brakes on other major deals
such as the TTIP deal being negotiated between the EU and the US.

Dur: 00:38 

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy says it’s
imperative that on-going pressure is applied to ensure that beef remains out of
any EU trade deal with the Mercosur group of South American countries. Mr
Carthy was reacting to comments made earlier in the week by the Agriculture
Commissioner Phil Hogan. Commissioner Hogan told farmers
in Wales that beef would be ‘off the menu’ and would be withdrawn from the
Mercosur trade negotiations.

Dur: 00:37 

It’s not often that one of Hollywood’s most
famous actors and much loved films would be used in a description of Irish
politicians. But that’s exactly what the Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy has done. The
Midlands North-West MEP evoked a famous line from the film Forrest Gump and its
actor Tom Hanks today, when he slammed the group of Independent TDs who’re
supporting Fine Gael in government. Mr Carthy has implied they’ve effectively
betrayed their voters.

Dur: 
00:27