Then the Minister of State knows how long it took farmers to get there.

Sentiment score: 0.00

That the Mercosur trade agreement has even reached this point is a result of political strokes. In the first instance, the supporters of the Lisbon treaty, including Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, opened the door to the European Commission circumventing member state vetoes.

Sentiment score: 0.56

Sinn Féin and others sought the Government to formally express its opposition to this deal and it refused. Instead, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael spoke of safeguards that we know to be worthless. The following year, the Government endorsed the reappointment of the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. She executed the stroke the Government parties empowered her to use under the Lisbon treaty and stripped Ireland of its veto. Still, the possibility remained that a blocking minority could be formed in Europe of those states not willing to sacrifice their farmers' livelihoods or the environment in favour of German car manufacturers. Did the Government kick into gear then?

Sentiment score: 0.12

Not a chance. That is, until the day on which the deal's passage was secured, at which time the Taoiseach said that we would vote against it, secure in the knowledge it would not have a meaningful impact. The Taoiseach is not opposed to the Mercosur agreement. He just thinks the Irish people are fools who will buy his cheap charade. They were working behind the scenes is what an tAire Stáit said. What a laugh. Sinn Féin's motion tonight gives every Member of this House the opportunity to lay on the table exactly where they stand and if there will truly join the fight against a bad deal for Irish farmers. Shame on any Member who backs the Taoiseach's threadbare theatre and believes he or she can take farming families for fools.

Sentiment score: 0.04

It is from both sides of the Minister of State's mouth.

Sentiment score: 0.00