MEP for the Midlands North West Maria Walsh has said that referring the EU Mercosur Partnership Agreement and trade deal to the European Courts of Justice "only creates more uncertainty for farmers".

The Fine Gael MEP who is a member of the EPP political grouping in the EU has come in for heavy criticism for voting against referring the deal to the courts for legal opinion on whether it complies with EU treaties.

Many farmers feel her decision to do so meant that she is in favour of the Mercosur trade deal and not supportive of farmers.

However speaking to Agriland in Strasbourg today (Wednesday, February 11), MEP Walsh explained that she still totally against the Mercosur trade deal and had it come before the parliament for a vote on the trade deal itself, she would have voted no.