Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

No. There are 25 EU countries. Mr. Mandelson's task is to bring a fairly broad range of opinions into a coherent negotiating position with regard to other trading blocks. Ultimately, this issue will be resolved between the key players — the EU, the US, Brazil and a number of others. Even if they arrive at a consensus, it must to be acceptable to the wider membership of the WTO.

I am not understating the significant challenges that exist. Ireland's position is that we would like to see the round successfully concluded because, from our perspective as a country that exports the vast majority of what it produces, access to a more liberal world trade environment would be to our benefit. Equally, we want to see the WTO talks come to a conclusion that is beneficial to developing nations and countries. I do not accept that there is the chasm between our position and the EU position articulated by Commissioner Mandelson, as the Deputy suggests.

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