World of Politics with Harry McGee

Where’s the beef?” was the famous catchphrase of American Democrat Walter Mondale during the 1984 US presidential election. He used it against his rival, Gary Hart.

The line itself came from a television advertisement for fast food outlet Wendy’s showing a tiny burger patty wedged between oversized buns. An old man peers at it and asks the question that became iconic: “Where’s the beef?”

Mondale’s meaning was clear. Hart’s promises, he argued, were flashy but hollow – and now the question is posed in a more literal way.

On Monday, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that Irish beef exports were being reintroduced to China. Politically, it was a significant win and will earn the Government goodwill among farmers. But it did little to offset the other major beef-related controversy of the week.

Anger remains intense over the Mercosur trade deal between the European Union and Brazil. At the heart of the opposition is Brazilian beef. Irish farmers believe it will undercut Irish produce on price and weaken standards. Much Brazilian beef, they argue, would not meet European requirements, particularly regarding hormone use.

But the Irish debate has focused almost exclusively on agriculture, which makes up only a small part of a wide-ranging trade agreement covering nearly every sector. From a business perspective, the deal opens vast new markets for European exports, from car manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and technology.

There was also uncertainty within the Government. Comments made by the Taoiseach in China suggesting possible support caused uproar among rural Independents, notably Seán Canney and Michael Healy-Rae.

Fine Gael had long said it would support the deal only if agriculture was adequately protected. In the end, Fianna Fáil and Micheál Martin voted against it as part of the Government position.

By that stage, however, the outcome was already decided. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni had indicated her support, delivering a qualified majority. Once Italy came on board, defeat was impossible. Still, the episode was messy.

Pictured: Taoiseach Micheál Martin with US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office.