Thousands of Irish farmers protest against EU-Mercosur trade deal

Demonstration follows similar actions in Poland, France and Belgium as EU states approve accord

Thousands of Irish farmers are protesting against the EU's trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur, a day after EU states approved the treaty despite opposition from Ireland and France.

Tractors streamed into the roads of Athlone, in central Ireland, for the demonstration, displaying signs bearing the slogan Stop EU-Mercosur" and the EU flag emblazoned with the words sell out".