The resumption of the live cattle trade with Egypt could take longer than Irish farmers expected, the Taoiseach indicated at the National Ploughing Championships yesterday. Mr Ahern said he was not optimistic that the trade would soon be reopened. "I am not pessimistic, just realistic," he said.
Defending the Government's action on the issue, Mr Ahern said he would continue to use whatever channels he could to have the market reopened. But what had happened in May under the previous administration had been hyped and things which were not factual had been stated.
It was clear, he said, from the translations he had received of the Egyptian media that the Government was under attack from the opposition about importing live cattle from Ireland.
"I don't think people here realise the pressure the Government has come under but we will do all that we can to ensure that the trade is reopened," the Taoiseach said. There appeared to be a movement away from importing live cattle in Egypt but there were opportunities there for Irish people exporting beef to that country.
"It is clear from the translations from the Egyptian media that it will be quite difficult to have the trade reopened." He was more positive on the resumption of live trade with the rest of Europe.