Local Independent TDs are being urged to make opposing the Mercosur trade deal a red line in any Government formation talks.
Independents in the Midlands and the West are eyeing up Ministerial positions as part of negotiations to form a new government.
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are courting 'like minded independents' to make up the numbers and enter Government.
The Mercosur deal is designed to give a significant boost to annual trade between the EU and South American countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Many Irish farmers and environmentalists fear opening the European market to cheaper South American agricultural products, including 99,000 tonnes of beef every year.
Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly is warning newly elected Independent TDs that the deal will damage their constituents should it be implemented.
He's calling on Longford Westmeath TD Kevin Boxer Moran, Sligo Leitrim TD Marian Harkin and Galway East TD Sean Canney to make the deal a 'red line issue.'
