IRELAND: Bono, Bob Geldof and former President Mary Robinson have written to the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, urging the Government to stick to its commitment on overseas aid.
"Ireland's commitment to the world's poor has long been commendable," they say in an open letter.
It continues: "It was heartening to see you build on that commitment by announcing to the world's leaders at the Millennium Summit in New York that by 2007 Ireland's aid spending was going to reach the UN target of 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income."
The letter states that since Ireland's announcement, five other countries have given a date for the achievement of the UN target.
"Ireland's date for achieving this commitment, 2007, is the earliest of all six countries.
"We are deeply disturbed at recent reports that this date will not be met.
"As a nation, we must make sure that we deliver on our promise.
"If we fail, we may provide an easy excuse for others to do likewise. If we honour our commitment, we will be a leader in the fight against poverty. We look forward to saluting that achievement," the letter says.