JAMES H. CASEY,
Sir, - Well done on your Editorial of July 1st. I have, over the past 20 years, had the privilege of witnessing the outstanding work being done by Irish aid workers in a number of developing countries. This work, often carried out in harsh and primitive conditions, has often left me amazed at the optimism of the local people and the aid workers.
On other occasions, I've been angered at the restriction of programmes because of lack of funds, a lack that has led directly to the loss of innocent lives. So, our newly elected Government has backed down on the solemn commitment recently made by Mr Ahern before the world leaders at the UN. Shame. - Yours, etc.,
JAMES H. CASEY, Granitefield, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.