MICHAEL McLOUGHLIN,
Sir, - The reduction in Overseas Development Aid at a time when famine is threatening in Malawi and other parts of southern Africa are the most reprehensible of all the cuts by the current Fianna Fáil/PD government in its short existence. Arguments about reductions and correction are simply irrelevant in this area as the UN targets are clear.
The whole point of the UN setting a target of 0.7 per cent of GNP is that it allows for the relevant strengths and weaknesses of the members' economies. A percentage target removes the need to relate the expenditure to economic well-being.
The Government keeps assuring us there is no economic crisis, yet overseas aid is the first thing to be cut. One can only wonder what will happen when the economy deteriorates further. The Government is sending a clear message that the most vulnerable home and abroad are the first in line when Mr McCreevy's voodoo economics fail. The public should take the chance to send a message back. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL McLOUGHLIN,
International Secretary,
The Labour Party,
Ely Place,
Dublin 2.