Madam, - The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Conor Lenihan, has been criticised for suggesting that the Government will not reach its target of 0.7 percent of GNP for foreign aid by 2007 and for saying some aid agencies were spending large sums on campaigning work at home instead of sending it to the poor of the developing world. Do his critics not appreciate the "political realities" the Government faces?
A promise to give a percentage of GNP in foreign aid creates a dilemma. The richer Ireland becomes, the larger the figure the Government is obliged to give in foreign aid. As the Irish economy continues to grow the amount Ireland will have to give in aid will grow and grow. God knows how large the figure might become.
When the Taoiseach gave a solemn commitment on behalf of the Irish people to the United Nations, how was he to know that the Irish economy was going to continue growing? Is it not a bit rich that aid agency personnel spend salaried time criticising the Government when their time would be better spent sending aid to the Third World?
I believe that the "political reality" is little short of immorality. The Government has broken a promise and is trying to create a smokescreen by blaming aid agencies. I am deeply embarrassed by the Government's U-turn.
How can it renege, so glibly, on a solemn promise? What a rotten example for the leaders of our country to give to its people. - Yours etc.,
CIARAN FEIGHERY, Luttrellstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin 15.