Madam, - In all the justified criticism of the Government's shortfall in aid to poor countries one important factor is seldom mentioned: enlightened self-interest.
The 0.7 per cent contribution should be regarded as an investment in the future. Raising living standards in poorer countries must make good economic sense. If the world's poor were to come within shouting distance of us, imagine the markets opening up - not to mention the benefits for peace and tranquillity by addressing the causes of conflict rather than scrambling to deal with effect.
No need for a "war on terror", or "spreading democracy", which only benefits the arms industry on which there is never a shortage of billions to be wasted. Human nature being what it is, the best any system can hope for is to keep us quiet, to keep us from each other's throats. This will best be achieved by keeping our bellies full, a coat on our backs and a roof over our heads. - Yours, etc.,
JAMES MORAN,
Knockanure,
Bunclody,
Co Wexford.