Three of Ireland's most high profile campaigners for Third World causes have written to the Taoiseach urging him to ensure the Government honours it commitment to allocate 0.7 per cent of GDP for overseas aid by 2007.
The former president, Mrs Mary Robinson; and singers, Bob Geldof and Bono wrote an open letter to Mr Ahern saying they are "deeply disturbed" by media reports suggesting the target date will not be met.
The issue became a source of controversy this week when the new junior minister with responsibility for foreign aid, Mr Conor Lenihan, said an analysis of spending commitments indicates the 2007 target will not be achieved.
The comment led to discord within the coalition when one of Mr Lenihan's predecessors Ms Liz O'Donnell of the PDs said the statement signalled a change of policy of which her party had not been informed.
Mr Lenihan said the 0.7 per cent figure would be achieved but that it would take longer than intended.
The Taoiseach however, has said on a number of occasions that 0.7 per cent of Irish GDP would be allocated to overseas development aid. The commitment is contained in the Programme for Government reflecting at the Millennium Summit of World leaders in New York in 2001.
In their letter to Mr Ahern, the authors wrote: "As a nation, we must make sure we deliver on our promise.
"If we fail we may provide an excuse for others to do likewise. If we honour our commitment, we will be a leader in the fight against poverty."