Madam, - I have never been accused of idealism, but like many others I am upset by the images of starving children in Niger. The problem seems relatively small. The UN needs €50 millon to feed the needy, and Ireland has contributed €2 millon already.
We are one of the richest countries in the world. Tax receipts are ahead of target, partly by wringing money out of those who cheated in the past. Imagine the international effect if we were simply to give the UN €50 million today. We can well afford it, and we promised to achieve the target of 0.7 per cent of GDP in foreign aid and didn't bother. This would be a serious acknowledgment of that, and put us at the forefront of finally making a real difference. - Yours, etc,
FRANK NEENAN, Tullow Road, Carlow.