Robinson wants Ahern to lead the world on committing to overseas aid

AS the UN prepares to abandon many of the ambitious plans for tackling world poverty and injustice, an appeal was made to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to give a lead to the rest of the world on overseas aid.

The Taoiseach, who arrived in New York last night and will address the summit of world leaders tonight, will announce Ireland’s new target after abandoning his pledge to reach 0.7% of GNP by 2007.

He will endorse, with 190 other member leaders, a watered-down list of reforms and will return most of the contentious issues to future UN general assemblys to tease out.

Ahead of the three-day summit, various Government ministers, including Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern, have been reducing expectations, saying the target will not be reached until 2015 although Development Minister Conor Lenihan has hoped for 2012.

Former Irish President and world president of Oxfam, Mary Robinson, called on the Taoiseach to set 2010 as the latest date. This would give a lead to the other countries dragging their feet on the issue.

“This is important because the negotiations on the development side are not going well. We need governments to stand up and say the divide between the poor and the rich will not be bridged unless countries offer generously.”

Ireland stood tall on the world stage two years ago when the Taoiseach made his commitment, and she hoped he would capture this feeling again.

“Ireland is a wealthy country now and with our history of famine and dispersal and given that 10.6 million children die every year from preventable causes, this is a life and death issue that Ireland should be willing to address,” she said.

Less wealthy countries, such as Sweden, now contribute 1% of GNP. Ms Robinson believed the Taoiseach would have the support of many, including those not so well off in Ireland, if he announces 2010 as the target date.

Mr Lenihan, who is also at the UN, said the new timeframe will be realistic and aimed towards ensuring quality projects to help people - something Ireland has a good reputation for.

“I believe Mrs Robinson will be very proud tomorrow with the Taoiseach’s announcement and I would like to involve her much more in our aid programme,” he said.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan set out the stall for reforming the organisation two years ago. Germany’s ambassador to the UN, Gunter Pleuger, said the final document will reflect what is politically possible now among the 191 members of the UN.