Climate change - €100m gesture we were obliged to make

THIS has been a challenging week for Ireland, especially for those whose incomes were cut and for those trying to recover from floods.

Those who qualify under both headings deserve considerable sympathy.

In the face of these difficulties yesterday’s announcement that we are to contribute €100 million to help Third World countries cope with climate change may, on first impressions, seem out of kilter with the mood and capacity of the country. Some voices may suggest that the €100m would be better spent at home.