World hunger - Cuts not an option

NO MATTER how grim things may seem at the moment there are millions of people around the world living in conditions that are beyond the comprehension of the majority of people living in this country.

The simplicity of that statement is probably why we sometimes feel we can ignore the plight of millions whose lives are an endless struggle between life and death. But as we all know, and as values that celebrate and respect humanity dictate, we cannot.

It would be easy, in today’s climate, to cut commitments made to fight overseas hunger but it would be wrong. As Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power conceded yesterday Ireland’s overall overseas development budget will be cut but any direct commitments on fighting starvation or malnutrition will be honoured.