Irish Examiner view: UN must step up on global food crisis

President’s rebuke to United Nations expressed the frustrations of many of us at its avoidance of issues behind the global food crisis

President Michael D Higgins observed that 75% of the world’s wheat reserves are held by five countries, with the vast majority of the global population reliant on either wheat, maize, or rice. Picture: Maxwells

Whenever the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, makes comments or writes letters that might be considered political, there is no shortage of fluttering opinions about his views.

On this occasion, given the Taoiseach’s scheduled flight to New York was impeded by a bird strike, it is useful that comments were made on behalf of Ireland, in advance of Micheál Martin’s arrival.