Honour the aid pledge and no more excuses

THE Government’s pathetic decision not to meet its 0.7% commitment to alleviate Third World poverty has done us enough harm — but Brian Cowen’s recent confirmation of this, in the wake of positive noises from Tony Blair and pressure from Bob Geldof, makes us look downright mean.

Meanness is not a quality usually associated with the Irish, but if our Celtic Tiger whip-masters can stand over their failure to prevent the preventable deaths of millions, then 'Ireland' and 'mean' will become synonymous for many in the international community.

As a people, our contribution to disaster funds and charities is beyond reproach.