JOHN FITZSIMONS,
Sir, - Globalisation is one of the unstoppable forces in the world today. For some, namely the richer countries on our planet, it has been a progressive force.
Not so, unfortunately, for all. For example, if Africa could regain the share of world trade it enjoyed in 1950, the continent would earn an extra $70 billion each year in exports, six times more than the continent gets currently in foreign aid. There is, therefore, a moral responsibility on countries that have benefited from globalisation.
It is very disappointing to hear that overseas development aid from Ireland will be reduced. Ireland has been one of the prime benefactors of globalisation and should therefore be taking a leading role in reducing global poverty.
The US has potentially a huge role to play, yet it gives approximately just under $1.2 billion each year to Africa. This is the lowest proportion of national wealth given by any rich country in the world. - Yours, etc.,
John Fitzsimons,
Ballyroan Road,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16. 087 2896633