Debate on aid and development

Madam, - John Harvey (August 15th) says I am "probably right" in my belief that an Irish opinion poll would yield a massive majority…

Madam, - John Harvey (August 15th) says I am "probably right" in my belief that an Irish opinion poll would yield a massive majority in favour of meeting or exceeding our target for overseas aid forthwith. He goes on to say that a similar poll would also favour higher spending on health, education, public transport, etc. He is probably right.

To suggest, however, that this life-or-death matter is but one of many "individual desirable goals" which should be part of a "package of policies" decided by the Government is absolutely wrong. We are not in the senate now; we are in the amphitheatre, the victim is on the sand and the axe is about to fall. It is we who sit in judgment and who will be judged in horror by our descendants.

Hmm, let's see now: does this pathetic loser deserve to live or to die? Decisions, decisions. . . - Yours, etc,

GREG ROSENSTOCK, Seapoint Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.