Trocaire seeks cancellation of Third World repayment

Trocaire has proposed a once-off cancellation of Third World debt as part of the international millennium celebrations. Launching the agency's 27th annual Lenten campaign yesterday, Trocaire chairman Bishop John Kirby said celebrating jubilees was a Christian tradition which "was an occasion when slaves were set free and the poor had their debts cancelled and everyone could start afresh".

The Lenten campaign was launched yesterday with the release of 57 helium-filled balloons with Trocaire boxes attached. The balloons symbolised the 57 children who die each hour in the developing world due to famine, starvation and misery, much of it a result of the debt burden. The Trocaire 24-hour fast will take place on February 26th/ 27th. Sponsorship cards can be got by phoning 1850 408 408.