Madam, - John O'Shea of Goal (Head 2 Head, January 21st) outlines how corrupt governments "mercilessly exploit their own people". Hans Zomer of Dóchas would have us strengthen these same governments.
Mr Zomer claims that those who would bypass governments in developing countries foolishly expect "that the injustice and corruption will magically disappear". Incredibly, he then goes on to suggest that corrupt regimes can be persuaded to spend some of our largesse developing "informed citizens" as "pillars of integrity". Does he seriously believe that corrupt governments will devote any of the 1 per cent to 10 per cent of aid that filters through to those for whom it is intended to developing potential critics?
John O'Shea suggests that we "bypass the corrupt regimes" and work "directly with reliable and tested local counterparts". For me, it's no contest: common sense is overwhelmingly on John O'Shea's side. Channelling aid from the bottom up rather than the top down levels the playing field. Ordinary people are directly empowered and it is less easy for corrupt governments to exploit them. - Yours, etc,
TED MOONEY, Fort Portal, Uganda.
Madam, - A headline in last Friday's edition caught my eye and my imagination. "Corruption fears not grounds to end aid - Ahern" it said - and quite right too.
Let's be clear about this: until such time as the Mahon tribunal delivers its findings, these Third World outfits are hardly in a position to be turning their noses up at our offer of a dig-out. - Yours, etc,
DONAL O'KEEFFE, Brian Boru Grove, Fermoy, Co Cork.