TDs and Senators Eat Plain Rice in Buswells! (14 April 2005)

Public Representatives turn out for Global Trade Justice

TDs and Senators today turned out for global trade justice at a ‘Lotto Lunch’ held in Buswells Hotel.

Drawing ‘meal tickets’ representing a mix of some of the world’s richest and poorest countries, the TDs and senators were then fed a meal symbolising their respective ‘nations’.

Among the ‘less fortunate’ public representatives who represented individual poorer countries and as a result received a simple bowl of plain white rice were:  Mary O’Rourke (FF), leader of the Senate; Trevor Sargent (leader of the Green Party); Mary Upton (Labour) and Dan Neville (Fine Gael).

Taking it all in good spirit, they enviously eyed ‘more fortunate’ politicians like Tom Kitt (Fianna Fail’s Chief Whip), Joe Costello (LAB), Sean Ardagh (FF) and Tony Gregory (IND) who each received a roast beef dinner.

Over 30 TDs and senators attended the ‘Lotto Lunch’ organised by Comhlámh, the Irish Association of Development Workers.

The special lunch marked this week’s Global Week of Action for Trade Justice being held in over 80 countries highlighting inequities in the world trading system and the man-made reasons behind the lack of access to food in many parts of the world.

“We want to send a clear message to our policy makers that they have the power to change trade rules. Specifically, we are asking politicians to ensure that there are Dail and Senate debates on world trade rules before ministers go to the World Trade Talks in Hong Kong in November,“ said Comhlamh spokesperson, Carol Doyle.

She added: “We would like to thank those politicians who attended today and hope they will take our case through the corridors of power in this country and in Europe to try and effect real progress and real change.”


Ends

Further details from Comhlámh’s Dublin office at 01-478 3490 or Paul at 087-965 3877; Comhlamh’s Cork office at 021-4275881 or Carol Doyle 087-136 0395
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editors’ Note: Comhlámh is the Irish Association of Development Workers and is a membership organisation that is also open to all members of the public interested in global justice and human rights issues. It celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and has over 4,000 supporters nationwide.  Former patrons include Mary Robinson. Website: www.comhlamh.org