Press Release

Debt and Development Coalition Ireland - 17th May 2007

IRISH CAMPAIGNERS DISMAYED AT IRELAND'S ROLE IN WOLFOWITZ CRISIS

Irish campaigners have expressed dismay that the Canadian chair of the group in which Ireland is represented at the World Bank appears to be supporting Paul Wolfowitz in the current crisis surrounding his leadership role at the World Bank. Campaigners are questioning whether this is also the position of Irish Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, who represents Ireland at the World Bank. The Canadians hold the majority share of votes in the group in which Ireland is represented at the Bank. However, the role of the chair is to give all views within this group due consideration before taking a final position at the World Bank board.

Nessa Ní Chasaide, co-ordinator of Debt and Development Coalition Ireland commented, "We are unclear at this point of the official view of the Canadian government on this issue as their view appears to be changing from day to day. It is also unclear whose views the Canadians are promoting in the board discussions. This is because the Irish Minister for Finance has failed to voice a public position on whether Mr Wolfowitz should continue at the World Bank".

She continued, "As a country with a well regarded reputation on development aid issues globally, it is crucial that Ireland immediately calls for the resignation of Paul Wolfowitz. This is because this crisis is further eroding the credibility of an institution which already has a bad track record of serving people in impoverished countries".

The World Bank board will reconvene today in order to decide Mr Wolfowitz's future at the World Bank.