Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Yes, in the sense of the world. I am pessimistic about achieving them. The summit that was convened in September was important to shake up and refocus people on attaining those goals. I pay contribute to the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, in that respect. He led well on that issue and continues to do so. He is a good example of an international leader who brings a global perspective to the domestic agenda. The Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, did likewise in his capacity when Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Finance and also when he attended the summit and launched our own taskforce on hunger. It had a significant launch and demonstrates a particular commitment we can make to the overall attainment of the millennium development goals.

See this speech in context