International Aid

Ireland ups contribution to Global Fund after Bono tells Martin to ‘go big’

The U2 frontman wrote to the Taoiseach urging Ireland to increase funding for international financing partnership

Bono wrote in his letter to Micheál Martin that if the Taoiseach could commit to doubling Ireland’s €50 million commitment to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, “we’ll be the wind at your back”. Picture: Getty

Bono called on Micheál Martin to “go big” and “dig deep“ just weeks before the government increased Ireland’s foreign aid contributions by €15 million.

In a letter sent last month, the U2 frontman called on the Taoiseach to double Ireland’s €50 million commitment to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Bono wrote that if Martin could commit to the €100 million, “we’ll be the wind at your back”.

“Let me start by ...