Bono after Martin for backing down on.7%

From the Globe and Mail:

The Prime Minister is acting like a number cruncher and not a statesman in his approach to foreign aid, says Bono, the lead singer of U2 and onetime celebrity ally of Paul Martin.

A champion of Third World debt relief, Bono said he is "bewildered" by the government's decision this week that dedicating 0.7 per cent of the gross domestic product to ending global poverty is too expensive.

In an interview with CBC's The House on Saturday he pointed out that Germany has "the same kind of fiscal discipline" Mr. Martin is famous for, is struggling to integrate economically depressed East Germany and has still managed to pledge 0.7 per cent.

"When I hear him speak like that I hear him speak as a finance minister, not a Prime Minister," Bono said.

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"I like him enormously. I've sat with him, I've worked with him. I believe him when he talks," he added. ". . . But there are moments when you have to look up from the number. That's why you want to be in politics. What's upsetting about this is it feels like business as usual."

A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said in response that Mr. Martin does not want to dwell on "artificial deadlines."

"The Prime Minister has great respect for Bono and Canada remains committed to the 0.7-per-cent target," Amy Butcher said. "In fact, the budget saw an 8-per-cent increase to the aid budget."

Bono warned that part of the global appeal of Canada stems from its humanitarian approach and that underfunding foreign aid works to counter that image.

He urged Canadians to call the Prime Minister's Office directly, saying that only public pressure will convince the government that fighting poverty is politically viable.

"It's a Canadian idea, the Pearson commitment," he said. "Let's go for it; let's be remembered for something other than the Internet, which is wonderful, [and] the war against terror."