Pre-election boost for Canadian PM as he is hailed by Bono

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2004

OTTAWA (AFP) — Irish rocker Bono praised Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin for leading the developed world in efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and poverty in the developing world.

A beaming Martin, who is expected to announce in the next 10 days that a general election will be held in June, laughed as Bono quipped: "I am not here to elect Mr. Martin."

But pressed on political issues, Bono gave Martin a strong endorsement, insisting "this politician has kept his promises to me ... so far."

And, in any event, he said, the scourge of AIDS was "beyond politics."

The legendary U2 frontman was in town to witness Martin announcing a further 70 million dollars (50 million US) in contributions to international ant-AIDS programmes.

He praised Martin for...