It would be insufferable if I publicly gave all my money away

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Nov 12, 2006 | by LYNNE KELLEHER

MEGA-RICH rocker Bono claims there is no shame in flashing his cash, despite being an anti-poverty campaigner.

The U2 frontman said his rock 'n' roll luxury lifestyle is exactly what his fans want to see.

While demanding that Australia's Prime Minister John Howard increase aid to poor countries, Bono said he would be "crucified" if he publicly gave his own wealth away.

During U2's Oz tour, the multi-millionaire singer hit out at critics who condemn him for preaching about the poor while living it up.

He said: "I think actually people like the fact that we own up to living it large. There is a sort of a Catholic guilt that comes with making a few bob.

"Was it Russell Simmons, the godfather of hip-hop, who said: 'You can't help the poor if you are one'?

"I wouldn't be so smartarsed about it. I tell you what would be even more insufferable - can you imagine if I publicly gave all my money away?

"They would just hang me from the gallows. They would just say: 'Get on the f***ing donkey and this way to crucifixion.'"

But he said he wanted to talk to PM Howard about boosting Australia's aid to developing countries. He said wealthy countries should donate more of their gross domestic product to help combat global poverty, particularly in Africa.

U2, worth about EUR690 million, came under fire a few months ago when it was revealed they had shifted their multimillion music dynasty to the Netherlands as a result of high Irish taxes.

The move came after the Government decided to cap the artists' tax exemption at EUR250,000 from January 1, 2007.

The band, who estimate that one third of their fortune is derived from royalties, have until now not had to pay tax on record sales and airplay because of the artists' exemption introduced by former Taoiseach Charles Haughey.

There is virtually no tax on royalties in the Netherlands.

The Dublin rockers were the world's biggest musical earners last year, raking in around EUR217 million.

Currently on tour in Australia, the band were criticised by politicians and celebrities for the tax evasion tactic especially because of Bono's crusade against poverty.

Labour finance spokeswoman Joan Burton said: "In the context of all the work Bono has done for Third World debt, it's interesting to note that some of that tax might have gone towards the Ireland aid programme."

Bono's outspoken defence of his millionaire lifestyle comes as angry Dubliners threatened go to the European Court of Justice to stop the elevation of the monster U2 tower.

Locals claim the 35-storey tower in Dublin's Docklands will block out their sunlight. Last night they threatened legal action.

U2 will have a recording studio on the top two floors of the proposed EUR100 million skyscraper but residents' groups met on Tuesday to draw their own plan for the area.

Ringsend Environmental Group spokesman Damien Cassidy slammed U2's management for refusing to meet locals.

He said: "They have never come near us - and they refuse to speak about it publicly.

"We believe they are getting the two top floors of the tower in exchange for their old recording studios on Hanover Street.

"I have nothing against U2 but we want what is best for Dublin. Their studios are a national landmark. They should stay there and not build this tower.

"We have decided to take action instead of just waiting for others to make decisions. We will present this plan to the Dublin City Council and to the Dockland Authority.

"I think we have a chance because, under European law, our heritage is protected.

"We have lodged an appeal with the European Commission and they will decide if we have a case to go forward to the European Court.

"If this building goes ahead the heritage of the local area will be completely destroyed."

Mr Cassidy said the U2 tower would overshadow the property of locals.

He said: "We will also be flooded with traffic problems - and the infrastructure is not in place to handle any more development."

However, an upbeat Bono seemed unaware of the growing controversy.

He was enjoying being back on tour after a summer break in France with his family.

Bono likened returning to U2 duties to going back to school after the holidays.

He said: "I always enjoy the school holidays because, when you come back to school, you see people in a different light. You always do.

"You have a new best friend. And different things turn you on."

He said the band had recently laid down a new track called Window in the Skies in the Beatles' old recording studio.

He said: "It's a big song. We went into Abbey Road, where the Beatles recorded their best work, where Pink Floyd recorded Dark Side of the Moon, where Radiohead recorded The Bends."