Anti-poverty activist Bob Geldof tonight called for an end to the casino culture in the banks.
Although claiming the nature of the financial crisis in Ireland had left a bitter taste, he would not be drawn on whether there should be a change of Government.
“What happened here and the way that it was done leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth for everyone,” Geldof said.
“But essentially the casino that banks became, that really needs to stop now.” Geldof was speaking before a debate at Trinity College Dublin on whether development aid, with which he has a strong interest and association, has done more harm than good.
He described support for developing countries as critical.
“Africa since 2000 has 2 per cent growth per annum, poverty reduction is down 1% ongoing ... the logic of it works,” he said.
It was his second public appearance in Dublin in less than a week.
He took part in a public interview at The Music Show in the RDS at the weekend, where he talked at length about his musical career and anti-poverty efforts Justin Kilcullen, Trocaire director, also took part in the debate and said development aid was a way for richer countries to show solidarity with developing countries.