MARK GODFREY,
Sir, - I've lost whatever faith I had in Bono after seeing him at the World Economic Forum, talking with people who use him as a badge of convenience.
The primary role of the forum is to protect property from the majority whom Bono claims to speak for. He gets TV pictures and magazine covers, the world's corporate captains get the spokesman of youth, hip and "cool" conscience in their photos. It's a handy trade-off.
Bono says he backs the US response to September 11TH, and then U2 plays the Super Bowl. . .endorsing a regime that has brought untold misery to the poorest of the world, those Bono says he cares so much about.
This is too much. Bono, stick to million-dollar music and save me this horrible whiff of cynicism. - Yours, etc.,
MARK GODFREY, Ballykilleen, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Sir, - Bono is an incredible performer and also an incredible human being. When he is not entertaining devout fans in sold-out stadiums, he is in discussions with politicians and influential business leaders to "drop the debt", or fighting AIDS and poverty in developing countries.
He is an inspiration to us all and his hard work and dedication has brought him a long way from his earlier days in Dublin's Dandelion Market.
Long may he live to see the benefits of his tireless efforts. - Yours, etc.,
AIDEEN HEALY, Cranford Court, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.