* As posted on http://canoe.ca

PM Bono-fide hero

Irish rock star heaps praise on departing Chretien
By CP

TORONTO -- Prime Minister Jean Chretien is no lemon, claims Irish rock star
Bono in a letter singing the retiring leader's praises.

The social activist leader of the band U2 said Canada leads the way in the
effort to help the world's poorest citizens, especially after introducing
legislation paving the way for discounted medicines for AIDS in Africa and
elsewhere.

"I saw your comments on the generic drug legislation and wanted to
send my congratulations," Bono said in the Nov. 6 letter to Chretien.
"This is so important, and puts Canada way out ahead in pioneering
solutions so desperately needed by the poorest and most vulnerable,"
Bono wrote. "From the perspective of an Irish rockster, your
leadership in Africa will be a legacy that lives on and flourishes way
beyond your time in office."

Bono has agreed to appear at this week's Liberal leadership convention,
joining Grammy-winning producer and singer-songwriter Daniel Lanois, a good
friend of Bono's since the 1980s when Lanois produced U2's Unforgettable
Fire. During the convention, Bono will give a 15-minute speech on
international development.

The Liberal gathering will be a coronation for Paul Martin, with whom Bono
has had extensive discussions about relieving Third World debt. Chretien
heads to Africa in December in what is expected to be his last foreign
visit as prime minister. Bono said in his letter that his presence at the
convention will give him the opportunity to thank both Chretien and Martin.

A spokesman for Chretien said the letter was "rewarding."

Lanois will headline a musical show Friday at the Air Canada Centre that
also includes Ron Sexsmith, Canadian Idol finalist Audry de Montigny and
Amy Sky, who will sing the national anthem. The rock band Sloan will
perform at Martin's victory party at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The opening act will be the Ottawa-based trio Starling.


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