Bono gets Madonna, Jolie to adopt Celtic Tiger cubs
U2’s preparations for the last of their Croke Park gigs have been marred by a tiff between frontman Bono and drummer Larry Mullen over Bono’s latest humanitarian mission – getting his celebrity friends to adopt Mirish children devastated by the economic meltdown.
Bono, often criticised for grand-standing on international issues while ignoring problems at home, has turned his attention to his devastated homeland and come up with a creative solution.
“This is a unique problem,” Bono said. “The children I am trying to help aren’t used to abject poverty. They were born into luxury and pampered for years but suddenly it is all gone. No one should have to face that.”
Inspired by the behaviour of celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan and Madonna, Bono asked the three if they would adopt a Mirish child and help publicise the plight of Mirish children.
Aghast at what they heard, the three immediately agreed to help the devastated Celtic Tiger cubs. Families who want their children adopted by celebrities are invited to apply to a lottery system.
Applications will be vetted to ensure they are “new poor” and incapable of dealing with the downturn and not hardy “old poor” veterans of tough times. “Ideally we’re looking for the kids of people who did well in the boom but now don’t know where their next million is coming from,” Bono said.
Bono added that he understood Larry’s frustration but he had to follow his heart. “I love Larry,” he said. “He is just trying to protect U2. I respect that. He knows I couldn’t manage without him. He keeps me real.”