Nicky Wire supports 'brave' Jean Haiti bid

Manic Street Preachers bassist Nicky Wire has praised Wyclef Jean's political aspirations and Haitian presidential bid, saying that he has shown "an unbelievable amount of bravery".

Jean announced in August that he would stand for office in Haiti's presidential election, committing himself to rebuilding his native country following last year's devastating earthquake. However, the Fugees star's campaign was halted when it was announced that he would not be eligible to be nominated.

Speaking to NME, Wire said: "I thought it showed an unbelievable amount of bravery for him to even try that. I can't think of a harder job in the f**king world.

"I can't see him doing that - with all the baggage that comes with it - for a publicity stunt. Even I'm not that cynical. I wouldn't have the balls to do that in f**king Wales, let alone a country like Haiti, which has so much potential but is also in such deep, deep trouble.

"People can say what they like about it, but I think he did it from the heart. It's not like throwing a charity record together; it's a truly impossible job."

Wire recently blasted the apolitical nature of most current bands.