Bono issues challenge to Aussie PM

Bono has issued a invitation to Australian Prime Minister John Howard, to discuss his commitment to combating poverty.

The singer, real name Paul Hewson, believes that the Aussies are falling behind in their dedication to the cause, and wants the minister to pledge his support to the campaign.

Bono told Australian journalists: "I wanted to talk to your PM about Africa and also the commitment to 0.7 per cent, which is a big thing. A lot of people in this country have signed on the idea of spending 0.7 per cent of GDP on the world's poor. I'm not that fussed and if he would like to meet me, if he is serious about 0.7 per cent, then I'm sure we'll find out about it and I would be very pleased to meet him."

However, he insisted he would not bother with the get-together if it was merely a formality: "If he's not serious, I don't want to meet him," he added.