Cameron recruits the developing worlds favourite crusty

The Tories have announced that David Cameron has courted Live8 organiser Bob Geldof to advise his poverty commission.

From The Guardian: -

Party officials were quick to emphasise that the Irish ex-rocker is acting in a “non-partisan” role - “we’re not saying he’s suddenly become a Tory,” said Peter Lilley, the MP who will chair the panel. In a statement the new Tory leader, who has already announced similar commissions on social justice and the environment, explained his thinking in prioritising the issue. “This summer, millions of British people took part in the Make Poverty History campaign,” he said. “A new generation of concerned citizens want prosperity for themselves and progress for the poor - whether living on the other side of the street or the other side of the world. Modern, compassionate Conservatism means responding to their demands.”

Is it any surprise?

Well any Tories, who feared that the Conservatives would be transformed into New Labour Lite, will see this move as vindication for their concerns.

This stinks of New Labour circa 1997. I think Cameron is in danger of misjudging the coming mood - people are tired of focus groups, commissions, and task forces; people want clear policies based on pressing needs. Labour lack of delivery on violent crime, theft, social disorder, and crucially the cooling economy are key to the next election.

Sadly people will care less about Africa when interest rates start creeping up.

Politicians can talk about helping the developing world all they like, but it’s always hollow rhetoric. Only when leaders realise that unless the poverty and war that rips apart the lives of millions is stopped, Africa will become the new home - and source - of international terrorism.

Then they will take the continent seriously.

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More on Africa from the tygerland archives here.