Bono Joins Bill and Melinda Gates as TIME Magazine's Persons of the Year

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Bono, U2 lead singer and co-founder of DATA (debt AIDS trade Africa) joined philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates in being named Time Magazine's 'Persons of the Year' for 2005. In the special issue to hit newsstands on Monday, 19 December 2005, Time calls the trio "The Good Samaritans" and in bestowing the honor declares: "For being shrewd about doing good, for rewiring politics and re- engineering justice, for making mercy smarter and hope strategic and then daring the rest of us to follow, Bill and Melinda Gates and Bono are TIME's Persons of the Year."

REACTION FROM BONO, U2 LEAD SINGER AND CO-FOUNDER OF DATA (debt AIDS trade Africa):

"I'm flattered, but it's the millions of campaigners across America, Europe, and, above all, Africa who really deserve this award. They have made this a great year of promise- making to the poor by political leaders, and it is they who, with back up vocals from the likes of Bill, Melinda and I, will ensure politicians keep their promises.

There's much more to do, but last year we had no promise of $25 billion in more effective aid for Africa, no commitments to get aids drugs to all who need them, to beat back malaria and put every child in school. The checks have been signed but to cash them it's going to take a worldwide movement of people who make a priority of the poor. Every generation has its defining struggle its shot at greatness. This is ours."

REACTION FROM JAMIE DRUMMOND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DATA (debt AIDS trade Africa):

"It's the global campaigners, from the ONE campaign in America to Make Poverty History in the UK, to the millions across Africa, who we really want to recognize and honor today. It's their leadership and commitment which continues to inspire, and it is they who, with our help, will make sure politicians keep their 2005 promises to the poor, and more."

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