Even if you are not a fan of rock music you have probably heard of Bono. He's the lead singer in the Irish band U2 and one of the world's most outspoken celebrities on the issue of development aid for Africa. Bono's view, in a nutshell, is that "rich" country governments must do more to help the struggling continent overcome poverty. It's our moral responsibility.

But now it has come to the attention of a few Irish activists that on matters of giving at home, Bono and his band aren't nearly so enthusiastic. And these indignant...