ROCKER/activist Bob Geldof has had his hands more than full recently with the antics of his teenage daughter Peaches, as we've told you in weeks past, but that doesn't mean he's retreated from advocating for the world's poor.

Last week Geldof was back home in Dublin to give a speech, and he urged new Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen to make international aid for those less fortunate a priority, just as his predecessor Bertie Ahern did.

"I don't want to sound like a romantic but he (Cowen) seems to genuinely reflect what Irish people have been saying for a long time, that we are concerned about this and we want our politics to reflect that," he said.

Speaking of Ahern, who still remains part of the Irish government in a lesser role, Geldof said that he could have a top job as a poverty campaigner in a snap. All he'd have to do is put his name forward.

"He is a pre-eminent negotiator. There's no question he will be at the moment the exceptional historical taoiseach," Geldof said.

"There's a lot stands to him and he is profoundly respected as being a very light touch and a very, very energetic facilitator and just staying the course. So if he ever did want to do anything in this area he doesn't need me or Bono to help him, he would be ahead of us.

"He would be a shoe-in for whatever he wants to do."

High words of praise indeed. Geldof and Ahern are friends and they did speak about Ahern's future as an advocate for the poor. Undoubtedly something will happen in the future. Can't see one of Ireland's most popular politicians ever remaining as a back-bencher in the new government.