"We’re a little surprised that the government has asked us to get involved," says Bono, "but we’re happy to dispel any rumours that foot and mouth has made Ireland unsafe for tourists. Ireland is perfectly safe for a vacation. All of us in the band live and work there. It’s a great place for a holiday and we hope everyone will continue to visit."

U2 had been asked to put trans-Atlantic minds at rest by the Minister for Tourism, Jim McDaid, who observed that; "Without doubt the endorsement that Ireland is an open and welcome tourist destination from the world’s leading rock band will be of immense value in getting this message across in the U.S. The good word from Bono will reach not only U2’s millions of fans but their families and friends as well."

Meanwhile, the singer is set to appear alongside former South African President Nelson Mandela on a special edition of Oprah. Top of the agenda is Jubilee 2000 and their attempt to have third world debt cancelled.

Finally on the U2 front, Bono and The Edge have contributed to a new biopic about cyberpunk writer William Gibson.

As well as supplying original music for No Maps For These Territories, the duo get to read excerpts from the reclusive American’s books.

"William’s decided to go on record in a way that he’s deliberately avoided in the past," says producer Mark Neale. "Things like the loss of his parents, his dodging of the draft and taking drugs took a long time to get out of him."

Having premiered last week in London as part of the ICA’s onedotzero festival, the $250,000 film will receive a limited cinematic release before emerging on video in the New Year.