Sinead O’Connor addresses the rumours that Live 8 artists are being told that they cannot criticise George Bush from the stage. Sinead’s thoughts are formulated in response to an article published in the Daily Telegraph, in which a high profile artist was quoted as claiming that they were instructed to keep silent about their political opinions while performing the worldwide television broadcast of the Live 8 concerts next month. “If George Bush pulled out of helping Africa because he was criticised at Live 8 by an artist, then he’s a f**king w**ker, as Bob (Geldof) might say. And if he dropped even a penny of aid because of being given some truth, by someone who has every right to speak, then he’s a f**king w**ker. And, we all know he’s a f**king w**ker anyway. So f**k him. And f**k anyone else telling artists to be silent.” Sinead goes on to say that it is the duty of artists to voice the truth when politicians hide behind their words. She says: “We are supposed to be a voice in the wilderness – which we cease to be if we are to be found wining and cheesing at Downing Street. Suddenly we are one of them. And part of their system. Because they played on our vanities. Politicians are very clever. They try to control artists. Now they have artists controlling artists. And we all have so much politician cock in our gobs, we couldn’t speak if we tried. "Artists need in these times, to be very sure of who and what they are,” Sinead adds, and of what their role is in this world, as opposed to the role of politicians, who never ever say the word love." Meanwhile, Bob Geldof has rejected suggestions that artists will be limited in what they say from the Live 8 stage. “I couldn’t give a s**te what they say."