International campaigner for human rights and musician Bob Geldof was today conferred with an Honorary Fellowship of RCSI in recognition of his contribution to charity and his efforts in tackling world poverty.

Bob was chosen for this honour in recognition of his efforts in endeavouring to cancel third world debt and improve government responses to poverty, famine and genocide, especially in the third world. The Honorary Fellowship conferring was followed by the seventh annual Leadership Lecture which was delivered by Bob in which he spoke of the responsibility of leaders and the need to be true to the promises that are made by the powerful to the weak.

Welcoming the guests to the event, RCSI CEO Michael Horgan described Bob Geldof’s contribution to charity and humanitarian affairs as "outstanding". He added: “We are delighted to welcome Bob here this evening. He has shown his leadership on the world stage by giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.”

On receiving his Fellowship, Bob Geldof said: “I am honoured to receive this award and be added to the list of Honorary Fellows which amongst others include Nelson Mandela, Seamus Heaney, Seamus Mallon, Kader Asmal and the late Mother Teresa. Ireland’s recent economic prosperity means we now have the wherewithal to be more generous. Irish people have always had a strong historic record of giving generously. I would hate to see that changing as we become more prosperous.”

The event was attended by over 200 prominent figures from the world of business, industry and politics including former Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds; Irish financier and Chairman of the RCSI International Development Board Dermot Desmond; CEO of CRH plc Liam O’Mahony; the American Ambassador to Ireland Thomas C. Foley; and the French Ambassador, Frederic Grasset. Bob’s father Robert and sister Cleo also attended the evening.

The RCSI Leadership Lecture is a unique opportunity for RCSI to reach out to leaders in the business community so that they can discover more about the activities of the College both at home and abroad.