Much more than a day in the park - Live8 was ‘our chance for change’

FROM lazy indifference to the first faint simmerings of indignation to a global outcry for action to end African poverty - the positive universal response to Live8 bore delightful testimony to the lofty, not-so-crazy ideals of one Irishman.

As a warning shot across the bows of cynics who say one day cannot change the history of the world, Hyde Park and its sister concerts has began the kind of social movement politicians ignore at their peril.

Much more than a day in the park, it was a performance by people in powerful positions who capitalised on their popularity to mobilise public opinion and kickstart the sort of seachange that could change the world order.