(for the artist whose interviews/column inches/political broadcasts/press conferences far outweighed their musical contribution to the year)

It’s always a bit of a tosser toss-up between Geldof and Bono for this particular award, and in previous years it’s been a close-run race with new boy Chris “=” Martin vying for attention at every conceivable opportunity, earning extra points for wearing his heart on his sleeve – or, more accurately, his Make Trade Fair symbol on his hand – at every situation where there are likely to be cameras. Video shoots, gigs, press conferences, out shopping with Gwynnie and little Granny Smith (or whatever the daughter is called).

However, 2005 was a hotly-contested year with everyone and their dog hopping on all sorts of bandwagons in an effort to get some free publicity raise awareness as The Year Of The Charity Wristband progressed. Despite this, it was essentially a two-horse race, with front-runners Geldof (all over everything around Live8), and Bono (nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and just pipped to the post by a group of people who actually dismantle atomic bombs rather than naming albums after the activity: ooh, never mind, Bono – maybe next time, eh?).

I think that although Sir Bob had the greater volume of verbiage as the year drew to a close, I’d certainly be doing my ears a disservice if I implored him to talk less and make more music. So by a process of elimination, the award goes to the Irish midget, for services to himself his bank manager equality, harmony, fair trade and world peace, if not, in fact, quality music. Next year, eh?