Michael Caine supports UK Tory youth programme

LONDON – Actor Michael Caine offered support yesterday for a Conservative Party proposal of a civilian service program – drawing on his working-class roots to appeal for help for disaffected youths.

The two-time Oscar winning actor appeared on the same stage as opposition leader David Cameron to support the National Citizen Service.’You may think to yourself ‘what the hell is he doing here, why is he here?’,’ Caine said after being introduced by Cameron at a news conference. ‘I’m here because I’m a representative of all those youngsters that have been forgotten in this country.’A supporter of Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s, Caine had been won over by former Prime Minister Tony Blair in Labour’s sweep to power in 1997. But Caine has expressed anger over Labour’s tax plans – the top bracket income tax rate rose to 50 per cent last week – and threatened to leave the country if taxes went higher.He said last year he would support Cameron, and arguing no party should serve more than two terms in office. The election will be held May 6.’My view of politicians is that we elect them as servants,’ he said later at a visit to a London school. ‘For two terms they are our servants, the third term they are our masters.’Caine has for decades been one of Britain’s most popular and accomplished actors. He has excelled in comedy, action and dramatic roles for more than half a century.He has been nominated for six Academy Awards, winning the best supporting actor Oscar in 2000 for ‘The Cider House Rules’ and in 1987 for ‘Hannah and Her Sisters.’ He received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2000. – Nampa-AP

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