April 3 2006

City really is on a whole new level. Liverpool VIsion are calling alot of the shots in the city centre renaissance and it was interesting to have time with Sir Joe Dwyer and Jim Gill about the key projects of past present and future.
They make an interesting team. Joe is private sector through and through and gets pretty frustrated by the slow machinations of public sector necessitates. Jim more comfortable and diplomatic. Good cop bad cop works pretty well for them I think and the city centre's improvement is testimony to that.
LOvely dinner with the very elegant and impressive High Sherrif of Merseyside Rosemary Hawley and her husband, the rector at the Anglican Cathedral.
Fascinating people present - high court judge, barrister, and fire chief Tony McGurk.
Began to get a handle on the security arrangments for the visit of US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice at end of week. Scary stuff, but clearly anxiety over planned anti-war protests. Much of the security stuff American-driven. Hope all goes well. City does not need a riot when TV crews from all over world will be on hand.
Peaceful protests I hope. There is a need in a democracy for that, and a lot of people were/are anti the war (Echo included). But we must be big enough to accept statesmen and women as guests - they all carry some baggage or other.
Dr David McIlhinney visietd office to discuss right old go Joe Riley had at him in Riley column. Good humoured stuff really, but Dr McIlhinney runs a huge council department (Liverpool Direct) and is fed up at all the brickbats and very few bouquets (although he's too bright and gracious to put it like that). Sorthed a few things out. Columnists write what they want more or less - that's freedom of speech. I think we both understand our positions now - we certainly wereholding him responsible for areas where he has little influence.
Utter nightmare at new exhibition opening at Liverpool World museum.
Took Morgan as was kids thing and she was invited. Only 3 I know but she was utterly vile all night. even did a runner at one point and I searched the building with my heart in my mouth until a member of staff found here upstairs somewhere.
The it was 'dad I want a wee'. OK love. Gents upstairs but she was bit desperate so I niopped into ground floor disabled loo. She does what she needs to do and I thought I'd avail myself of the facilities while I was there. Unbeknown to me, Morgan pulled alarm cord. Next thing, two security men crahs through the door, to find me in a state of exposure with a three-year-old in the room.
Took some explaining. Morgan's last Echo assignment for some time.
Friday night (31st). Phil concert then dinner with Condoleeza. Protest large but well behaved, thank goodness. Condoleeza responded to it with the dignity and diplomacy that befits her office.
Had a very brief chat when introduced during dinner. Strikes me as one of those remarkable people with an aura about them. Still don't believe we should have attacked Iraq without UN resolution, but am pleased Liverpool welcomed Dr Rice in a professional and courteous manner. Back on world stage - where Liverpool belongs.
Sunday. Freezing cold. Took Lynne, Harry, Morghan to see Gormleys on Crosby beach. They may be taken away next year and I wanted to see them for myself to decide whether we should wage a campaign to keep them.
Liked them, but couldn't get passionate. Need to do some thinking. Perhaps it was the cold. Nice day and I would have felt different, I suppose.