Monday 12 October 2009

Time to open City Hall

Leaving Queen's University and off to our final stop of the day - the official opening of City Hall in Belfast.

Traffic has been of a nightmare and we have got slightly separated from the motorcade. Never fear the press will make it through once some motorbikes are moved. Then its a quick run up the stairs and poor ABC are carrying around a lot of heavy equipment.

First thing to say is our City Hall looks amazing and am very proud that it shows off our city in a very positive light to our very special guest and the international media. Well done everyone at City Hall and thank you.

An unfortunate accident befell former Speaker Eileen Bell prior to our arrival. We all wish her a speedy recovery.

Perhaps realising that this was the last event (at least for a few hours) the Secretary appeared very relaxed and was amongst friends including a delegation of prominent women leaders from 'Vital Voices'. There was even time for a bit of humour when she refered to the Titanic Signature Project as a brave move to name something after the Titanic. I am reasonably sure a member of the audience said 'It was fine when it left Belfast...'

The Secretary praised the role that women have played and continue to play in the peace process. One or two men were praised the first was Michael Long the husband of our Lord Mayor who has a lot of late nights at work and of course the work of John Hume to bring peace to NI.

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