I thought Rudy Giuliani would become US President in November. I thought he was the master tactician, and that no-one would touch him in the US primaries.

How wrong I was. He came a disastrous 3rd in Florida, and it seemed he put all his apples in that basket – there doesn't seem to have been a Plan B, saying what would happen if he blew it there.

He was either the master tactician, or he completely misjudged the mood of the Nation – we now know which it was. There will be books written about his campaign on 'how not to do it'.

I'm disappointed because I also thought with Rudy's strong following in New York he was the only Republican who could have beaten Hilary Clinton in her home state.

Three years ago I saw Giuliani speak at a Local Government Conference in Harrogate. He was superb. He explained how he had overseen the dramatic reduction in crime in New York City during the 90's, by using the 'broken window' theory, and zero tolerance. It would have been wonderful to see someone in the Whitehouse talking sense about law and order issues.

He is also the only person I've ever listened to who has interrupted his speech to pay a visit to the loo! Upon his return he was applauded loudly – I'm not sure why, it can't have been that difficult….

Anyway, it's not to be. I now confidently predict a John McCain v Hilary Clinton battle, and hopefully a McCain win… Watch this space.

Eastbourne Council budget

Tempted as I've been to wade into the budget setting debate for Eastbourne Borough Council, following the shocking press on Friday in the Herald about the cuts we're going to see - I shall resist, for this week at least.

The budget will be discussed this week at cabinet, and the confirmed at the full council meeting on 20th February. I have a dilemma – whether to speak at the council meeting, which I'd like to – or whether to attend Arsenal v AC Milan (I've been offered tickets)… a tough choice – what would you do??

Look out for my thoughts on the budget on my own blog during this week at www.iloveeastbourne.co.uk, and in this column next week.

Amazing Grace

By the way... if you want to see a film that sends shivers up your spine – I recommend 'Amazing Grace', out now on DVD, about my political hero William Wilberforce. Quite stunning!

Union Flag

When I was Leader of the Council I insisted that the Union Flag flew permanently from the Town Hall. I have noticed over the weekend that it's not there… It could be that it's blown down in the high winds, so if that's the case I would expect it to be put back over the next 24 hours – I'll be watching!!!

Have a great week!

Ian writes his own blog at www.iloveeastbourne.co.uk