Cherie's university challenge.

Byline: Rex Makin

CHERIE Blair,chancellor of JM University, is today receiving an honorary doctorate from Liverpool University.

When David Owen retires as chancellor of Liverpool University perhaps Cherie should consider, with the guidance of Carole Caplin,being put on the transfer list.

An ECHO reader thought that in addition to the Freedom of the City,I should get a knighthood. This piece will certainly not enhance my chances of any honour.

AFTER Tony Crony finished his seventh reshuffle of government ministers,I ruminated on the local scene since he took office.

Peter Kilfoyle,George Howarth, Angela Eagle and Frank Field are all out. MPs Maria Eagle and Jane Kennedy are in.

But why has no office ever been given to experienced and capable Louise Ellman?

Has she been blighted by the hand of Straw or has Cherie Blair not got the appropriate guidance from Carole Caplin?

What is the blight? I think we should be told, particularly at a time when Alastair Campbell rules the roost in nearly everything relating to communication -and more.

THE city council claims pothole and pavement claims are costing an average payout of pounds 5,000 for every successful claim.

This is a fiction. Claims in general are dragged out by the council as if the taxi meter of costs was not running and on a number of occasions the council has failed to pay up agreed damages or judgements.

As a result, the bailiffs have to be sent in and if you ask who pays the bailiff's costs, the council says its policy is not to visit on the employee responsible the amount resulting.

In the end,all council taxpayers fall into the pothole of these claims.

ON Sunday night BBC screened a gripping drama. It concerned the bullying and harassment of an Indian small shop keeper.

The fact it mirrored racism in its extreme form was cleverly put over,but even more remarkable was the twist at the end. After watching so much hack stuff on TV this made a change.

I don't know whether this programme came under the auspices of Mal Young (ex-Brookside)but if it did,I congratulate him.

FOR fans of Macca and those who could not get tickets for his gig I have some good news. A book published at pounds 30 of his paintings

is now available for purchase at the Book Clearance Centre for pounds 1.99.

Long may he paint.