Giuliani joins lucrative lecture circuit

The former mayor is expected to make $100,000 per lecture

The former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani is jobless and homeless - but not for long.

Mr Giuliani, whose popularity soared due to his confident leadership after the 11 September attacks on the World Trade Center, will deliver his first private speech on Thursday evening in Florida.

We're going to recreate the... effectiveness that we've had in government in the private sector

Rudolph Giuliani

New York newspapers are speculating that he could make as much as $100,000 per lecture, the same rate charged by former President Bill Clinton.

The former mayor has also announced the establishment of a consulting company, "Giuliani Partners", which will offer advice in crisis management, financial services and investment.

Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, Michael Bloomberg, Mr Giuliani signed a contract with the accounting firm, Ernst and Young, which will provide the former mayor's new business offices and administrative support.

Top team

Mr Giuliani said several of the city's former officials, including the former New York fire chief Thomas Von Essen and the former police chief Bernard Kerik - both close advisers following the 11 September attacks - will be among his partners.

Time named Giuliani Person of the Year

"We're going to recreate the very close relationship and efficiency and effectiveness that we've had in government in the private sector," Mr Giuliani was quoted as saying by the French news agency AFP.

He said he would continue to chair the Twin Towers Fund, because of the personal responsibility he felt towards the families of the firefighters and policemen who died in the terror attacks.

The former mayor has also not ruled out the possibility of returning to public service, with New York papers naming him as a potential vice-presidential candidate in three years.

House hunt

On Wednesday Mr Giuliani left for Florida, where he will give a speech to the workers of General Electric in Boca Raton. He is expected to stay there for a few days, taking some time off with his new partner, Judith Nathan.

Mr Giuliani and Ms Nathan are expected to start looking for a new residence in New York.

According to the New York Post, they have been staying with a friend of the mayor since leaving the official mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion, when Mr Giuliani's divorce battle escalated.

With his ex-wife, Donna Hanover, moving into their old apartment, Mr Giuliani and Ms Nathan will be looking for somewhere new to live, the New York Post reported.