NY mayor 'to get knighthood'

New Yorkers have looked to their mayor for leadership

New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani is to receive an honorary knighthood for his leadership following the US terror strikes, it is reported.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has apparently recommended the mayor to Buckingham Palace for the title in recognition of his compassion towards British victims of the atrocity.

Mayor Giuliani has urged a return to normalcy

But there is as of yet no official confirmation that he is to be bestowed with the title.

Mr Giuliani has been praised for his leadership of the city in the aftermath of the four hijacks on 11 September which left more than 6,000 people dead.

The mayor would be invited to the palace to receive the honour from the Queen or her representative.

In receiving the title, the mayor would join a list of Americans who have previously been made honorary knights.

They include among their ranks former presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush and actor Bob Hope.

Buckingham Palace was unable to confirm the honour and said it was a matter for the government.

The Foreign Office described it as speculation.

If unable to attend the palace, Mr Giuliani would be able to receive his title from the British ambassador in Washington or a visiting minister or member of the Royal Family.

Leadership admired

The mayor has won praise for his leadership of the city in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Rubble is still being cleared at the WTC a month on

At a debate a fortnight ago in New York aimed at securing a global accord against terrorism he urged UN members to unite in the interests of international peace and security.

And Mr Giuliani made an impassioned plea for action to secure that aim.

"The evidence of terrorism's contempt for life and the concept of peace is lying beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center, less than two miles from where we meet today," he told the delegates.

In the past month the mayor is credited with doing more than most to help New Yorkers begin to come to terms with the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack.

However his tenure as Mayor is soon to end as having served in City Hall since 1993 he is legally barred from seeking a third consecutive term of office.

Final ballot papers for Mr Giuliani's successor will go before voters later this year.