I only met James once, but I'd heard many, many stories beforehand - via Peter Cardwell - of his kindness, decency, humanity, intelligence and warmth. We all know how he spent his working life diligently dealing with weighty matters of state. However, the night I sat beside him in an Indian restaurant in Belfast, we discussed Victoria Wood, Acorn Antiques and Crossroads. He was terrific company. Engaging and engaged, and clearly just a thoroughly good man. At this terribly sad time, I send all my love to the family he clearly adored.