In February 2020, the University debating society hosted James for a public talk and Q&A. Despite leaving the NIO two years earlier, he was still keen to visit Northern Ireland. This was the first 'LitTalk' the society had hosted with a guest speaker, so nerves were running high among the student organisers. However, when James arrived, his friendly and approachable manner soon put us all at ease. The talk he gave was interesting, informative and good humoured. A number of us went for dinner with him after the event. He came across as a thoroughly decent person and was very generous with his time, for which we were incredibly grateful.