YORK has been at the centre of an unexpected international storm over the past few days, over plans to do away with the French delicacy foie gras.

Last week, we reported Labour councillor Paul Blanchard wanted City of York Council to try to stop the dish being sold in the city, on ethical grounds.

Coun Blanchard claimed its production - which involves force-feeding geese and ducks so their liver expands - was intolerably cruel.

The motion never got to be debated by councillors, but sparked bitter controversy among politicians and restaurateurs - all the way from Bootham to Bordeaux.

Following our initial reports, the story has been picked up by media on both sides of the English Channel.

The Yorkshire Post, The Independent, The Times, The Scotsman, Radio York, Five Live, Channel 4, Radio Four, Northern Echo, BBC Look North, the Edinburgh Evening News and Sky News all covered it from the UK while, over in France, national media broadcaster AFP reported on Monsieur Blanchard's attempts to veto one of their top exports.

Coun Blanchard, now recovering from his whirlwind week, said: "I must say, even though I set out to raise awareness of this intolerably cruel practice, even I could not have envisaged the media frenzy that ensued.

"It's been a surreal few days for me. It started on Wednesday at 7am when the radio alarm clock went off with Radio 2 on as usual - except that this time Terry Wogan was discussing my motion. I thought I hadn't woken up and was still dreaming.

"It's strange to actually be a guest on the national news programmes that you regularly watch and listen to."

Coun Blanchard said his biggest "grilling" was from Krishnan Guru-Murthy on Channel 4 News, but he was most nervous on Radio 4's PM show, with one of his heroes, Eddie Mair.

He added: "The world's press and blogs have gone crazy too, especially in France. I've had more than 700 emails in support of what I'm doing from around the world, from as far away as Brazil, Hawaii and New Zealand. And of the 80 emails from York residents, I would say 90 per cent were in support too."


STILL on City of York Council, The Diary congratulates York's new Lord Mayor elect, Councillor Irene Waudby.

Irene, who represents Skelton, Rawcliffe and Clifton Without, becomes the first woman to be given the honour twice, having previously held the post in 2001/02.

It was with bated breath that we waited to hear who would be given the chains of office this year, after a run of three consecutive Janets - Looker, Greenwood, and Hopton.

With no more Janets left in the chamber, drastic action was needed.

Proposing the appointment, council leader Steve Galloway joked that the announcement had been delayed for the necessary deed poll changes to be made.

He jested: "I am delighted to be able to nominate Janet Irene Waudby to be the next Lord Mayor!"

The Diary wishes her well over the next 12 months.