Minute - Recommending That the Prime Minister Ask the CAC For More Names [1997-06-20]

From: John Holroyd
Date: 20 June 1997

PRIME MINISTER

Diocese of Liverpool

The letter from the Archbishop of York reporting the outcome of the Crown Appointments Commission (CAC) for Liverpool has come to hand. It is attached to this note.

The key parts are on the second and third pages, carefully drafted passages that I have marked. Their effect is to depress the case for going for Bishop Gavin Reid and also to cast doubt on whether the second name, that of Archdeacon George Cassidy, is good enough for Liverpool. The Archbishop’s letter does not change things compared to the previous notes that I have sent you, ie it opens the way for you to set aside Reid and to make a choice between (a) Cassidy and (b) asking the CAC to provide more names.

Going for Cassidy is the lower risk in the short term, ie neither Archbishop could argue with your choosing him and the CAC would not have to be reconvened, but, if George Cassidy is not up to the job, then in the longer term the Diocese of Liverpool will suffer.

I have profound doubts about Reid’s suitability and the same sort of doubts as the Archbishop of York about Cassidy.  I would be ready to brave a resumed CAC!

Do you want to go for

Cassidy

OR

I am not against Cassidy or Reid
but [illegible] like
more names at least
to test the water

More names? ✓

[If, before you decide, you want to talk to the Archbishop of York he will not be available until you are back from Denver]

(Sgd.) John

JOHN HOLROYD