Head of state chauffeur role revealed by IFP manager
A member of the IFP's management team has revealed the special role he played during the Commonwealth Games acting as a chauffeur for a head of state.
Lawrence Gilgallon, business development manager at the IFP, had to keep quiet about his voluntary role at the international sporting event in Glasgow for security reasons.
He told Financial Plannner Online that for the two weeks it lasted he was the assigned driver for Tom Marsters, who is head of state for the Cook Islands when the Queen is not present. He is also the country's former deputy prime minister.
Mr Gilgallon, who retired from his job at Santander six years ago, was one of 50,000 volunteers who applied to take part and he was given a tier 1 role meaning higher responsibility.
He looked after Mr Marsters, his private secretary, wife and guests for the fortnight. This included granting their wish of going out to dine at a fish and chip shop.
Mr Gilgallon said: "So, the head of state of the Cook islands ended up walking down Cannon Street and going to a fish and ship shop and having Haggis balls.
"They had never had haggis in their lives and they loved it."
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He said: "I was effectively chauffeur for two weeks, it was very interesting. It was an experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The saying of the games was that people make Glasgow.
"The atmosphere was absolutely terrific, the place was on fire. There were thousands of smiling faces.
"Every event was nearly sold out, it was fantastic and Usain Bolt coming was the icing on the cake."
He managed to watch a number of sports during his time at the games, before returning to his normal duties with the IFP.