TONY Blair's spin doctors knew how to block out bad news - they closed the window.
When a small group dared to voice anti-war chants outside the health centre and TV crews tried to film them two of the Prime Minister's aides were up on their feet.
Despite the sauna-like conditions inside the room they shut the windows to stop the filming.
The M.E.N. had been invited to cover Mr Blair's visit and to see him speak to a hand picked audience.
But when we arrived his team made sure we only heard what they wanted us to.
I was told to be at the Angel Healthy Living Centre by 11.30am in order to get my accreditation.
I then had to wait two and a half hours before Mr Blair strode on to the slick platform set up by officials of Labour north west.
We were promised a copy of the Prime Minister's speech but it never arrived.
When I asked why I was told: "There has been a change of plan I'm afraid. It has been re-written on the flight up and you won't be getting one."
I asked if I could put two simple questions to the Prime Minister once he had delivered his campaign trail speech. I was informed I could ask neither.