FIREFIGHTERS RIP INTO RUDY

By MAGGIE HABERMAN
New York Post

March 9, 2007 -- The national firefighters union has drafted a blistering letter accusing White House hopeful Rudy Giuliani, whose candidacy is fueled by his 9/11 performance, of "disrespect" to FDNY members after the attacks.

The letter, drafted last week by the International Association of Fire Fighters but never released, lashes Giuliani for issues that include limiting the number of firefighters who could search for human remains at Ground Zero, and urges firefighters to say "hell no" to his candidacy.

The missive was written while the IAFF was debating inviting Giuliani to a presidential candidates' forum next week, which it eventually decided to do.

But Giuliani won't be attending because of "schedule conflicts," his aides said.

Team Giuliani countered with a statement from former firefighter Tim Brown, saying the former mayor is "honored by the support of so many first responders from across the country."

The flap came as rival Sen. John McCain hit Giuliani's turf last night, showcasing his moneyed New York-area supporters at a Town Hall-style fundraiser in Times Square.

Those on hand included Henry Kissinger - who called McCain a man of "character" - Conservative Party leader Mike Long and former Giuliani pal Elliot Cuker.

Also yesterday, sources said Giuliani had a fences-mending sit-down last week with Bill Bratton, the current Los Angeles police chief who was top cop in New York when crime dropped sharply. The two had a public falling-out and didn't see each other for years.

maggie.haberman@nypost.com

Comment:

A good start, but the headline I would like to see is "Giuliani under fire in 9/11 Collapse Contraversy"

or

"Giuliani: What did he know? When did he know? How did he know?"

or

you tell me ....