Gerald Cassidy has spent 30 years turning Cassidy & Associates into one of the most powerful lobbying firms in Washington. Now, he says, he is readyto bring to Brussels - and ultimately more European cities - the same resolve that has made his firm such an influence in the nation'scapital.

Sitting in his office in north-west Washington, just two blocks from the White House, Mr Cassidy explains why he has made the decision to enter the European market.