I was without doubt on Sunday the proverbial backstage groupie.

We were at the Hope over Fear Rally in George Square. Gabrielle and I got to mix with TV and film stars, and much to my daughter's joy many young trendy bands and singers. I was helping to bring on stage the speakers and musicians therefore I was able to have my photos taken with some of the young rockers. It was fab.

Hereditary characteristics can be wonderful but sometimes a bad thing. Picking up a practice, habit, a gene or a talented gift from parents or other relatives can often be of great amusement to watch or notice. It can in some cases be a crutch to bear.

In my case I'm not quite sure which category my particular talent falls since I have without doubt inherited my mother's side of the family's ability to talk incessantly.

On Sunday at the rally it became clear to me that wee Gabrielle has picked up her father's ability to speak in front of huge crowds of people without showing the slightest hint of nerves or hesitation.

Even some of her mannerisms resembled Tommy. One minute she was larking about with her wee pals, the next she was up on the stage addressing more than 10,000 people before introducing her daddy.

As she stepped up to the mike I asked her if she was ok and looking at me as if I was daft she replied, 'yes'.

At this point the very funny and hugely experienced Janey Godley was compering the event. Janey said to me afterwards that she found it remarkable that a wee nine-year-old could speak at a political rally in front of so many people and not flinch one iota.

Afterwards we asked her if she wanted to see some video footage of her speaking at the square but she said no as she was far too busy with her Monster High dolls and slapping on all my make-up whilst playing at dressing up. It could be worse. It could be Tommy who was playing with the Monster High Dolls and putting on my make-up! Well done Gabrielle. You made your mum and dad very proud on Sunday.

Concerts and events manned, run and organised by volunteers who give up their time and effort are usually a drain on those involved.

I loved watching everyone at the end of the rally singing and hugging each other in recognition of a job well done.

What a magnificent effort from a magnificent bunch of volunteers. There are far too many to mention but John Park, Gail Morrow, Joyce, Trish, Elaine, Liza, Garry, Josh, Betty, Karen and Marty all deserve a shout alongside the funders who dug deep and made sure the whole thing happened.

Wee Gabrielle's speech was special and all the other speakers and musicians were awesome. However Denis Curran, of Loaves and Fishes, demands special mention. His personal commitment to help the poor and vulnerable is second to none and truly inspirational. To hear him speak was so humbling. Well done Denis. And not a single bit of conflict or trouble. Just a square filled with hope and peace. What a great day.