Giuliani wants 'soaring memorial' at Ground Zero
Rudy Giuliani has called for a "grand, soaring memorial" at Ground Zero after his successor was criticised for backing a more simple structure.
Mr Giuliani said his experience of having led the city through the September 11 attacks meant he remained passionate about what should be built on the site of the World Trade Centre.
His comments come after current mayor Mike Bloomberg angered families of September 11 victims by calling for a smaller memorial, claiming new tenants would object to living in a "cemetery".
"I think one way or another it has to be a grand, soaring memorial that is fitting for the kind of sacrifice that was made there," he told the New York Daily News.
Estate agents would have a tough time luring people back to downtown Manhattan if the area is seen as a memorial, he said.
"When people say, 'well, that's a cemetery', that's not exactly what a rental agent wants to have out there. We've got to find a balance, like anything else," he said in a speech to the US Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Giuliani stopped short of criticising Mr Bloomberg, whom he backed to succeed him in last year's mayoral elections, and said everyone's views about the memorial should be considered.
Meanwhile, Mr Bloomberg is defending his position, explaining that he felt simple memorials like the Vietnam Memorial in Washington were more poignant than ornate structures.
But some victims' relatives continued to accuse Mr Bloomberg of being insensitive. Jennie Farrell, who lost her brother James Carrier in the attacks, said: "His comments were beyond hurtful and disrespectful to those murdered on September 11."
The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation is due to outline a public process next month to lead to a memorial design.
