diff --git a/terminatorlib/newterminator.py b/terminatorlib/newterminator.py
index 6eaf30e6..f251ea1b 100755
--- a/terminatorlib/newterminator.py
+++ b/terminatorlib/newterminator.py
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ class Terminator(Borg):
         
         if next is not None:
             print "sending focus to term %d" % next
-            self.terminals[next].vte.grab_focus()
+            self.terminals[next].grab_focus()
 
     def create_group(self, name):
         """Create a new group"""
diff --git a/terminatorlib/terminal.py b/terminatorlib/terminal.py
index 1f67b421..88fff44b 100755
--- a/terminatorlib/terminal.py
+++ b/terminatorlib/terminal.py
@@ -667,6 +667,9 @@ class Terminal(gtk.VBox):
               pos = "bottom"
         return pos
 
+    def grab_focus(self):
+        self.vte.grab_focus()
+
     def on_vte_focus(self, widget):
         self.emit('title-change', self.get_window_title())