Hand brake cable fitting

I recently fitted a new hand brake cable to my defender 90. The hardest part was getting the rubber end through the hole in the hand brake lever. It was a nightmare. I tried grease, but it was still a nightmare. Does anyone have any advice in how to make the job easier? I may be removing the seat box soon so will need to face the task again.

warming it up so the rubber softens and using lots of washing up liquid, better on rubber than grease. But unfortunately they are just a pain.