And while Finnegan will take few more weeks off at his Goldson Avenue home, the exigencies of politics won't wait. And right now the most pressing issue is the expulsion of his friend Zenaida Moya-Flowers. The honorable Finnegan is the most important ally she has in the UDP - and while he holds no executive post, he is considered among the most influential and senior figures in the party. Speaking about Moya today, he deferred to the public position of the Prime Minister which he took to be an invitation to rapprochement:
Jules Vasquez "You are the person who brought Zenaida Moya at that first press conference to announce her candidacy as mayor. You were the one sitting beside her. Now 4 1/2 years later she has been expelled from the UDP. What's your feeling on that?"
Hon. Michael Finnegan
"I saw an interview, I think it was Wednesday, between you and the Prime Minister and it was a crafty and good interview by the Prime Minister. He did a beautiful thing, he left the doors open. The ballgame is now in the Mayor's court. Mr. Barrow says if you are not serious then something can happen, but let show us that you are serious. On the other hand I believe that you must temper justice with mercy. I believe that the decision was cruel and tough. In my view it was not necessary. In my view she has publicly regretted what she said and in life all of us say things that we wish we never said. As I have said listening to the interview on Channel 7 the Party Leader was magnanimous. He left the door open. "
Jules Vasquez
"Do you consider yourself one of Mayor Moya's advisors and would you advise to indeed file an appeal?"
Hon. Michael Finnegan
"I had already advised her to file an appeal. She is my friend."
Jose Sanchez, Reporter - Channel 5 News
"Did she say that she will actually file the appeal?"
Hon. Michael Finnegan
"She will file an appeal. She told me so when she called me last week in the states and she told me what was happening. I said don't worry about it. She said to me whether she is expelled or whatever the case may be, she will be a UDP until her death, she harbors no hate and no grudge and she regretted what she said. "
As Finnegan noted, Moya's appeal will be considered by the national executive where, he freely conceded, Party Leader Dean Barrow is the most influential figure. Moya-Flowers have 30 days to appeal - which would bring the deadline to on or about June 20th. The mayor is presently out of the country.
