EVER since the day it was announced that Mr Finnegan had "retired" from the council the letters started pouring in.

Not content with writing letters certain people tried the Freedom of Information route. Of course all applications were refused.

Terry Smith has surprised me with his vow "not to rest" until the "ins and outs" of the deal are public knowledge.

I ask what it will achieve if we knew what had gone on?

None of us can do anything about it, it has happened and it is time to move on.

Terry Smith has gone down in my estimation. Here is the man who is first to raise money or organise events to help victims of crime or the needy, a man with human compassion.

Just for a moment, Terry, think about Mr Finnegan. He has a wife and family, he has friends and neighbours and he has a right to get on with his life, not open a paper and see himself splashed across it.

Mr Finnegan has kept his counsel. A lot has been said about his "retirement" and a lot of accusations have been voiced yet, through all this, Mr Finnegan has kept a dignified silence.

Imagine if accusations were made about you Terry - how would you feel?

PR Willey,

Burnholme Drive,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 09:25 Thursday, December 01, 2005