Fergus finlay biography

Regarded as the best political strategist the Labour party has ever had and the brains behind Dick Spring's leadership, Fergus Finlay is finally bowing out.

Fergal Keane wonders how he will he cope without the buzz of the political game.

Fergus Finlay is rounding off a career which has spanned nearly 25 years in politics. Fourteen years as political advisor to Dick Spring, then a few years in the relative backwater of public affairs lobbying, before finally returning to act as advisor to Pat Rabbitte, Finlay has seen many come and go, including on a couple of occasions, himself.

Fergus finlay biography

In June he takes over as chief executive of the children's charity, Barnardo's, probably never to return to political life. His decision to take the job was announced in March and came as a shock to the Labour Party. He agreed to remain on until the annual conference, which is seen as being crucial in the leadership of Pat Rabbitte, as he tries to bring the party with him