By Brian Denitzio
Reporter Staff

Rep. Tom Finneran is no stranger to criticism. During 26 years in the State House and eight years as Speaker, he took his share of abuse. Columnists and colleagues questioned his tactics and cartoonists caricatured his wide eyes and would often depict him as a tyrannical ruler, mad with power. All of this came with the territory and over the years many would say that he probably gave as good as he got. But despite abdicating his "throne" and jumping to the private sector, former Speaker Finneran will not be spared a few more digs on his way out. If anything there's even more room for needling.

The people who have spent years working with Finneran (or against him), covering him or just observing will line up one more time to take their best shot at the former Speaker.

On Tuesday evening at Florian Hall, Finneran will be roasted as part of a fundraiser for St. Mark's Area Main Street (SMAMS). The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and some big names in Boston politics are expected to turn out to take a their shots at the gentleman from the12th Suffolk.

"It's been pretty easy getting people to sign up," said Dan Larner, director of SMAMS. "Now that he's made the move to the [Massachusetts Biotechnology Council] there's even more material to have fun with."

Serving as master of ceremonies and referee for the evening will be comedian Steve Sweeney, the host of the "Steve Sweeney's Neighborhood" morning show on WZLX. Local media and political personalities will join Sweeney. Some of those slated to appear include Boston Herald columnists Cosmo Macero and Mike Barnicle, Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral, state Senator Jack Hart, former candidate for City Council Ego Ezedi, and current City Councillor Maureen Feeney, who will be speaking but not roasting.

Finneran himself is looking forward to the evening. "Hopefully people will have a good time and we can raise some money for a good cause," said Finneran in a telephone intertview.

As for the content of the evening of fun at his expense, Finneran speculated that roasters would no doubt touch upon his style as Speaker, trotting out the "King Tom stuff," and making light of the physical characteristics that have been fodder for editorial cartoonists for years.

While Tuesday night is a chance to get in a few good shots at the former Speaker, some view it as an opportunity to thank him for his service to his district.

"I think a lot of people are seeing it that way," said John O'Toole, president of the Cedar Grove Civic Association.

"It's really settling in that he's leaving and this is a good opportunity to thank him," said O'Toole.

O'Toole was still working on his material for Tuesday when the Reporter went to press but anticipated a fun evening. He is, however, wary of Finneran's response to any of the night's digs.

"When you come to a debate with Tom Finneran you better be on," said O'Toole. "Hopefully he'll take his lumps with a smile."

The speaking program begins at 8 p.m. and the evening will also include a silent auction.

Tickets for the event are on sale through Monday evening and can be purchased for $60 by contacting St. Mark's Area Main Street at 617-825-3846.