Manley's Son Lashes Holness, Defends Phillips And His House

By: Admin

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Jovan Johnson, Gleaner Writer

Joseph Manley, son of late prime minister, Michael Manley, has said Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness' house is "vulgar and oversized" in a social media rant defending finance minister, Dr Peter Phillips, who is now facing questions over the acquisition of his house.

In a statement yesterday detailing how he funded his Beverly Hills, St Andrew house, Holness asked Phillips to explain how he could afford a house costing 'multiple' times his salary and whether he benefited from properties taken over by the Financial Sector Adjustment Company (FINSAC).

READ: Holness responds to house controversy

Phillips and the People's National Party had demanded Holness disclose his finances to prove that his house.

In a Facebook post, Manley declared that Holness "attacked the wrong person" and that his neighbour, Dr Phillips, "clearly has nothing to prove and no need to reinforce his ego with vulgar trappings and oversized mansions."

Noting that he and Phillips purchased their homes months apart, Manley asserted: "I know exactly how much his house was selling for because I almost bought it - I ended up buying the house next door because it was less expensive."

He added: "In 1991, I bought my house for $1.2 million. His (Phillips) was somewhere between $50,000 to $100,000 more. I am still paying my mortgage by the way. So there you have it."

However, Manley continued, lashing Holness over the style of house he was building which has become a major issue the election campaign.

"I would add that he is the most wonderful neighbour you could imagine... and totally lacking in ostentation," Manley said noting that the finance minister "has hardly changed his house in 25 years."

"I hope he (Phillips) doesn't mind my interfering in his business about his house but there is your answer sir - he can afford it on his salary because he lives within his salary," he said.

Dr Phillips has said he did not benefit from the FINSAC takeover of properties.