Audley Shaw was the butt of many jokes when Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced that he would be supported in the finance ministry by two ministers, Senators Don Wehby and Dwight Nelson.

"It will take three of them to replace me," former finance minister Dr Omar Davies quipped as he ribbed Shaw, who many argued could not handle the tough finance portfolio.

However, Shaw, dubbed 'Man A Yard' in his North East Manchester constituency, has quietly gone about his job despite his many detractors and a misstep here or there.

One of those admirers appears to be Golding, who appears set to leave Shaw on his own in the finance ministry.

Golding has moved Nelson to the national security ministry, leaving Shaw the job of taking over the often-contentious negotiations with unions and other entities representing civil servants.

The prime minister has also announced that Wehby will return to GraceKennedy at the end of July, leaving Shaw without that supporting minister who concentrated on the financial markets, Air Jamaica, and other aspects of the portfolio.

Golding, with a vacancy in the Senate following the resignation of Colonel Trevor MacMillan, could still appoint a minister to support Shaw, but until he does, it will be 'Man A Yard' alone and in charge of finance.