TOM Hedley's days as a construction king might be over, but tradesmen were happy to raise a glass to the troubled tycoon at the Red Beret Hotel yesterday.

The Redlynch pub is part of Mr Hedley’s hotel empire and the former plumber was a regular.

Ken "KD" Davies, who played rugby league against Mr Hedley many years ago, said it was not the time to be critical.

"I take my hat off to him, he had a go," Mr Davies said.

"I never had to work for him but I think he is a decent bloke.

"You have to remember that he kept a lot of people employed over the years and did a lot of good for Cairns."

Another tradesman, who asked not to be named, said Australia’s one-time 29th wealthiest man was tough but fair.

"We had our stinks over the years but we always sorted them out like gentlemen," the tradesman said.

"He gave more blokes a start in the industry than the starter bloke at Randwick."

Fellow subbie, Dan, said he appreciated Tom Hedley’s common touch.

"He always says G’day when he comes on the job site. A lot of these high-rollers don’t respect tradesmen but he’d always have a chat," he said.

"I respect him for that."

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