News & Press Releases

I am announcing today my intent regarding the forthcoming House of Keys General Election 2006.

I have been very proud and privileged to have represented the people of Onchan in the House of Keys for 15 years. Before that I was an Onchan District Commissioner for 3 years.

This mandate from the people of Onchan has enabled me to fulfil mine and their ambitions to help stimulate and regenerate a new infrastructure that the people of this Island, based on a robust economy, can now afford to enjoy with £1.4billion in reserves. Renewal of the infrastructure has always been a priority of mine and was a prime motivator when I first stood for election to the Keys in 1991.

At all times during my three terms in Tynwald I have earnestly tried to represent the best interests of the Island at home and abroad and believe I have done so with some success, particularly regarding EU and UK issues. It gives me great satisfaction to see such high levels of employment, public health, healthcare and education as well as the enhanced facilities for sport and leisure, not to mention the investment in better housing when compared to only a few years ago and I am proud to have played my part as Chief Minister, Treasury Minister and Home Affairs Minister.
 
However, I do feel some disappointment in that a few Members of Tynwald, have met delivery of these great improvements by the people of the Isle of Man, with so much persistent derision and destruction; with the obvious delight of the press in such self deprecation. These Members’ efforts would in my view be better directed towards issues remaining to be concluded such as proper Human Rights implementation and gaining control over Immigration law from the UK authorities, promoting better understanding with the E.U. and paying attention to our economy.

I have carefully considered as to whether or not I should stand in the forthcoming House of Keys election but on the grounds of the welfare and safety of my family I have decided not to stand. I have deliberated long and hard and it has been a difficult decision, but I believe the right one. I am disappointed not to be putting forward my name on this occasion, but hope that the many people, who have urged me to stand, will appreciate the reasons.

 I am fortunate that I do have other non Tynwald options open to me where I can still serve the public with job satisfaction. Public service is an important way of life to me and I hope to continue it where opportunities arise.
 
In conclusion I wish to thank everyone who has supported me over my years as an MHK and neither Julie nor I will forget them; in fact we’d like to stay in touch as we value those friendships. They include constituents, Members of Tynwald, Civil Servants and many members of the public.

To the voting public in general I urge you to vote in the forthcoming General election and elect people who by way of public service, as opposed to populism, wish to carry forward this Island and its entire people.
                                                 
Signed

 

Ballacain
Little Mill Road
Onchan
Isle of Man