A political member of a department of the Manx Government has been forced to leave, after publicly questioning some of its policies.

Malew and Santon MHK Graham Cregeen had responsibility for the Public Transport Division at the Department of Tourism and Leisure, until his departure was announced by Chief Minister Tony Brown, yesterday evening.

Tourism Minister Martyn Quayle says Mr Cregeen's position had become untenable, and his departure will save the department being further undermined.

In the same minor 'shuffle', Dudley Butt has moved from the Department of Agriculture to the DTL, and fellow member of the Legislative Council Juan Turner has gone in the opposite direction.

*Report courtesy of Manx Radio.

NB. On a personal note I would like to say that it is nice to see Mr Cregeen takes the position as an MHK first and as a department member second, we do not want a government full of yes men, or as in Mr Cregeen’s words ‘nodding dogs’. This is the problem with not having a party system. Let’s hope that more MHKs will stand up and be counted, I for one will not be holding my breath!

Eddie Power

Editor.