There has been a cynical response from the Leader of the Liberal Vannin Party to the appointment of one of his former colleagues as a political member of the Department of Home Affairs.

Peter Karran first congratulates Bill Malarkey on his new role, which will see him take on particular responsibility for alcohol and drug abuse.

He goes on to say he hopes he will have the freedom, independence and ability to address the issue, which he describes as "one of the biggest cancers in the western world".

Mr Karran then says he fears Mr Malarkey will soon discover that, under what he calls 'the present one party state by patronage', very few people have any power, outside the Council of Ministers and the civil servants at the head of each of the government departments.

Bill Malarkey left the LVP in July, saying he made the decision in the interests of his constituents and the people of the Isle of Man, after ‘restrictions’ were put in place.

(Image: Liberal Vannin Party crest).