The Health Minister says he doesn't believe his department should be criticised for listening to public opinion over the possible fluoridation of the Island's water supply.

Eddie Teare was speaking after it was confirmed the idea would not be pursued, following the results of an extensive public consultation exercise.

In a phone poll of 1,000 randomly chosen Island residents, 54% were completely against the move.

Mr Teare is rejecting any suggestion his department has simply abandoned the idea, before it was even debated in Tynwald, as he had always said he would listen to pubic opinion: