The Industry Minister has told the IOM Shipping Association that the European Union is trying to exert ever greater influence to try and attract shipping back to its member states.

Speaking last night in one of his first set piece speeches in the shipping sector, David Cretney says the position needs to be watched carefully, to promote Manx strengths and opportunities.

He emphasised that it was only by working "ever closer" with the private sector and listening to the needs of the Industry, that the government could work towards solutions to move the industry forward.