Tynwald has agreed the government can buy the Steam Packet site on Parade Street in Douglas in an deal worth ?8 million.

After a two hour debate, members supported the motion with an amendment from the Middle member Martyn Quayle to establish a cross-governmental group, which will develop and identify future options for the site.

?5 million will be paid initially, with two further payments of ?1.5m over the following two years.

Mr Braidwood said securing the ‘gateway’ to the Isle of Man was vital: (first audio clip)

Meanwhile, Mr Quayle believes a cross-governmental group will ensure future options for the site are identified: (second audio clip)

The amended motion was supported by 17 votes to 6 in the House of Keys and by six votes to two in the Legislative Council.

However, one of the opponents of the original motion, North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson, believes the sum involved is completely unnecessary (third audio clip)