A delegation of Tynwald parliamentarians has returned from a study visit to the Scottish Parliament.
The visit took place on Wednesday May 1st and Thursday May 2nd, as part of a process to familiarise members with procedures of other Commonwealth parliaments and afford Tynwald parliamentarians the opportunity to develop links with their Holyrood counterparts.
The Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Steve Rodan SHK, led the delegation of Mr Alf Cannan MHK; Mr Geoff Corkish MBE MLC; Mr Howard Quayle MHK; Mr Richard Ronan MHK; Mr Leonard Singer MHK and Mr Laurence Skelly MHK.
Delegates met with a number of members of the Scottish Parliament including presiding officer the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP and deputy presiding officers Elaine Smith MSP and John Scott MSP.
Before the start of a lively First Minister’s Question Time, observed by the Isle of Man party from the Presiding Officer’s Gallery, the delegates were welcomed by the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP to applause from Members and later met First Minister the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP. Opportunities were also provided to be introduced to a number of senior officers to discuss a range of issues including legislative and committee processes and media relations.
The delegates were as one in their praise for the warm welcome received and stimulating programme provided. Mr Speaker said: ‘We had a terrific reception in Edinburgh. Without doubt we found this a most valuable visit, one which has won new political friends for the Isle of Man from across all the Scottish parties, as well as cementing existing contacts. With the Independence debate well to the fore, it was an especially interesting time to have discussions with our political colleagues as well as various officials at Holyrood. Whatever the outcome of the referendum, continuing good relations with Scotland's parliament will grow in importance.'
Photo - Members are pictured following a meeting with the convener of the standards, procedures and public appointments committee, Dave Thompson MSP and committee member, Fiona McLeod MSP. Back row, left to right, Howard Quayle MHK; Laurence Skelly MHK; Leonard Singer MHK; Alf Cannan MHK; Geoff Corkish MBE MLC; and Richard Ronan MHK. Front row, the Hon Steve Rodan SHK, Dave Thompson MSP and Fiona McLeod MSP. (Photo © The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body).
