One of the Isle of Man's longest-serving politicians has announced he won't be contesting the next General Election.

David Cretney, who has been Infrastructure Minister since 2011, does not have a ministerial role following the reshuffle. He's been an MHK for over 30 years and a minister for the past 18 years.

He said: 'In discussions with the Chief Minister I made it clear that I would not be contesting the 2016 General Election and he needs a mix of experience and newer members who will be contesting the election.'

He said that under the new two-seat constituencies, Douglas South would disappear, adding: 'My support had always come from throughout the constituency, by then I will be 62 and will have been an MHK for 31 years, or half of my life, and I think my decision is the correct one.

'I have always, as a long standing member of the Manx Labour Party, had a very keen interest in social justice and I am very satisfied to have had a significant role in the development and introduction of long overdue social legislation including redundancy, equality legislation, minimum wage provision, unfair dismissal and much improved maternity provision amongst other areas.'

He paid tribute to his family who, he said, 'have had to put up with the negative side of being related to a high profile, highly committed Minister'.

Full press conference in video:

http://www.manx.net/tv/mt-tv/watch/62027/new-ministers-press-conference-1-

http://www.manx.net/tv/mt-tv/watch/62036/new-ministers-press-conference-2-

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