The Manx government has come in for scathing criticism from the Celtic League over its plans for pensions and Social Security.

A statement from the league says the current administration has taken arrogance, self-serving disregard for the popular mood, and self interest to new levels.

This comes, according to the Celtic League, hot on the heels of 'spinning the illusion' that the Manx Budget announced this week actually provides any relief to people.

The statement, which has come from the Celtic League's director of information, Bernard Moffatt, pulls no punches in its assessment of the government.

It claims pensioners will no doubt be targeted, with government having already frozen the pension supplement, and they may well find their state pension capped.

Meanwhile, it adds, MHKs, MLCs and others still walk away from their positions with sums and occupational pensions of "eye-watering enormity".

Mr Moffatt says: "no-one should be fooled, this government is not setting out to consult, it is engaging in a charade to mask its ultimate intention to claw back more from pensioners, those on fixed incomes and the poor - indeed anyone other than its 'mates' in the business community".