Former Bishop hopes Tynwald will remain focused

Believed time limit to speeches was effective

The Island's former Lord Bishop says he hopes all the new members of Tynwald will continue to ensure that debates remain focused and to the point.

Robert Paterson, who retired in October, had criticised the court several times during his time in office for having lengthy debates where some speakers would stray from the point and there would be much repetition.

He convinced the court to trial an initiative to impose a time limit on speeches - though this was not made permanent.

Speaking in this year's "News Review", the former bishop says he believed it was a good idea - which was in fact effective.