Former MHK pays tribute to colleague Eddie Lowey

David Cretney has been paying tribute to the former Rushen MHK and MLC, who has died at the age of 86.

Mr Lowey served in the Island's parliament for almost 40 years before retiring in 2013, both as an MHK and later a Member of the Legislative Council.

Reflecting on their time spent in politics together, Mr Cretney says 'one of Eddie’s favourite sayings - of which there were many - was that it was far better to be on the field of play rather than shouting from the sidelines.'

Mr Cretney's statement in full reads: "A lifelong member of the Manx Labour Party Eddie was a friend to many and an influential member of Tynwald.

"As a group the elected MLP members would meet outside the formal sessions and as in every situation he was always convivial and played an important role in our consideration of matters and policy development.

"At that time the elected group consisted of Eddie, Bernie May, Mattie Ward, Peter Karran and myself and one of Eddie’s favourite sayings - of which there were many - was that it was far better to be on the field of play rather than shouting from the sidelines.

"This obviously reflected his lifelong love of sport and as a keen participant as a player and later referee.

"Malew AFC was just around the corner from his house and he spent many happy times there greeting everyone as ‘hiya sport!’

"It also indicated that much more can be achieved as a team player and Eddie was certainly a key part alongside Bernie May in the first Council of Ministers formed by Miles Walker in 1986 with the slogan 'The development of a prosperous and caring society'.

"Eddie had of course held senior positions prior to that including Chairman of the Tourist Board during a challenging period.

"Later when I was Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Eddie joined me as a much valued and respected Department member with delegated responsibility for the Leisure Division.

"Together with our colleagues in the IOM Sports Council we got things done including the development of the National Sports Centre and all-weather sporting facilities attached to each of the secondary schools.

"We brought the Island Games home for the first edition of the 21st century in 2001 and thousands of volunteers helped us promote a really successful games.

"We redeveloped the Villa Marina with the foresight of the late Ian Brown the architect who made the old and new blend so well.

"Eddie of course had been one of those Tynwald members who supported the acquisition to save Frank Matcham’s masterpiece the Gaiety Theatre.

"Whenever he would see our daughters when they were little they would be assured of a treat, usually a tube of smarties from Uncle Eddie!

"This weekend the Manx Labour Party AGM takes place and our incoming Chair Sarah Maltby, one of the many recipients of Eddie's kindness as a little girl will invite the meeting to remember Eddie and give thanks for his work to help so many and for the island he loved. Our sincere thoughts are with his close family at this time."

Mr Cretney's daughter, current Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby, has also paid tribute to Mr Lowey, saying 'Eddie will never be forgotten'.