Former Minister defends pre-school stance

The Education Minister who oversaw the privatisation of Island pre-schools has defended his decision.

Peter Karran successfully brought plans to transfer state-funded nurseries into private ownership, just months into his short tenure.

It was a decision which split the department and ultimately led to one member resigning and another being sacked.

Yesterday a Tynwald Select Committee report condemned the way the issue was handled, with no prior debate over the cutbacks in parliament and what it called a 'woeful' lack of consultation.

However, Mr Karran said the system now in place is both fairer and more accessible than the one he inherited.

He claims it was a better option than those considered by his predecessor Eddie Teare.