Gov't can't always hide behind 'sub judice'

Lawyer says it could be used as a smokescreen

An Island lawyer says ministers who refuse to discuss controversial issues when legal action is involved, cannot always hide behind a 'sub judice' claim.  

A move to have the collapsed Vision Nine deal with the Manx government debated in the House of Keys today failed.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle said discussing the matter could prejudice court proceedings.

But such an approach has been described as a "smokescreen" by senior Island lawyer Kevin O'Riordan.

As civil proceedings are yet to be called by Vision Nine's lawyers, the Department of Economic Development can - if it chooses to - be transparent on the matter.

Mr O'Riordan says it's a complex area: