Is the legal arm of government a rudderless ship?

The Isle of Man Law Society's new president feels the ongoing issues with the attorney general and his chambers is having an impact, particularly on government.

In terms of both perception and reality, Kevin O'Riordan says having what appears to be a 'rudderless ship' in charge of the legal arm of government cannot be good news.

Attorney General Stephen Harding is currently suspended, while he faces six criminal charges, including a count of perjury and three charges of forgery.

Meanwhile, the AG's chambers have been the subject of questions from MHKs, criticism from within the legal profession and a review into its running, which was requested by the chief minister in March last year.

Mr O'Riordan says there has also been the surprising realisation the Isle of Man has got this far down the road as a jurisdiction with no formal arrangement to allow for anyone to deputise fully for the AG: