New man at DHSS 'flattered' to be offered job

There's a new man in charge of social services in the Isle of Man.

South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey joined the DHSS at the weekend when Chief Minister Tony Brown unveiled a reshuffle of departmental members.

Mr Malarkey will oversee the Social Services Division, for which he says he has a strong affinity.

He was surprised by the appointment but is looking forward to getting stuck into his new job.

He told Manx Radio:

"It's quite a challenge [and] I greet it with anticipation and a little bit of caution.

"I feel quite flattered that I've been offered such a very responsible position.

"I have still, of course, got my role in home affairs under the Drug and Alcohol Strategy, and I think they both sit very well together.

"I have been very involved in the last six months with social services, and obviously health services and other parts of it, so I think they will sit well together.

"I've got, yet again, another great learning curve to go through, so I can't hang around now, and I look forward to the challenges coming forward."