Ovation from Tynwald as Mr President stands down

'A born politician, parliamentarian and outstanding Manxman'.

That was one of the many tributes paid to Noel Cringle who received a standing ovation in Tynwald last night (Thursday) after presiding over his final sitting in the chamber.

Mr Cringle, who was first elected as an MHK in 1974, will stand down next month, after eleven years as the figurehead of the Manx parliament.

The plaudits were led by Chief Minister Tony Brown, long-time colleague and school friend Eddie Lowey MLC, and Speaker of the House of Keys, Steve Rodan (listen to audio file below):

Mr Rodan presented Mr Cringle with a replica sword of state of Tynwald and an engraved plate commemorating the occasion.

Manx Radio's Perspective programme will pay tribute to Mr Cringle, and the end of a political era, at 6.30 this evening.