Speaker defends stance on health agreement

The Speaker of the House of Keys is defending himself against criticisms levelled at him in Tynwald this week.

Steve Rodan was accused by Rushen MHK Phil Gawne of 'building up false hope' for the Manx public, by fighting to save the Reciprocal Health Agreement when there was never any realistic chance the United Kingdom Government would change its mind.

Through his contact with MP Andrew MacKinlay, Mr Rodan was instrumental in setting up Tuesday's meeting between senior Manx politicians and Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham.

Nothing came of the talks, but Mr Rodan still believes that, with proper action at the right time, things needn't have ended up the way they did: