Strong criticism of nationalists

A former member of Mec Vannin is criticising the party for an alleged failure to engage in dialogue with anybody with differing views.

Rushen MHK Phil Gawne was speaking after describing the Scottish National Party's success in Thursday's Glasgow East bye-election as 'a rallying call for nationalists'.

He says that, to a large extent, the Island has a nationalist government, given the commitment of the Council of Ministers to improve its constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom and Europe, and move towards gaining greater autonomy.

But he's disappointed Mec Vannin operates so far away from mainstream politics: