TETRA replacement spending concerns Tynwald

A bid to spend almost £5 million on a new TETRA communication system for the Isle of Man has been put on hold.

The system is used by the emergency services and 18 organisations, such as the TT marshals.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson today asked Tynwald to approve the spending, but a number of members expressed their concern and dismay at spending such a sum.

Some doubted whether a new TETRA network was necessary, or even the appropriate way to proceed.

An amendment, to adjourn the matter until next month's sitting to give them more time to assess the proposal, was approved by the court, 26 votes for and four against.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Watterson said he hadn't expected such a reaction: