Tynwald votes against looking into nationalisation

A member of the House of Keys has failed in his attempt to have a select committee examine the idea of putting the Steam Packet into public ownership. 

Tynwald voted 24-4 against a motion from Michael MHK David Cannan, who wanted the viability of the Manx government buying the firm to be examined.

During a debate which lasted an hour and a half, the court heard buying the Steam Packet could cost £250 million, running it could cost millions more each year, and the taxpayer would be saddled with the company's debts.

A number of members voiced their opposition to the idea of nationalisation, including South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey: