Bernard Moffatt from the Mannin branch of the Celtic League has been giving his verdict on the new Council of Ministers.

New Chief Minister Howard Quayle announced the line-up on Monday morning.

Asked for his thoughts on Mr Quayle’s choices, Mr Moffatt said: ‘I may have to reappraise my view of Howard Quayle because I have been a bit scathing in the past. But after seeing what he did in inviting potential troublemakers into the tent in Kate Beecroft and Alf Cannan, I am impressed by the fact that he did that.

‘I think Howard is well intentioned. I’m starting to see him less as the greedy property owning farmer and more the egalitarian reformer.

‘The other ministers seem fairly solid and dependable.

‘It is going to be a right wing government, probably more than in the past. It just depends if it goes too far.

‘Most Manx governments in living memory have been small ‘c’ conservative but the balance has tipped and this is big ‘c’ or Tory with a vengeance.

‘Howard’s great mistake is probably leaving Laurence Skelly in the Department of Economic Development but there are several things to clear up there and that will keep the Chamber on side.’

One thing Mr Moffatt is not impressed with is the appointment of Alf Cannan as Treasury Minister.

‘I think the picture of the Manx economy that’s been painted is not accurate. It’s not as bad as it has been painted,’ said the Celtic League man.

‘At the hustings debate Howard Quayle proposed a bond issue over 30 to 40 years. That’s the way governments manage their debts. Up to now they’ve been borrowing from the banks and getting ripped off.

‘But when Mr Quayle made the suggestion Alf Cannan rolled his eyes. I thought that indicated two things; to do something so blatant incidcated a lack of control and that he doesn’t have a grasp on fiscal reality.

‘I don’t think Alf is the right man in Treasury. His father was probably the architect of the current financial success of the island.

‘Chris Thomas has more acumen for Treasury Minister. He would try to work out all the angles before making a decision.’

Speaking about Kate Beecroft’s appointment as Health Minister, Mr Moffatt said: ‘One problem is she’s a populist, she likes to interact with the public but she might find it’s difficult to meet the aspirations of the public.

‘One point I would like to make is that people sometimes comment asking why I give my views on these things, but from 1980 up to the last government I have dealt with all of these people first hand so I have a fairly good idea where this government is going.’

New Chief Minister Howard Quayle has agreed to a change in the rules for collective responsibility (CR) in the Council of Ministers.

The change reflects the views of both Lib Van leader Kate Beecroft and Alf Cannan, who are now members of CoMin.

Kate Beecroft, Minister for Health and Social Care, agreed to take on the role on the basis that the rules would be relaxed.

She has argued for collective responsibility to apply only to matters in the Government Programme, while Mr Cannan, who is the new Treasury Minister, has said it should also apply to the budget and matters of national importance.

The Chief Minister agreed to update the rules to take account of ‘emerging views amongst the Tynwald membership.’

Collective responsibility is based on the view that Ministers should function as a coherent group and as such are held to be collectively responsible for their actions to parliament and the public.

A consequence of CR is the expectation that all Ministers will support decisions of the executive in public, even though they may have argued against a decision behind closed doors.

In the Isle of Man, Ministers up to now have been required to support all decisions of the Council of Ministers except where an exception applies.

A limited range of exceptions allows Ministers to opt out of collective responsibility where.

For example, they can claim a matter of conscience, a strong position on an issue declared before they became a Minister, or a constituency matter.

Under the revisions to the rules agreed by the new Chief Minister, and subject to formal approval by the whole Council, those exceptions will still exist.

However, CR will only apply to matters that are included in the Government Programme or the annual Budget, and to matters deemed to be of ‘national importance’, the latter to be decided by a majority vote within the Council of Ministers.

A traditional music weekend attracted 40 musicians from off the island who performed with Manx counterparts at a number of venues.

They came from all over Ireland, Britain and as far afield as Tennessee and Florida USA.

There were ‘come all ye’ céilí sessions in The Shore Hotel in Laxey and Laxey Sailing Club and Brendan O’Donnell’s, in Castle Street, Douglas, and at The Prospect pub, Prospect Hill, Douglas.

The Saturday session included slow airs, ballads, waltzes, fast jigs, and ended at 1am.

All sessions were free and open to anyone who cared to join in.

Traditional songs and melodies were exchanged. One Manx tune, composed by Dave Speers, was a big hit with the visitors.

Frances Kennedy, a singer and dialect storyteller from Kerry, gave hilarious performances.

The event has grown from what started out as a party weekend in Andrew Knight’s home in Laxey. Andrew was a widely respected concertina player and singer. He died last January and so the organisers dedicated this year’s festival in his memory.

The committee behind it were Mary Molloy, Pat Knight, Susan Coyle and Ann-Marie Murphy.

In a press statement, they said: ‘We are grateful to everyone who contributed towards this special weekend.’

The number of people out of work in the Isle of Man has gone down again.

Figures released today (Friday) show there were 592 people registered as unemployed when September’s figures were calculated.

That’s down four from August and down 173 on September 2015.

The unemployment rate is 1.3 per cent. That compares with 5.1 per cent in the UK, 4.2 per cent in Germany and 23.2 per cent in Greece.

The figures are broken down into different parts of the economy.

For instance, there were 35 people with a retail distribution background looking for work while there were 108 vacancies.

But there were 64 construction workers looking for work but just 20 vacancies.

In information communication technology there were three people out of work but 19 vacancies.

The figures include three people who need a work permit, 18 people who are under 18 and 38 people who are signing on for credits only.

They do not include people under 18 who are registered with the Department of Economic Development but who are not claiming any benefit. They number 39.

Some suggest that the good figures are not entirely down to an improving economy but due to a shrinking population.

The results of the interim census should prove or disprove that theory.

An internationally acclaimed Isle of Man portrait artist will showcase her oil and pastel portraits in Kensington, London.

Svetlana Cameron, who works out of her studio in Braddan, will display the largest collection of her portraits ever to be gathered together in London in the solo exhibition.

The show, hosted by the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, will give visitors the opportunity to see a number of Manx-themed works and official portraits of prominent Isle of Man figures.

Some of the figures will include former President of Tynwald Hon Clare Christian OBE, former Speaker Tony Brown OBE and Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man Reverend Robert Paterson.

Most of the artworks will be borrowed from private collections.

Russian-born Svetlana said large solo exhibitions are rare events in her career.

‘I paint mainly by commission and my artworks go directly from my studio to private homes or institutions as soon as they are completed, which makes it practically impossible for me to accumulate enough pieces for a substantial solo display.

‘The upcoming show will be probably the largest one I’ve ever had, and the first one I am organising for the London audience.’

Last year, Svetlana’s original use of dry media on paper brought her success in the US-based international competition ‘Strokes of Genius’ and won her a place among the Top 40 international pastel artists, according to French art magazine Pratique des Arts.

The London exhibition will be sponsored by Knox Private Office, part of the Knox Group of Companies, which is headquartered in Finch Road, Douglas.

Sandra Robertson, director of Knox Private Office, said: ‘We are extremely proud to be the sponsor and take this fascinating exhibition to London where its opening is eagerly awaited by London art enthusiasts.’

The exhibition will be held on the first floor of 37 Kensington High Street from October 14 to October 31.

Visit www.svetlanacameron.com to find out more.

A drink-driver was nearly three and a half times the limit when her car ploughed into railings on Douglas promenade before careering back on to the carriageway and rolling on to its roof.

Amanda Elizabeth Watson’s Citroen C3 demolished the railings separating Queen’s Promenade from the area by the Strathallan Suite before ricocheting off them into the road and coming to rest upside down.

Hazel Carroon, for the prosecution, said 34-year-old Watson, of Marathon Drive in Douglas, was arrested soon after the accident, which happened just before 1am on Saturday night, October 8.

She was taken to the police station where she provided a breath sample of 120 – which is significantly above the legal limit of 35.

Defending her, advocate Peter Taylor said in view of the level of the reading, he was requesting an adjournment. He also requested legal aid on behalf of his client,

He told the court a bail condition not to drive before her next court appearance would not be a handicap for the defendant.

‘She is having problems at the thought of getting back behind the wheel anyway,’ he told the court.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘Given the level of the reading and the circumstances in which it happened – the circumstances of the collision – an adjournment is appropriate.’

The case was adjourned pending completion of a pre-sentence report by the probation service.

Mrs Hughes told the court: ‘I am leaving all sentencing options open to the makers of the report and that includes custody.’

The case was adjourned until November 22. The defendant was bailed to reappear on that date. She is subject to a £500 recognisance and must live at her home address. She must not drive or leave the Isle of Man without permission from the court in the meantime.

The sale of Steam Packet tickets for 2017 begins today (Friday).

Foot passenger prices are to stay the same price, starting from £18, with children costing £9. Infants under the age of four will continue to go free.

But the fares for people travelling with a vehicle are likely to be different depending on the deals available.

A Steam Packet press release does not give an overall average figure for car/motorbike fares compared with this year. iomtoday asked for clarification but this has not been received.

The company has warned there will be limited availability on TT sailings in 2017, with offers for island residents who want to leave the island during the TT.

Visitors are now also able to book for the 2017 Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling.

Steam Packet boss Mark Woodward said: ‘We are pleased to be confirming our schedules and opening bookings now as we know people like to start planning holidays as early as possible.

‘More than 900,000 offer seats are available during 2017, ensuring there are plenty of opportunities to secure our lowest prices, especially for those who book early.

‘We have tried to make sure we have offers for island residents wanting to get away, as well as making the Isle of Man an attractive destination for visitors.’

Returning for 2017 is the student foot passenger offer, which gives people studying in the UK the flexibility of not paying amendment fees if their travel plans change, and they also avoid weekend supplements.

A Governor’s Hill resident has spoken out against controversial plans by Sure to install an antenna to improve coverage in the area.

We previously reported how the telecoms company are set to submit a planning application to install the antenna on a lamppost in Hailwood Avenue.

Will Parkin is a former design engineer in avionics who has worked on military radar systems and lives in Hailwood Avenue.

He said: ‘My main objection isn’t a safety issue, it’s that it is on the main road right in your face and a lot of effort has been put into beautifying the estate so we don’t want to put a eyesore on it. Sharing masts has been mentioned but I’m getting the feeling this may be a test case and they might be trying to have more of these masts installed in housing estates in the future.

‘Microwaves are present in the background of the radiation of our universe, it’s only a question of levels and what is safe.

‘I paced it out and the antenna will be around 25 metres from my bedroom so I’d need to be satisfied I wasn’t at risk.

‘Everyone wants improved coverage, however, the mast that they are proposing is not the same as the illustration on their website which looks like they will just bolt an antenna onto one of the poles. They are going to replace the lamppost with a bigger one and then put a wider antenna on top.

‘My immediate concern is will there be more masts? Or will it just be the initial installation then they boost it?’

Sure CEO Mike Phillips said: ‘Due to the type of low-visual-impact structure the proposed antenna on Hailwood Avenue is not suitable for sharing. Governor’s Hill is geographically challenging as the land forms a “bowl” which makes it very difficult to provide a mobile signal in the area from outside and therefore, to improve mobile coverage in the area, we need to install equipment within the bowl.

‘There are no other suitable structures within the area that Sure could share and that would successfully improve Sure’s coverage within planning guidelines.

‘The proposed antenna would replace one of the existing street lamps but the style and structure would be broadly similar - the structure would be 22cm in diameter which is 6cm wider than the existing streetlamp. The structure has been carefully chosen to blend in with the existing street furniture.’

Mr Phillips went on to say that this type of antenna is already widely used in the Isle of Man and by other mobile operators around the world.

He added: ‘It fully complies with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), an international independent scientific organisation, whose guidelines are endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and followed by the Manx Government.’

A world-renowned gambling and gaming consultant has predicted that a merger between betting giant William Hill and the owners of PokerStars could bring more jobs to the island.

Warwick Bartlett is watching closely after William Hill and Canada-based Amaya, who owns island based PokerStars, confirmed they are in talks over a prospective merger.

The two firms have released a joint statement to confirm they were in negotiations.

Mr Bartlett, chief executive of the Castletown based Global Betting and Gaming Consultants, said a merger could spell good news for the island.

He said that William Hill, which is based in Leeds and London, also employs around a couple of hundred people in Gibraltar.

But he pointed out that the Spanish government might ‘throw its toys out of the pram’ if the UK goes ahead with a ‘hard Brexit.’

He said the Spanish government has hinted that if the UK completely exits the EU they might close the border with Gibraltar.

‘There are between 3,000 and 4,000 workers crossing the border every day to work in Gibraltar, many of which work in eGaming.

‘That would be a threat to their industry and some of the operators might find it difficult to operate and might choose another jurisdiction.

‘And if William Hill merges with Amaya and PokerStars then they would have a resource here which could complement their existing operations and they could in actual fact move people here if they wish to.

‘And that would be a benefit to the island.’ He confirmed there is a possibility William Hill could send people to the island to work.

But he warned ‘First of all the deal has to be done.’

And he did issue a note of caution that big name mergers in the gambling industry can lead to some rationalisation.

He said: ‘The number of people employed at PokerStars in the island is very important to the Isle of Man economy.’

Mr Bartlett said William Hill operates its own poker site but ‘it is nowhere near as successful as that operated by PokerStars which has 70 per cent of the market.

‘PokerStars is the market leader [for online poker] and is the equivalent of Betfair on betting exchanges.

‘But PokerStars does have a huge database and that is what is attractive to William Hill because they can market that database for sports betting and casino and slots’.

William Hill already operates a betting shop in the centre of Douglas.

If a merger goes ahead it will create one of the biggest online gaming companies in the world.

There has been a spate of other big name link-ups between betting companies in the last year or so.

l Don’t miss a feature article about Warwick Bartlett in next Tuesday’s Examiner Business News

Old Mutual Douglas host Manchester on Saturday, with the Manx side bidding to lead South Lancashire/Cheshire Division One after six rounds.

The visitors lost their first match of the season at Southport last week, but are in good nick with three wins and a draw in the locker for seventh.

A win here would vault them to fourth ahead of Southport.

Second-placed Douglas appear to be in the rudest of health judging by their superb display against a fiercely competitive Broughton Park in round five, and will relish a Port-e-Chee tilt at rivals who in April inflicted a 25-17 defeat in Manchester.

Josh Carine is unavailable and Will Cain is likely to replace on the wing, while James Wood is back in contention after an enforced absence.

Nathan Knights will be one of a few in the frame for bench duty which is not settled at the time of writing, while the forwards are showing remarkable resilience to remain unchanged. Members lunch at 12.30pm, kick-off 1.30pm.

Douglas XV 1, Chris Bollen; 2, Robert Todd; 3, Simon Hoddinnott; 4, Glyn Hooson-Owen;

5, Dom Winrow; 6, Paul Leivers; 7, Liam Kirkpatrick; 8, Lance Wyllie; 9, Shaun Wyllie;

10, Bryn Snellgrove; 11, Will Cain; 12, Carl Murray; 13, Conor Stephens; 14, Adam Boyd; 15, Luke Hyland; 16, Sean Moffatt; 17, Aaron Mason; 18, Nathan Knights.

l On Friday evening at 6pm, Douglas host a ‘Meet The Players’ evening at Port-e-Chee and presentation of the new team strip. A cold buffet to compliment the beers is provided for members and guests to the clubhouse.

Fixtures: Saturday, October 15

South Lancs/Cheshire Division One

Douglas v Manchester @ Port-e-Chee ko 1.30pm

Friendlies

KWC v IoM Schools @ KWC ko 10.30am

Douglas Casuals v Noa Nomads

@ Port-e-Chee ko 11am

To kick things off this week we head to the north of the island and to Bar Logo in Ramsey, where this Saturday night you can catch the Isle of Man’s only Iron Maiden tribute band, Ed Force One, in action.

Fans of the band will know what they’re in for.

But for the uninitiated, the set list is made up for the most part by tracks from early-era Maiden.

It includes the likes of The Trooper, Run To The Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name, Aces High, Two Minutes To Midnight, The Number Of The Beast, Fear Of The Dark, The Clairvoyant, plus a mid-set romp through the 11 minute opus, Rime Of The Ancient Mariner among many others.

The band will be hitting the stage from around 9.30pm for a two-and-a-half hour set.

Head to Sam Webb’s in Douglas tomorrow night (Friday) and you’ll be able to see Ian Thompson treading the boards.

His covers gig setlist is made up of songs from The Kinks, David Bowie, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and the like.

On Saturday night and around the corner, Jaks play host to Black Water Creek.

A trio consisting of members from Back Door Slam and Scarlett Parade, Dave Cohen (bass guitar and lead vocals), Liam Callow (guitar) and Ross Doyle (drums), they specialise in classic rock covers from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Free and Judas Priest.

Truman Falls released their latest album ‘Headswims’ back in April of this year and followed it with ‘Oberon’, in July as the first single to be lifted from the album with a further single planned for January 2017.

The band has also undertaken a number of shows on their subsequent promotion campaign with Headswims receiving a good amount of airtime on BBC Introducing.

As part of the campaign trail the band is booked to appear at Ballakermeen High School’s Studio Theatre on Saturday, October 22.

Led by singer/songwriter Simon Rea, he will be joined on the night by fellow band members Paul Teare, Dave Armstrong, Jonny Peacock, Anna Goldsmith and Mark Burrows.

The doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Tickets for the show can be purchased for £10.50 from www.villagaiety.com

Alternatively, call the ticket hotline on 600555 or head to the Welcome Centre.

That’s all, more next week!

If you have anything for inclusion in The Manx Sound Exchange, please email leachsteve@hotmail.com

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Steve Leach brings the latest rumblings, murmurings, news and views on forthcoming events in and around the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com

A huge day of hockey is in store on Saturday, with many evenly-matched games across the four mixed leagues.

Russell Miller’s Valkyrs host Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians A in the standout game, in what is a must-win game for the Peel side.

Since claiming the PwC Premier League in 2012, the westerners have watched their opponents knock them into runners-up spot for the past four seasons.

Having dropped points against Canaccord Genuity Vikings and Bacchas B already, this is a game where Valkyrs must claim both points on offer.

All to play for at the other end of the table, as Isobel Kermode’s Partitionware Castletown Celts side takes on Harlequins A.

After knocking Alex Cave’s Quins out of the cup two weeks ago, the Reds know a win would see them leapfrog their opponents, but a loss would surely be disastrous for their top-flight survival hopes.

The final game in the division is tight, though Steven Underwood’s Vikings will start as marginal favourites against Bacchas B.

They need to keep the pressure on league leaders Bacchas with victory, but cannot take their opponents lightly, as Valkyrs found out to their cost earlier in the season.

Another showdown in PwC Division One, with two teams carrying a 100 per cent record.

LJ Ramsey will hope to make home advantage count, but Dave Hall’s Valkyrs B will be right up for this one and will look to deliver a huge blow to their fellow title contenders.

Vikings B will be aiming to get the better of Saracens Sabres in the other game in the division to claim three league wins in a row and climb steadily up the table.

More top-of-the-table action in PwC Division Two, as Ramsey Ravens host top side Castletown Cammags who are only one point ahead in the standings.

Bacchas Colts will look to profit from their title rivals dropping points by defeating Valkyrs C, while Ramsey Rookies and Harlequins Colts face each other in the division’s other game.

Finally to PwC Division Three and the seemingly unstoppable Valkyrs D juggernaut continues to roll on.

It’s Saracens Sharks in the firing line this week, before Bacchas D and Harlequins B round out the weekend’s senior hockey.

l Round-up of Saturday’s hockey, including Valkyrs A’s game with Bacchas A, in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner - on sale Tuesday morning.

The Pinewood Social Club in Pulrose has been granted its licence from the All Island Licensing Court.

The club’s licence was granted yesterday allowing the Interim Management Committee to progress with its plans to re-open the facility.

Douglas South MHK Bill Malarkey, who is a member of the committee , thanked everyone who has voluntarily given their time and resources to create the club.

‘We are delighted. The enthusiastic and committed support of the community has been vital to move this forward. We look forward to opening the club doors and delivering an eagerly planned range of social activities.’

Mr Malarkey said he is looking forward to opening the club doors and ‘delivering an eagerly planned range of social activities for all’.

The interim committee for the Pinewood Social Club Limited, which is made up of residents from Pulrose, was formed in July following Heron and Brearley’s decision to close the Pinewood pub ‘due to the changing demands of its customers and its desire to focus on the development of its overall estate.’

Anyone interested in joining the social club can pick up a membership form at Pulrose Post Office.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle has returned from Brussels following discussions on the implications for the island after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Mr Quayle, who was accompanied by Chief Secretary Will Greenhow and director of external relations Della Fletcher, met with a number of representatives from the City of London, the UK Government, industry, the European Parliament, Brussels think tanks, and representatives from Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands.

The Chief Minister said: ‘The UK’s withdrawal from the EU will be one of the most significant political and economic events in the current era and I wanted to learn first-hand what the current thinking is on this important issue.

‘Building and maintaining networks of partners in the UK and Brussels is vital for the island to ensure that we understand international events and their potential impact on us. During the course of what is likely to be a lengthy and complex process of UK withdrawal from the EU, this engagement will be more important than ever before.

‘Whilst the UK position is still far from clear, it is absolutely vital that we continue to engage with the discussion, so we can in turn develop our own position.’

Government officers have been looking at elements of the withdrawal process such as long term implications and risks and opportunities.

The battle for a place in the top four of JCK Division Two heats up this weekend with several interesting clashes taking place on Saturday.

Two of the sides currently just outside the top four go head-to-head at Springfield Road where Pulrose United host Gymns, with the teams occupying sixth and seventh in the table. Only goal difference separates the two outfits and their current form is identical, therefore this has the potential to be an extremely close game.

Another tight affair is on the cards at The Stadium where fourth-placed Castletown welcome Onchan, the side who sit only one place below them. The duo also boast the same form in their last six matches so this one could go either way.

There’s a top-versus-bottom clash taking place at Victoria Road where league leaders Braddan will be red-hot favourites to brush aside lowly Malew, while Foxdale will be hoping to get back to winning ways at Governor’s Athletic.

Douglas and District could leapfrog Marown into ninth place should they beat Dave Brew’s side in Crosby on Saturday, while the final game sees in-form Douglas Royal travel west to take on Michael United at Balleira Road.

The latest game from island software giant Microgaming is truly chilling in time for Hallowe’en, or Hop-tu-Naa in the island.

In the company’s latest online ‘slot’ game players can pick their side, Zombie or Survivor, as they immerse themselves in the famed city of Las Vegas in the aftermath of a Zombie apocalypse!

In this 243 ways-to-win slot, the streets of Vegas are bare, casinos are deserted and the infected lurk in the shadows.

Players decide whether they play as one of the hardened human Survivors or the hungry Zombie horde, and they can switch sides at any time. Who will win?

Microgaming, based in Circular Road, Douglas, says the game is ‘full of infectious features, including the Zombie Fist of Cash punching out onto the screen, and a blackout bonus which scans the reels for Zombies or Survivors. Both award cash prizes and are triggered randomly in the base game.’

Commercial director Neill Whyte said: ‘Lost Vegas is a perfectly timed game for Hallowe’en.

‘This slot brings so much entertainment to gameplay, from being able to pick a side and play as a Survivor or Zombie, to the never-seen-before features in the free spin rounds.

‘We are really excited to see this slot launch, and I’m sure that the game will not only be popular upon release, but will be a long-term favourite with players.’ Zombies and Survivors will be taking over the Microgaming stand at a trade event called EiG, in Berlin, from October 18 to 20. The game can be played on desktop and mobile.

There will be free lecture about Castle Rushen on Wednesday, October 19, from 6pm

Edmund Southworth, director of Manx National Heritage, will deliver it.

The venue is Elmwood House, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas.

More police out on the beat and less time spent on mundane and repetitive administration, that’s the promise once a £1.5 million upgrade of the police computer system is complete.

A new central operating system is to replace around 20 current systems, boosting the time spent out in the community.

The new system will incorporate improved services for the public too, allowing victims of crimes, for example, to log in and track the progress of a particular enquiry.

Over time, further innovations will also be considered, including use of drones, mobile speed cameras, automatic number plate recognition systems and body-worn cameras.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts said the current system is 20 years old and there had been no major upgrade for more than 10 years. Many of the current systems are not even linked, meaning time is wasted inputting data multiple times.

‘At the moment we have different systems that don’t really talk to each other,’ he said.

‘In fact our custody block still uses hand-written custody records, there is no technology in there at all. The new system should be more cohesive and means we can share information far more effectively, for instance with the Attorney General’s chambers. Ultimately we want to move to having paperless courts.’

He said the initiative could see scenes of crime police uploading evidence there and then rather than having to return to the police station and fill in acres of forms.

The investment comes as part of the government-wide digital strategy to increase the use of technology and improve efficiency.

The contract to supply and install the new system, called CONNECT, is with Northgate Public Services, which will work alongside technicians from the cabinet office. The new system is to be installed in stages up to autumn next year and is already in use by Lancashire police. The Isle of Man Constabulary is the 13th force to adopt it.

Mark Lewin, director of government technology services said the system was very reliable, would be well supported and would not be prone to computer system crashes.

‘It’s just a different risk that needs to be managed. Even paper systems can fail with files going missing or being destroyed,’ he said.

He added it would transform key elements of policing by removing paper and inefficient processes.

Mr Roberts added: ‘A safe island requires a modern, digitally-enabled police force. Having information at our fingertips, where and when we need it, will enable officers to spend as much time as possible in the communities. The service enjoyed by the public will improve as a result. Officers must be equipped to deal with modern demands and sophisticated criminals.’

The family of a boy with a muscle-wasting disease have said that the island’s new Health Minister, Kate Beecroft, has been in touch with them about possibly reviewing funding for a drug which could help their child.

Clive and Kirstie Hesketh, whose seven-year-old son Finley has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), have said there is a possibility that government funding for new drug Translarna will be looked at once again now Mrs Beecroft has taken over as Health and Social Care Minister.

The issue of funding the drug was raised by Mrs Beecroft at the July sitting of Tynwald.

Translarna, which could help Finley’s condition, has been approved in England and Northern Ireland but funding was refused by the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care after a report recommendation by the Clinical Recommendation Committee.

The average cost of treatment per patient per year is around £250,000.

DMD causes progressive muscle weakness from childhood. Patients eventually lose the ability to walk. The condition affects other body systems leading to death from respiratory or cardiac failure at around 30 years of age.

Finley’s dad Clive said he has been in touch with Mrs Beecroft, who was appointed last week, and has been gathering information and statistics about the drug and DMD for her to look at.

‘I have been in touch with Kate Beecroft but there’s no promises. There’s no guarantee that it will be reviewed but the indication from Kate is that they’re looking at,’ Clive said.

‘It’s taken a lot out of Kirstie and I. If it’s reviewed then we have got something to sit down and speak about, but there’s a couple of houses we have been looking at in England and Wales.’

The Independent reported last month that the Hesketh family, who live in Onchan, put their house on the market with the aim of moving to Cheshire so that Finley can get the drug in England.

Clive said he hopes his family will be able to stay in the Isle of Man now there is a possibility that Translarna may be reviewed. However Kirstie intends to carry on looking at UK properties as no guarantee has been made.

Clive said: ‘A move would impact all of us, as well as Finley’s wellbeing and our family’s wellbeing, and there is also the financial impact of moving.’

The Hesketh’s petition asking government to fund the drug has now had more than 5,200 signatures.

The bun fight for Cu-Plas Railway Cup qualification once again takes centre stage in the Canada Life Premier League this Saturday.

League leaders St George’s booked their place in the Yuletide competition last weekend with victory over Rushen United.

Second-place St Mary’s require only four points from their remaining four first-half of the season games to join Geordies in the hat for the competition’s semi-finals. A trip to bottom side Ayre Utd this Saturday should cough up three points to see them all but home.

Who will join the two sets of Saints is up for conjecture with six teams still mathematically in with a shot of finding their way into the top four at the campaign’s halfway stage.

Peel and DHSOB are the outside bets. The pair faced off last week with Old Boys edging the encounter to revive their faint Railway Cup hopes. A home game against Ramsey should yield a win for the Blackberry Lane side to keep them in the hunt for at least another week.

After the aforementioned defeat, Peel need to win both their two final games to count if they are to scrape in. That will be easier said than done though with a trip to a Laxey side who sit third in the table on the agenda this weekend.

Rushen and St John’s also remain in contention. The Spaniards should add three points to their qualification fund with second bottom Colby the visitors to Croit Lowey, while the Johnners face a slightly trickier test with an away day at Douglas Athletic.

Corinthians, who have played a couple of games less than most, are the other team who could yet make it into semi-final draw, but face St George’s this time out.