The Red Arrows Royal Air Force (RAF) Display Team provided its customary spectacular displays in Ramsey and Douglas during TT week.

The team was celebrating its 50th display season and formations included its trademark diamond and swan among others.

Prior to the Douglas bay display on Thursday evening, Red Arrows squadron leader Mike Ling (Red 10) and the team’s technical director who is an avid stamp collector visited the Isle of Man Post Office’s TT shop at the Grandstand in Douglas.

A special collector’s item six stamp set marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season has been released, featuring icons of the team and photos of them in action over the Isle of Man.

The team’s opening season was in 1965 when the Red Arrows performed at a media event at RAF Little Rissington on May 6.

The team is made up of 120 people, including pilots, engineers and essential support staff.

Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, the team, has flown more than 4,500 displays. All nine Red Arrows display pilots are fast jet pilots from frontline Royal Air Force squadrons.

Peel lifeboat Ruby Clery was launched on Friday to assist a 16-foot cruiser which had broken down five miles west of Peel with two people on board.

The Ruby and her volunteer crew launched at 9pm under the command of coxswain John Hunter.

A call was received saying a small cruiser had broken down and it was accompanied by two jet skis.

Initially one of the jet skis took the boat in tow but handed over to the Peel lifeboat which arrived back in Peel at about 10-10pm. Both persons on board were fit and well as were the two on the jet skis.

Picture by Mal Kelly shows Ruby Clery with cruiser in tow accompanied by the two jet skis.

Reader Ian Judd came across this harrowing scene while out kayaking off Peel.

It is thought the two dead dairy heifers fell into the sea after being spooked on Mad Sunday, having crashed through a gate onto the coastal footpath at Knockaloe.

Ian said: ‘Whilst out kayaking off Peel I thought I saw a dead basking shark or orca, but as I approached I really thought I had stumbled on a weird and wonderful new form of aquatic life never seen before as I didn’t recognise the two floating animals!

‘To my surprise they were actually two dead cows.’

Belinda Leach, general secretary of the Manx NFU, said: ‘What appears to have happened is that a herd of young heifers had been moved to a field near Knockaloe that wasn’t so close to the bikes.

‘But something spooked them on Mad Sunday. Young heifers can be quite jumpy. They charged, knocked down a gate and got onto out onto the coastal footpath. They managed to get most of them back but two are missing.’

She said the farmer was ‘more than a little gutted’ by the loss of two of his herd.

But she added there couldn’t be positive identification until the tags could be recovered.

She said: ‘If they get washed up, we would be grateful if any members of public report finding them so we can get the tag numbers and ensure they are disposed of properly.’

The Grove Museum of Victorian Life will close its doors to visitors early this year to enable repairs to be carried out on its leaking roof.

The Manx National Heritage site in Ramsey usually closes for the season at the end of October or beginning of November –but this year will close after a wedding in the grounds in early September.

Head of public services Gaynor Haxby told the Manx Independent: ‘We are going to scaffold the building in order to repair the roof which has been leaking for some time.

‘The very wet winter we had exacerbated the problem. We need to get in there and sort it out, and we need to do it before the winter.

‘We are fully intending that it will be looking fantastic and open to the public for the 2015 season at the usual time.’

Inside, damp can be seen in the walls on the stairwell, and some exhibits have had to be moved for their protection.

When asked what the cost of the work would be, Gaynor said: ‘It depends on what they find when they go up there, how serious it is, and where it is. I’m sure it won’t be cheap – these things never are.’

The museum is the former family home of Liverpool shipping merchant Duncan Gibb, who developed the house as a summer retreat in the mid 19th century. The Victorian villa later became the family’s permanent residence.

Gibb sisters Alice and Janet lived there until their deaths in the 1970s. The period rooms contain mostly original furnishings and fittings, a costume room, and displays of the possessions of three generations.

This week’s Isle of Man Examiner has devoted our eight-page sports supplement to the TT races.

For a round-up of all the action, including a report on the Senior, don’t miss the Examiner.

The island’s favourite newspaper is on sale now.

This website is usually at its most popular during TT week and this year seems to have been no exception.

The most-read story was one we had permanently at the top of the page during the festival, which reported the very latest for the races and linked to other stories, such as lap reports.

Every week, we upload around 150 stories to iomtoday.co.im. That figure includes news, sport, business and columns.

The number of views for stories for the week of June 1 to 7 were:

1. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/tt-2014-live-news-1-6645843|TT 2014: Live news} 28,939

2. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/competitor-dies-after-accident-in-tt-race-this-afternoon-1-6650274|Competitor dies after accident} 19,808

3. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/conditions-of-injured-tt-competitors-1-6648064|Conditions of injured TT competitors} 18,281

4. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/second-competitor-dies-at-tt-in-24-hours-1-6652644|Second competitor dies at TT in 24 hours} 9,556

5. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/motorcylist-dies-after-three-vehicle-collision-1-6652268|Motorcyclist dies after three-vehicle collision} 7,276

6. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/police-find-wanted-man-1-6649324|Police find wanted man} 6,510

7. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/fenella-beach-row-carries-on-as-car-park-fills-up-1-6651430} Fenella beach row carries on as car park fills up} 4,713

8. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/man-to-appear-in-court-after-incident-at-ballaugh-during-tt-races-1-6650903|Man to appear in court after Ballaugh incident} 4,182

9. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manannan-to-operate-on-reduced-power-for-the-rest-of-tt-period-1-6655621|Manannan to operate on reduced power for the rest of the TT period} 3,609

10. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/injured-tt-fan-is-being-treated-in-the-uk-1-6642817} Injured TT fan is being treated in the UK} 3,382

Approval to spend £915,000 on the final phase of a food park being built in Peel will be sought at next week’s Tynwald sitting .

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne will tell the Court that it will provide a further valuable boost to the economy.

‘By providing a centre of excellence for the food production industry, the opportunity exists to maximise the industry’s contribution to the Isle of Man’s economy,’ he said.

DEFA and the Department for Economic Development (DED) are creating the £2.9 million centre of excellence on DEFA owned land at Mill Road Yard.

Phase one was approved by Tynwald in spring 2012 and is up and running. Phase two was given the go-ahead in May 2013 and construction is due to be completed next month.

The final phase would create three new vacant plots that would house 1,220 square metres of industrial units and would see utilities and roads in the already occupied southern half of the Park improved.

Seventy jobs have already been created at the park and it has been estimated that, once it’s complete, this number will rise to 125.

The DED – which has identified the development of the Food Park as a key priority – has awarded grants to companies expanding on the site and there is already keen interest from producers in occupying phase three, Mr Gawne said.

The final work is due to be completed solely by Manx workers, worth an estimated £290,000.

Mr Gawne said: ‘This long term commitment to the food park and the investment by the Government into the project will reap dividends for the industry.’

The Examiner’s lead story is about a dispute between a car salesman and property developer Dandara.

Also on page one, we picture the Ellan Vannin football team after their stunning performance in Sweden.

Inside, we reveal that plans for a private school in Douglas have been changed.

One of our reporters has been speaking to the police about their operations over the TT and we have a story about that.

We were in court when two would-be thiefs appeared after they tried to take things from TK Maxx in Strand Street.

The paper asks whether it’s time to charge a tax for plastic bags in shops.

In the centre news pages, there’s a fascinating feature about an MI5 spy who was interned in the island.

The sports pages on the back of the paper concentrate on the Ellan Vannin team, while inside there’s {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/full-round-up-of-the-end-of-the-tt-in-this-week-s-isle-of-man-examiner-1-6663153|an eight-page special about the news from the end of the TT} inside.

With Terry Cringle’s nostalgia pages, our lively letters, a new-look business section and a reader’s stunning photo of the fireworks in Douglas (it really is worth seeing!), the Examiner is an essential read this week.

It is in the shops now.

Questions about the long-term effects of cannabis use will be asked in the House of Keys today (Tuesday).

Ramsey MHK Leonard Singer will quiz new Health Minister Howard Quayle over the issue.

He will ask what Mr Quayle’s department’s professional advice is on the short and long term effects of the use of cannabis - and on introducing

legislation covering the retail sale of cannabis.

The issue hit the headlines last month when Chief Minister Allan Bell said he believed consideration should be given to the decriminalisation of cannabis in the Isle of Man.

He said the old-style war on drugs has failed miserably and there needs to be a new approach, with drug use considered a health matter and not a criminal activity.

Public health chiefs in the island say they support Mr Bells’ stance.

Mr Singer’s question is one of 12 tabled for spoken reply at today’s Keys sitting with a further 17 questions listed for written reply.

Michael MHK Alfred Cannan has put down a series of questions to Economic Development Minister John Shimmin about gas deposits in Manx waters.

Mr Shimmin’s department is currently seeking expressions of interest to undertake 3D seismic studies in our territorial sea to provide further data on potential reserves of natural gas and other hydrocarbons

This is in advance of a hydrocarbon licence round conducted to allow oil and gas companies to prospect for hydrocarbon reserves believed to be contained in the seabed.

Castletown resident Jonathan Rea scored valuable championship points in the two sixth-round World Superbike championship races at Sepang in Malaysia on Sunday, but was unable to challenge at the front of the field.

The two 16-lap encounters at the fast and flowing 5.548km Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur were both won by Marco Melandri, with Rea claiming a brace of sixth-place finishes as he battled his Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP with temperatures in the mid-30s and the track above 50 degrees.

Rea was innocently caught in a first-lap crash in the first outing and was forced off the Sepang circuit at turn three before rejoining in last place.

The 27-year-old quickly set about taking advantage of the absence of series leader Tom Sykes and scored 10 valuable championship points at the flag.

Race two was interrupted by oil on the track and restarted over 10 laps, with Rea starting from seventh place. He matched the pace of riders in front of him but was not able to improve on his first race result.

Vagabonds RUFC’s men’s players’ meeting is being held today (Tuesday) from 6.30pm at its clubhouse at Ballafletcher.

Can all current players please make every effort to attend as the new coaches for next season, Simon Murray and Bryan Kennaugh, will be in attendance and putting their exciting new strategies for the coaching structure for next season forward to the players.

They will be only too happy to answer any questions you may have.

All potential new players interested in joining Vagabonds are also more than welcome to turn up.

MotoGP ace Cal Crutchlow won the latest round of the Black Grace Cowley-sponsored Isle of Man Cycling League on Sunday.

The factory Ducati star broke away with Graeme Hatcher in the closing stages and won the 45-mile Nick Corkill Tour of the North by a clear margin.

Full report in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

Fire crews have been stood down after they were called out to Manx Petroleum premises on Battery Pier, Douglas, following a report of a possible gas leak from one of the tanks.

Three pumps, an aerial ladder platform and a foam carrier were sent out from Douglas station and the area was cordoned off from the harbour swing bridge.

A Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: ‘All crews have now been stood down from the alarm operating at Manx Petroleum’s, a gas alarm has activated due to vapours from a spirit tank.

‘A full check of the tank and the systems show that there was no leak but due to the current climatic conditions no air movement in the area, vapours have built up in the bund area to activate the alarm.

‘The emergency procedures for the area worked well.’

The Manx government is going to try to cash in on digital currencies.

Today the Department of Economic Development announced that it would act aimed to help protect businesses and customers using digital currencies and to ‘provide an environment for high-quality businesses in this rapidly emerging field who wish to operate here’.

The department’s director of e-business development Peter Greenhill said: ‘The Isle of Man recognises both the risks and opportunities presented by digital and virtual currencies.

‘We are conscious of issues that have surrounded these activities but also can identify serious and credible entrants to the market wishing to explore this innovative technology. Therefore, the Government has instructed the relevant departments and statutory bodies to ensure there is a regime that promotes both business opportunities but also applies appropriate anti-money laundering requirements.

‘Our stance is intended to welcome those who can meet the necessary standards while also preserving the island’s good reputation as a financial centre.

‘We will work with Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission, Department of Home Affairs and industry to ensure a fair and appropriate regime is implemented. This is not at this stage expected to embrace a full prudential suite of requirements, so consumers will need to be aware of this when making their decisions.

‘While it will take a period of time to instigate, it is a clear demonstration of the Isle of Man’s commitment to keep abreast with market developments but also maintain its international responsibilities. We anticipate that this market will develop and change rapidly and, as a result, we will keep market changes under review and with a view to considering future regulatory regimes as required. Of course, if any business were to undertake activities that are regulated under existing regulations, we will expect them to comply fully.’

What does this mean?

Definition: The term digital currency is used here to cover all forms of electronic currency that does not have legal tender.

Therefore, it covers the digital representation of value that can be traded and functions as a medium of exchange, store of value or unit of account but does not have legal tender status.

Importantly, it is not issued by any jurisdiction but fulfils the above by its recognition by the community of users.

What is the Isle of Man doing?

It is looking to recognise digital currencies as a property, rather than a currency, and apply the appropriate anti-money laundering controls that one would expect of a responsible jurisdiction. To ignore the problem of such potential criminal activity is to be negligent of the risks.

Aren’t digital currencies associated with crime and money laundering?

There have been a number of instances where digital currencies have been used to facilitate money laundering or have been the subject of other criminal activity. The Isle of Man recognises the risks as well as the potential of this recent innovation. As a responsible international partner, we want to ensure that crime is kept out of the Isle of Man and that can only be achieved by ensuring the appropriate anti-money laundering protections exist.

Why is the Isle of Man introducing anti-money laundering controls?

The government says the island is receiving inquiries from all over the world.

These are primarily from very credible start-up businesses who want to operate in a controlled manner in a well-respected jurisdiction.

Other, less well-funded start-ups are looking to find any home for their business.

Currently the proposed activities in digital currencies fall outside of anti-money laundering legislation and other forms of regulation and this poses both risks and opportunities

The absence of regulation leaves a window where business could trade from the Isle of Man yet undertake business practices which are at odds with the Island’s stance on anti-money laundering and crime. We do not feel that this is acceptable or responsible.

Why isn’t the Isle of Man introducing a full prudential regulatory regime if it is concerned?

Industry innovation is moving at a tremendous pace and introducing a full regulatory regime at this time would be both costly and may well be out of date before the rules are enacted. Further, international standards or restrictions may be introduced as the market develops. Given the relatively small size of the industry (in comparison with main stream finance sector) we have decided to consider a proportionate anti-money laundering regime which can be implemented in a timely manner, protects the Isle of Man’s reputation and fights crime.

Is the Isle of Man regulating digital currencies?

No, it is intending to include crypto and digital currencies under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2008 and the Designated Business (Registration and Oversight) Bill 2014 to ensure that the activities undertaken are subject to the anti-money laundering legislation. The same registration and oversight regime that will be applicable to other designated businesses will then apply to digital currency businesses.

What are the standards that the Isle of Man is looking to introduce?

The anti-money laundering registration and oversight regime will ultimately mean that a business in this area will need to register with the Financial Supervision Commission and submit to appropriate reviews to ensure that the business is compliant with the anti-money laundering requirements, is well managed and is run by appropriately skilled and knowledgeable people.

What will the regime look like?

To a large degree the anti-money laundering requirements are already enshrined in legislation. The Financial Supervision Commission will review the necessary activity to determine whether that legislation has been applied appropriately and proportionately by the business concerned in line with a risk based approach.

When will the rules start to apply?

There will be two stages. First there will be the inclusion of digital currency activity in Schedule 4 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2008, which will occur later in 2014. The effect of this will be that such businesses will need to comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Code. Second will be the inclusion of digital currency activity in the Designated Business (Registration and Oversight) Bill 2014 which is still subject to Tynwald approval and subsequent Royal Assent. It is expected that the Bill will be enacted during the first half of 2015. When enacted digital currency businesses will be required to register with the Financial Supervision Commission who will become responsible for oversight of their anti-money laundering compliance.

Will companies actually be given a licence to operate by the Financial Supervision Commission?

No, designated businesses registered under the Designated Business (Registration and Oversight) Bill 2014 will not obtain a financial services licence but they will be registered to conduct designated business.

Will banks on the Isle of Man take business from these new start-up businesses involved with digital currencies?

Interested companies should approach local banks to discuss their specific requirements.

Can existing businesses accept payments now in digital currencies?

Companies need to take their own advice on this matter.

What is vital to the Isle of Man is that the consumer is protected at all times.

Is VAT chargeable on the Isle of Man on payments made with digital currencies?

The Isle of Man is in a customs union with the UK and therefore the UK rules apply in respect of VAT. The UK has already ruled that the activities of mining a digital currency, exchanging it or charging for related transactions will not be subject to VAT. This is in line with Article 135(1)(d) of the EU VAT Directive.

What would the benefits be to the Isle of Man economy of accepting these businesses?

The Isle of Man recognises innovation in the Financial Services and e-Business sectors and is therefore keen to welcome legitimate Digital Currency businesses provided that they adhere to appropriate controls. These businesses will bring jobs and income to the Island and create enhanced career opportunities.

Would any placement of digital currencies into an exchange registered on the Isle of Man be protected as it is with a deposit in a bank?

No, the placement of Digital Currency into an exchange is not a deposit, and the deposit protection scheme does not apply. Therefore, consumer discretion should be exercised due to the risk of loss or failure of the businesses.

Will minimum standards be set for the security systems that these exchanges implement?

No, but as international standards are developing this may be added into any regime in the future.

Haven Homes’ application for 40 homes, a shop with self-service post office kiosk, and community facilities including a playing field, in Newtown, Santon, has been refused.

The developer was seeking approval in principle (14/00332/A) for the development at the site of the former Lancashire Hotel and land to its rear, and Furness Cottage.

Planners turned down the bid despite saying it could bring ‘some benefits’ in terms of additional housing and increased play, recreation and community facilities.

It states ‘the majority of the site is not designated for development and the site is not a sustainable one which is suitable for significant additional housing in terms of its designation in the Strategic Plan and the simple absence of amenities and facilities’.

It continues: ‘It is not considered appropriate that a development of the siting and size proposed be approved in the absence of any land use designation or assessment of need.

‘Nor is it appropriate to prejudge the Area Plan for the East by considering that Newtown is suitable for further expansion of this scale or to consider that this is the site for such an expansion.’

The application was for a mixture of two and three-bedroom homes, including affordable housing over the 23 per cent minimum laid down in the Strategic Plan. All the residents from Ballanoa Meadow and the Newtown estate which took part in a survey supported the proposal.

The Normandy Veterans Association marked the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a service on Sunday.

Eric Cain, of Douglas, who was serving in the Merchant Navy on board the requisitioned Steam Packet vessel Ben my Chree at the time, laid a wreath next to the plaque in Ridgeway Street.

Also pictured are Onchan School pupils Grace Straw and Emily Morrison, both 10.

The service was led by Captain Simon Clampton of the Salvation Army. The island’s former governor, Sir Laurence New, also spoke.

Danny McCanney won both days of the junior classification in the latest rounds of the Maxxis Enduro World Championship in Finland at the weekend.

The Beta rider won day one in confident style from Husqvarna’s Loic Larrieu, again edging out the Frenchman by a mere half -a-second in a nail-biting finish on Sunday in Heinola.

Mark Shimmin, the Isle of Man’s former chief financial officer is to head up the Small Countries Financial Management Centre (SCFMC).

He will succeed Tim Cullen, who announced his intention to retire a year ago in order to permit an orderly transition.

Mr Shimmin will start working for the Centre immediately on a voluntary basis so that he and his predecessor will overlap for several weeks including during the 2014 annual two-week programme (SCFMP), which will run from July 6 through to July 18.

Stephen Pickford, board chairman of the SCFMC, said: ‘I am delighted that Mark has been appointed as the new executive director and will take up his post at the conclusion of the sixth annual two-week programme. He brings immense experience in running the financial side of a small country, which will be invaluable in the new post.

‘The SCFMP is now very well-established and is globally recognised as making an outstanding contribution to strengthening the capacity of senior officials in small states to tackle the ever more complex array of challenges that they face. We look to Mark to build on this success.’

Mr Pickford added: ‘Mark’s appointment follows an extensive search process that involved reaching out to organisations such as the World Bank staff association and alumni of the programme, and advertising in both the Isle of Man and the UK print media.’

‘A substantial number of applications were received for this post.

‘A small selection committee was established to review the candidates.

‘The committee comprised board member, Sharda Sinanon Bollers (who heads the Financial Supervision Authority of St Vincent & the Grenadines); the current chief financial officer of the Isle of Man, Dr Malcolm Couch (who serves, ex officio, on the Board of the SCFMC); and Cyrus Rustomjee, economic director at the Commonwealth Secretariat.

‘I chaired the committee and Tim Cullen, the current executive director, served as a non-voting advisor.’

Mr Pickford explained that the selection committee shortlisted four outstanding candidates, who had extensive and varied experience in government, international organisations and higher education.

Following interviews in London at the end of May Mark Shimmin was appointed by the board as the next executive director.

Tim Cullen

Mr Pickford praised Tim Cullen, the retiring executive director, for his outstanding performance in establishing the Centre and in guiding it to its current successful status.

‘Tim brought a wealth of experience from his career at the World Bank, was tireless in his efforts to make the Centre a success, and has a real passion for helping small states.

‘He will be much missed, but I am glad that he has agreed to remain very much a part of the Centre’s work, including remaining on its board.’

From the inception of the Centre in 2008, the Isle of Man government has been a substantial supporter and donor, ensuring that initial funding of the annual programme would be provided by the Treasury.

The World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat then followed Treasury’s lead, with the provision of additional funding. For the years 2013 through 2015, the programme is being supported through an annual grant from the Isle of Man’s International Development Committee.

Mr Shimmin has served on the board of the SCFMC. In this capacity, he has been a source of valuable expertise and advice to the current management team.

Following his retirement in April 2013, Mr Shimmin comes to this post after more than 30 years in the Isle of Man Government, the last 10 of which as chief financial officer.

experience

In appointing Mark, the board noted his extensive experience in government financial issues, his knowledge and sensitivity to the ethos of small states and especially of the SCFMP, and his vision for the future of the SCFMC.

The post of executive director is a part-time paid position.

The new appointment is said to mark a further evolution of the Centre to bring greater professionalism to its management.

It follows the appointment of an administrative officer and the establishment of a custom-designed management information System (MIS), both in 2013.

The Small Countries Financial Management Centre (SCFMC) is an independent not-for-profit organisation based in the Isle of Man that was established to contribute to the growth and prosperity of small developing countries through capacity building at senior official levels in the government financial sector.

Police are investigating a hit and run accident, which happened earlier this afternoon.

At about 2pm, a green Renault Clio was being driven along Main Road, Onchan, near the Cooperative store when a small gold car pulled out from the side of the road, hitting it and causing significant damage.

The driver of the gold car did not stop and exchange details with the driver of the Clio.

Police appealed for anyone with information about the incident to ring police headquarters on 631212.

The success of Manx football was a topic raised in the House of Keys today.

Chris Thomas (Douglas West) asked the Chief Minister to make a statement ‘on the recent achievements of the island’s football community’.

Allan Bell told MHKs: ‘The Isle of Man National Football Team won the English FA Inter League Cup Final on May 10 beating Herts Senior County league 3 – 2 at the Bowl Stadium at the National Sports Centre.

‘As a result of this, the Isle of Man Football Team will now represent the Football Association (England) at the UEFA Regions Cup in Slovakia (Kosice) on September 23 for one week and will play games against Slovakia, Germany and one other team in the group which is yet to be confirmed.

‘Prior to this there will be warm up matches in Northern Ireland that the island team will travel to as part of the preparation for the European competition.

‘In addition to this, Ellan Vannin, which represents MIFA (Manx International Football Alliance), played in the Confederation of Independent Football Associations’ World Football Cup in Sweden between May 31 and June 8. Twelve nations were involved in the tournament.

‘Ellan Vannin made it to the final of this tournament where they faced Countea de Nissa FA. The game finished 0–0 and went to penalties, which Ellan Vannin lost 5 – 3.’

He continued: ‘Participation in football on the Isle of Man is another outstanding success.

‘Proportionally to population, participation is far greater than any other of the 47 counties that the FA governing body has responsibility for.

‘One in seven children on the Isle of Man is a member of a local club, for which there are 26 member clubs.

‘Fourteen of these clubs have community club status which is the FA’s benchmark for excellence in terms of number of players, members and teams from junior through to senior (male and female), facilities and qualified coaches.

‘For a population of around 80,000 this is proportionally a far greater number than any other county FA.

‘As a comparison Lancashire, which has a population of around 2 million, has 28 recognised community clubs.

‘In the last 12 months two young players from the Isle of Man (16-year-olds) have signed two-year professional contracts with Blackpool and Morecambe football clubs.

‘Congratulations must go to all those involved who have played their part in the ongoing achievements of developing football on the Isle of Man.’

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/isle-of-man-clinch-inter-league-cup-1-6609675|Click here to read our story about the English FA Inter-League Cup Final}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/football-news/ellan-vannin-s-heroes-lose-world-football-cup-final-on-spot-kicks-1-6661112|Click here to read our story about the Ellan Vannin team’s success}

When they arrived back to the island yesterday, the Ellan Vannin team was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd at Ronaldsway.

Among those present was Laurence Skelly, MHK for Rushen and the Minister for Infrastructure, who met them from the aeroplane.

It seems that politicians are keen to be associated with the island’s footballing success. What do you think about that? Leave a message here or email opinions@newsiom.co.im