AN embarrassing slip up has meant that Treasury Minister Eddie Teare cannot take over as interim Education Minister, it’s been confirmed.
Just 24 hours after it was announced that Mr Teare would take over interim Minister, Tynwald members have been told that instead Health Minister David Anderson will take on the dual responsibilities until a full-time successor for sacked Peter Karran can be found.
Chief Minister Allan Bell explained that it had been hoped to accept Mr Teare’s offer to cover both duties but although this would have been a practical and logical solution, it now appears this is prevented by the Government Departments Act 1987 which specifically prohibits any member of Treasury from performing a role in another department.
Mr Karran, who was sacked for failing to support the government over the Pinewood studio deal, told iomtoday: ‘Of course this is embarrassing. It’s ridiculous to have made such a fundamental mistake.
‘This highlights the need for Liberal Vannin to do our best to help the government and work with them wherever possible to fill the void of strategic policy in these very difficult times.’