A Manx businessman, and former president of the Manx National Farmers Union, is to contest Middle in the House of Keys General Election later this year. It will be Howard Quayle’s first entry into the political arena but for five years, leading up to 2010, he was the union’s public face which involved fighting the industry’s corner at meetings all over Europe including the heart of the EU in Brussels. In this context he was involved in discussions with many Members of the European Parliament as well as the Agricultural Commissioner. Mr.Quayle (43) from Ballavitchel, Crosby, has built up an award-winning herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle and also received a gold award for his holiday cottages development at Ballahowin Courtyard in St.Marks. Having turned these ventures into successful enterprises he believes the time is right to enter politics and put something back into the Island. He said: ‘The Isle of Man has been good to me and I want to do something in return. I have always taken a keen interest in Government affairs and feel it is essential that the Keys contains more people who are used to running profitable businesses which is why I have decided to stand. ‘The Island has had 20 years of growth but it is confronted by some very big issues – notably the change in the VAT sharing agreement and the future of the corporate tax regime. Anyone can take the helm in a calm sea but the test comes when you hit stormy waters which is undoubtedly what we find ourselves in at the moment. We need people with proven business acumen to see us through the problems ahead.’ Mr.Quayle is married to Lorraine and has three children. Chantal (19) is studying Chinese and business studies in Liverpool; Cameron (12) is a pupil at the Queen Elizabeth High School in Peel while nine year old Elizabeth is at Marown Primary School where her mother is a parent-governor. With a young family growing up, youth issues are also close to his heart. He does not believe there are enough facilities for young people - which would also double up as tourist amenities – and points to the need for more wet weather entertainment such as ice and roller skating, together with a bowling alley. After education at the Queen Elizabeth High School in Peel and King William’s College, Howard Quayle began his working life as a civil servant in the Treasury and Local Government planning before moving into the finance sector, working for the NFU Mutual Insurance Group and Clerical Medical. Eventually he followed his father into farming before diversifying into the provision of self-catering accommodation. He was Vice-President of the Farmers Union for two years before taking over the reigns, as President, from 2005 to 2010. Said Mr.Quayle: ‘Up to very recently our politicians have had the money to provide virtually whatever was asked of them, but the years of plenty are over. With a large VAT deficit of around ?100 million, savings have to be effected and better business decisions made. ‘I am not saying every decision of our present House was a bad one. The move to set up a Department of Economic Development was an excellent concept – providing it is properly financed so it can ‘sell’ the Island. On the other hand, it beggars belief that we could spend ?3.5 million on Richmond Hill at a time of severe financial constraints. ‘We have to get better value when spending taxpayers’ money and that is why I believe we must get more businessmen – and women - into the House of Keys.’ ENDS