Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw has announced his intention to stand as an Independent candidate for Onchan, in September`s General Election. A resident of Birch Hill and a former Manager with the Isle of Man Bank, Mr Earnshaw has represented the District since 2001 and is seeking re-election to one of the Constituency’s three seats. His entry to politics was via Onchan Commissioners in 1996 and culminated in him being appointed Chairman of the Board in Millenium Year. This was followed by election to the House of Keys the following year. In Government, he has served five Departments, these being the Department of Health and Social Security, the Department of Local Government and the Environment and then three years as a Member of the Treasury. His present position as Minister for Home Affairs began in 2008 and followed his previous appointment as Minister for Tourism. Mr Earnshaw is pleased with the strong performance of “Home Affairs” where significant reductions in crime levels have been achieved by the Police and the successful “Neighbourhood Policing Programme” continues to develop and progress. In addition, the Island has a top quality Fire Service and our new Prison at Jurby is operating well. Whilst this is all good news, Mr Earnshaw is fully aware that the over-riding issue for the forthcoming election will clearly be how we re-balance the budget to maintain our quality of Island life. He continued-----"for the next five years, it will be crucial to focus on the economy. The long term aspiration of the Manx Government for our Island has been to build “A Prosperous and Caring Society". This aim remains unchanged with the words being purposefully arranged in this order to recognise that care cannot be delivered without prosperity. A sound economy is therefore vital to support the health, education and welfare services we enjoy and to provide employment for our citizens. Although the Island has prospered considerably in the last three decades, major challenges lie ahead for the next House of Keys following recent changes to the UK Customs sharing agreement. More than ever, the balance has to be struck between increasing income and reducing expenditure and progress is being made with managing these dual aims in a controlled manner. If re-elected, I believe my financial background and political experience will help me continue to play a positive role in rising to the demands of our external pressures, developing our economy and enhancing the quality of life of our residents." In conclusion, he says----- “I wish to thank everyone who has supported me in previous elections and assure them that, at all times, I have endeavoured to represent Onchan and the Isle of Man in a responsible and positive manner. The trust the electorate has placed in me is something I value greatly and over the summer months, I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can, to listen to and discuss your concerns." ENDS