The Chief Minister says it's essential the Island continues to forge links with senior figures of all the main political parties in the UK.

Allan Bell witnessed Ed Miliband's barnstorming keynote leader's speech at the Labour conference in Manchester this week, holding informal talks with shadow cabinet members Ed Balls and Liam Byrne.

He also discussed trade links between the Island and the north-west with the leader of Manchester City Council and the mayor of Liverpool.

Next week Mr Bell will lead a delegation of senior Manx politicians and government officials to meet Tories at their party conference in Birmingham.

Mr Bell told MTTV the Manx presence can only help deflect criticism of the Island and pay long-term dividends: