The Island's first Manx Chief Constable won the job on ability alone, according to Home Affairs minister Juan Watterson.

Gary Roberts was yesterday (Friday) announced as successor to Mike Langdon as the Island's top police officer.

Currently deputy chief, 49 year-old Mr Roberts will take over on January 1 next year.

He was the only local candidate among nine who applied for the post, all at Chief Superintendent rank or above.

Minister Watterson says it's a testament to personnel development within the constabulary that a Manx officer has risen to such high office.

And he said the selection procedure was carefully designed to prevent any bias towards a local candidate:

There'll be a full interview with Gary Roberts looking at his new role in Monday's Mandate from 7.30am.