President of Tynwald Clare Christian has welcomed the vice president of the North American Manx Association, Kelly McCarthy, to the Legislative Buildings.

Daughter of Manx cultural champion Dollin Kelly, Mrs McCarthy was brought up in Port St Mary and is a former Castle Rushen High School student.

She now lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Mrs McCathy was on the Isle of Man to visit family and friends but also to hold early discussions with Mrs Christian regarding Tynwald Day 2014.

A NAMA delegation will be attending the ceremony at St John's while in the Island for its homecoming convention.

The association is also hoping to hold its board meeting within the precincts of Tynwald.

Mrs Christian gave the keynote speech at the 51st NAMA convention in Wisconsin in August this year.

She says July 5 is a memorable date in the Manx calendar, and it's also the date in 2014 when Mrs McCarthy becomes the president of the association.

Mrs Christian added she was delighted the Island will have the chance to share the celebrations with the visitors from North America.

She also congratulated Mrs McCarthy on her new role as head of an association dedicated to preserving Manx culture and raising awareness of the Isle of Man.