The new chief minister is offering reassurances about the way Tynwald makes spending decisions.

Allan Bell says it's essential to balance increased scrutiny, and the need to keep the economy going, with carefully considered investment.

His comments follow two calls in Tynwald for financial motions, involving expenditure of just over ?1 million, to be adjourned to make sure approving the money was the right thing to do.

In both cases members voted against adjournment and Mr Bell says the money for minor works, in the departments of education and community, culture and leisure, will help prop up the Island's construction industry through a long, hard winter.

He is promising that, under his watch, every effort will be made to ensure money isn't wasted: