THE fact Steve Rodan was re-elected in Garff tonight will have come as little surprise for many but his only opposition had made the news for other reasons in the lead up to the election.

Just yesterday (Wednesday) Liberal Vannin Party candidate Nigel Dobson appeared at Douglas Magistrates' Court charged with making a false statement in his nomination paper.

The case was adjourned until October 12.

Mr Dobson has not entered a plea as of yet.

The party released a statement yesterday which said: "The party feels that they should rely on the Isle of Man justice system for its judgement and due process of law which they will respect whatever the outcome.

"In the meantime they do not wish to deny the voters in the constituency of Garff the opportunity for voting for Liberal Vannin."

In a highly unusual step the returning officer for Garff, Winston Taylor, issued a press release later in the day confirming voting would take place in the constituency.

Mr Dobson received just 136 votes in the election while Mr Rodan retained his seat with 1,725.