A senior Manx government minister will bid for re-election to the House of Keys in September.

Ramsey MHK Anne Craine has announced her intention to contest the seat she has held since a by-election in 2003.

Mrs Craine topped the poll in 2006 and went on to hold the post of minister for education until April last year when she became treasury minister.

She says she is committed to her community involvement with many charities and associations in the town and, during the last five years, has supported considerable investment in Ramsey including a new primary school, housing on several sites, a new swimming pool and the start of the regeneration scheme.

Acknowledging the world financial difficulties, Mrs Craine admits the next few years will be difficult with tough decisions needed. She says strong government will be required to manage the Island's resources and protect the public, the prime focus being the care of the elderly, the young and the vulnerable.

She says she is committed to promoting the Island internationally to ensure the economy remains successful, and believes the resilient spirit and determination of the Manx people will help them meet the challenges that arise.

Mrs Craine is the second person to declare in the two-seat constituency of Ramsey, after local commissioner and former member of Tynwald Leonard Singer.