ONCHAN MHK Peter Karran found himself the target of almost unanimous opposition in Tynwald this morning when his comments about the Manx film industry were described as a “slur” on the Isle of Man.
Virtually every member in the House this morning rejected Mr Karran’s ongoing attacks on the film industry and his unsubstantiated allegations that millions of pounds had been lost on film projects - repeated in the Isle of Man Examiner.
Treasury Minister Anne Craine launched an immediate attack on Mr Karran’s statement which she described as “a stain of dishonour” and “a slur”.
She called for Mr Karran - and his only supporter Michael MHK David Cannan - to withdraw their remarks and to not continue to repeat them under the protection of Tynwald or House of Keys sittings.
Mrs Craine said that Mr Karran was responsible for “constant abuse” of the film industry and that his figures were inaccurate and irresponsible.
David Callister MLC said that the matter should be resolved by the official figures being distributed to all members and the public, to prove that the allegations about losses were not correct. Mrs Craine agreed and further added that the chief executive of the Film Commission, Stephen Christian, was happy to speak to Tynwald on the matter.
