INFRASTRUCTURE Minister and Rushen MHK Phil Gawne has said he will be standing in the general election in September.

Mr Gawne has served as a Rushen MHK since 2003.

He believes the next five years are going to be the most difficult for a generation.

Mr Gawne said: "We are facing very uncertain political and economic times and we will need to fully engage the skills, innovative thinking and independent spirit of the Manx people if we are to retain the stability and prosperity that our Island Nation deserves.

"At the forthcoming general election I offer my political experience, unwavering commitment and passion to ensure that our beautiful Island home continues to be a comfortable and secure place to live.

"I strongly believe that we can achieve more by working together and I feel I have a proven track record of working collaboratively in delivering better solutions.

"If I receive the support of the people of Rushen, I will work with my colleagues to provide the strong leadership and clear vision that I believe the Isle of Man needs to be a place of greater opportunity for all."

Mr Gawne has a website and YouTube channel.

He added: "I am pleased to be the first candidate to use video on the internet to express my views and hope that people will find this useful."