THE Island's Chief Minister has said a new office in Brussels will be a "significant step forward in self representation for the Isle of Man".

Earlier this month it was revealed that Patrick Bourke would take up the position as director of European affairs and Brussels representative for the Isle of Man.

This morning in the House of Keys, north Douglas MHK Bill Henderson asked Tony Brown to make a statement about this appointment and whether the Isle of Man would be better represented in its own right rather than by third parties.

Mr Brown said: "The office is regarded by government as an important step forward in furthering the Island's interests in the EU, across a wide range of complex and challenging issues.

"This initiative supports the government's aims of increasing self representation, establishing relationships with overseas governments, the developing and improving potential markets for the future and defending and developing our formal relationships with the UK and Europe. 

"The functions of the Isle of Man Brussels Office will primarily involve the representation and advocacy of the Island's position, underpinned by careful monitoring and research in respect of issues which could directly or indirectly impact on the Island.

"These functions will form the role of our new director of European affairs in Brussels, who will be strategically placed to understand and positively influence developing European agendas from an early stage, particularly those of importance to the Isle of Man and our economy and economic development. 

"The role will involve active ongoing engagement at first hand with the EU institutions, and the administrations of the member states and also with colleagues on the Island.

"It is certainly expected that the Isle of Man Brussels Office shall develop and grow going forward under the director of Isle of Man European affairs. Government will regularly brief Honourable Members on how the office is operating and developing at governments regular international briefings given to members.

"I believe that the Isle of Man Brussels Office will be a significant step forward in self representation for the Isle of Man, allowing the Island's profile to be raised and its reputation to be processed and promoted within Europe. 

"There may of course be occasions when issues require highly specialised external advice, in addition to those provided by the director of European affairs."

What do you think? Do you think the government needs a representative in Brussels? Let us know by leaving a comment below:

Also see: "Eyes and ears" of Manx Government appointed in Brussels