MEMBERS of the Council of Ministers have as much right to express their personal political opinions as bank bench MHKs, Tynwald was told today.

Chief Minister Tony Brown, speaking in response to a question by Michael MHK David Cannan this morning, was referring to public comments made about Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne following his speech at the Hango Hill ceremony in memory of nationalist hero Illiam Dhone at new year.

“Mr Gawne is well known for having strong nationalistic background and his views were personal and do not reflect the opinions of the Council of Ministers,” said Mr Brown. “His speech did not contravene his position as a Minister.”

Mr Gawne told the gathering on January 2 that he felt the Isle of Man “was being pushed further and further away by the UK government” and that the Island should consider new alliances, suggesting Nordic countries as a possibility. 

Mr Cannan argued that Mr Gawne’s Hango Hill speech had been reported in the UK media and on the internet and his words had been regarded as reflecting views held within the Council of Ministers.

However, Mr Brown immediately rejected the suggestion and added, “The speech did not reflect government policy and did not reflect the views of the Council of Ministers. I’m delighted we live in an island where people can freely express their views.”

Mr Gawne also spoke at the 2006 Illiam Dhone ceremony when he fiercely argued that he had not “sold out” by becoming a Minister in the Manx government, saying it was better and more influential to work from within to secure change for the better.