TRIBUTES were paid to Deemster Kerruish who died in July following a long illness.

Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Deemster Kerruish and I offer my sincere condolences to his wife Marianne, and the family.

"As Attorney General, Second Deemster and then First Deemster, His Honour served the Isle of Man with great distinction, fairness and clarity of purpose, with a robust enthusiasm for the law and, most importantly, for the community.

"I had the pleasure of working with His Honour, first when I was Minister for Local Government and the Environment in the late 1980s, through to the present day; however he was not only someone I worked with, but he was also a very good friend whose company I always enjoyed.

"He will be missed by very many people from all walks of life within our community. His passing is a great loss to our country, but we have been fortunate, indeed, to have had such a person serve our Island with such distinction and dedication."

The Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks said: "I am greatly saddened by the death of His Honour Deemster Kerruish.

"I very much valued his wise counsel and his friendship. His Honour was a true Manxman and he will be a great loss to the Isle of Man. Lady Haddacks and I extend our deepest sympathy to Marianne (his wife) and his family."

Deemster John Michael Kerruish QC was educated at Douglas High School for Boys and the University of London,and served in the Royal Air Force before embarking on a distinguished legal career.

He was appointed HM Attorney General for the Isle of Man in October 1993 and held this post until January 1998 when he became Second Deemster.

From 2003 until his death, he served as First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls, presiding as Chief Judge of the Island’s High Court of Justice.