South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey believes the Steam Packet needs to look at itself, and not elsewhere, if it wants to move forward in the face of new competition.

The company is examining its options after losing some of its major freight custom to a rival container-based daily service, between Douglas and Liverpool, set up by Ramsey-based Mezeron.

The Steam Packet has used the freight side of its business to subsidise passenger services, and it's being suggested the latter could now be cut.

However, Mr Malarkey believes the real problem lies in the fact the company is servicing massive loans, taken out by its parent company McQuarrie.

He is telling Steam Packet staff who issued flyers over the weekend, outlining their concerns, to look at their own management (play audio file):

Mr Malarkey also says he has never been happy with the user agreement between the Manx government and the Steam Packet, and it is now longer fit for purpose.