The Ministerial shake-up announced by Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK has met with a mixed reaction, including criticism from within Government that Ministers are being relocated from departments in which they have helped to bring about positive change.

The timing of the reshuffle has also come under fire.    

One MHK affected by the changes is David Cretney, currently Minister for Trade and Industry.  Under the new-look line-up, he will take on the role of Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure.

He has issued a statement in which he articulates his feelings about the new Government structure and looks back over the achievements of the Department of Trade and Industry in recent times:

"It was with more than a little apprehension that I accepted the Chief Minister’s request to become the Minister for Trade and Industry after the General Election in 2006, having been Minister for Tourism for the 10 years prior to that and being very 'comfortable' in that role.

"I have been a strong supporter of a new Department of Economic Development.  Pulling together all the facets of activity, that have brought about such success in diversifying our economy, in order to provide the best in public services and a strength to help face the challenges and meet the opportunities in the time ahead.

I also realised that it was likely to be another Minister that would build upon our good work in the very important time ahead where we need to match and hopefully exceed our competitor jurisdictions in our offer to new and existing businesses.

"I want to thank all those who supported me in terms of changes I have introduced, some of which I am aware placed more pressure on staff and to those whose expertise has been invaluable whilst taking forward legislation or answering questions!

"We have walked the tightrope that is Control of Employment legislation, balancing the needs of the local workforce while facilitating the demands of business..."

"We have helped so many people obtain skills or retrain and supported those who have been made redundant at such a difficult time and much remains to be achieved in ensuring we build upon the skill base to ensure our school leavers are properly equipped to meet the good opportunities that exist and new areas into the future.

"We have together walked the tightrope that is the Control of Employment legislation, balancing the needs of the local workforce in areas that have seen increases in unemployment whilst at the same time facilitating the legitimate demands of businesses to grow and ensure we as an Island remain attractive to new investors.

"We have together delivered real improvements at the Job Centre.

"We have been a shining beacon in areas such as the Shipping and Aircraft registers and long may that be the case in terms of the customer-focused, friendly staff for whom nothing is too much trouble in order to facilitate new business for the Island, plus those in the private sector with whom we work in close cooperation.

"As someone with a long standing interest in social legislation I am pleased to have been able to work to build upon the Employment Act and such progress must continue.

"I regret I will not now be in a position to promote legislation to provide for statutory recognition of Trade Unions which may well increase in importance in the time ahead but much has been achieved.

"I am also most grateful to the Work Permit Committee with whom I believe a good working relationship and understanding has developed, and also the Minimum Wage Committee whose work is so vital in preventing social division through supporting ongoing improvements.

"During my many visits to business premises I have been most impressed at the quality and diversity of industry on the Island and the strong links built with the private sector by staff of the DTI.

"I am delighted that the introduction of the Enterprise Act, which built upon the Industry Board Act, we have been able to support and provide further opportunities for Isle Of Man businesses and long may that be the case.

"I want to place on record my sincere thanks to all the staff at the DTI for the support they have given me and to wish all of them well in the future, which if we all work together will be a bright one for our lovely Island.

"They made me very welcome and although I had not worked with many of them before in my almost 25 years of being an MHK, many have become real friends in the time since my appointment.

"I have been very impressed with their commitment, hard work and, most importantly, good humour as we worked together for the good of the Isle of Man and its people in this vital area of Government responsibility."