The Manx Government was the target for predicted criticism at the annual Illiam Dhone commemoration.

One of the speakers, Stephen Moore, accused politicians of placing too much importance on the finance sector.

He also claimed rich people who moved to the Isle of Man to take advantage of the cap on personal income tax could only cause problems.

This was part of his speech:

"In the past we have had farming, fishing, the 'running trade' and the tourist industry - now our industry is finance.

"This means that the government has learned nothing from the past - all our eggs are still in the one basket, with the other industries only being given a light dusting of false interest.

"For the chief minister to state that 2009 will be difficult is only stating the obvious - what country or people will not be touched by economic problems in 2009?"

(Picture: Hango Hill, Castletown where the ceremony was held, from iomguide.com).