Extending the vote to 16 and 17-year olds in the Isle of Man at the last General Election was a historically significant event.

That's the verdict of Treasury Minister Allan Bell - who has confirmed the Island is one of only a few jurisdictions in the democratic world to allow youngsters of that age to vote.

However, less than 40% of those who could vote chose to do so.

In a Tynwald written answer, Mr Bell says a total of 732, 16 and 17 year olds registered to vote in the election - that's 37 per cent of the total number eligible.

But fewer than that may have actually gone to the polls, as the final turnout figures are not yet available. So it remains to be seen how far having the opportunity to vote inspired the Islands youngsters.

Mr Bell cited other countries where the voting age is as low as 16 - they include Brazil, Cuba and Nicaragua - and for those in employment in Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro.

He says the Island's lowering of the voting age attracted inquiries from the UK media and from Jersey - coverage on the whole was positive.