The polls have closed in the 2006 Isle of Man General Election and the Manx people have spoken.

The shape of the next House of Keys will unfold in the coming hours, with expert analysis and comment on Manx Radio's Election Night Special throughout the evening.

The first result could be through by 9.30 but re-counts, if the voting is close or the count disputed, could delay the last declaration until the early hours.

For the first time in the Island's political history exit polls have been conducted.

Manx Radio and local high school students carried out the exercise at six constituencies where the issues or the candidates have generated particular interest.

The results suggest trends, but we emphasise they are only indications and not guaranteed to predict the actual result.

In Rushen two sitting members appear to be in trouble.

Environment Minister John Rimington is struggling, behind newcomer Juan Watterson who tops the poll.

Port St Mary Commissioner Philip Crellin is giving the two other sitting members, Quintin Gill and Phil Gawne, a run for their money.

There could be another surprise in Peel, although we stress our figures are based on a small sample of voters.

Local commissioner Tim Crookall has made a good showing, and could threaten long serving member Hazel Hannan.

Elsewhere, plenty of interest surrounds the result in Ramsey where Leonard Singer has stepped down from the Legislative Council to fight a campaign based on Ramsey Cottage Hospital. But how has he fared?

Well, he has cause for concern as, according to our poll, he's trailing Allan Bell and Ann Craine.

Liberal Vannin Party leader and outspoken government critic Peter Karran is heading for a comfortable victory in Onchan, ahead of Adrian Earnshaw.

But who will claim the seat vacated by former Chief Minister Richard Corkill?

It looks like a two way fight between Onchan commissioners David Quirk and Brian Stowell.

Another prominent politican, Manx Labour Party member David Cretney, is well ahead in South Douglas and it looks as if Bill Malarkey will take the seat freed up by the retirement of Adrian Duggan.

In East Douglas Brenda Cannell and Phil Braidwood are being pushed all the way by Chris Robertshaw.

Our polls show that in all six constiuencies surveyed, voters are more concerned about local issues than national ones.

But looking at the bigger picture, government spending is generally seen as more important than immigration, which has dominated the campaign.

(Picture: The House of Keys chamber).