Canvassing for next month's Isle of Man general election is entering its final stage, following the confirmation of the line-up.

Fifty-four candidates now know exactly who they will be up against, and the man who served Ayre up to the recent dissolution of the House of Keys can look forward to a further five years representing the people of the northern constituency.

Eddie Teare will have a relatively stress-free polling day, while the rest of the candidates battle it out for the 23 remaining seats.

Graham Bell reports:

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Polling day is now twenty-three days away, and during that time the profile of the candidates is likely to increase, with posters, flyers and billboards appearing all over the Island.

Five years ago there were four uncontested seats and there would have been three this time if the Liberal Vannin Party hadn't come along.

Party politics will play a part in the election, with nine LVP candidates and two officially representing the Manx Labour Party.

Everybody will be hoping for a big turnout, not least the government, which has brought in a number of measures to boost the Islandwide turnout of 58.7 per cent in 2001.

Polling stations will be open for 12 hours, from 8:00 am, and 16 year olds will have the vote for the first time.