Move from Castle Rushen 'not good enough'

A former Castletown MHK and chief minister says he’s amazed the ancient capital hasn’t fought harder to retain the tradition of swearing in the new Lieutenant Governor in Castle Rushen.

Incoming governor Richard Gozney will be sworn in at Douglas Courthouse on Friday May 27th, after Manx National Heritage said the courtroom in the ancient capital wasn’t in a fit state.

But Tony Brown says he’s amazed the commissioners and current MHK Richard Ronan haven’t fought harder to keep the ceremony in its traditional home.

And he says the promise of starting a new tradition isn’t good enough: (play audio)

Manx National Heritage has issues a statement in response.

It says MNH was contacted by the Cabinet Office in December 2015 about the investiture, during which the current condition of the room, along with disability access, capacity and fire safety work were discussed.

Major repair and restoration work is being carried out in various parts of the castle.

MNH says it respects the decision to transfer the ceremony to Douglas, and it looks forward to welcoming the new Lieutenant Governor to Castle Rushen at a future date.