Politicians to cast Chief Minister votes

Tue, 11 Oct 2011

Peter Karran and Allan Bell are standing for the role of Chief Minister

We hope to find out today who's to become the Island's top politician.

Allan Bell and Peter Karran are the two MHKs in the running for the role of Chief Minister.

Tynwald will gather today for the first time since the summer recess and the general elections.

The job on the agenda is selecting the Island's next Chief Minister.

Results from a survey conducted this summer appeared to show that if the public got to pick, Ramsey MHK Allan Bell would get the job.

However, Liberal Vannin Leader Peter Karran reckons he's got the edge as he came out top in a different poll carried out by Isle of Man Newspapers.

Tactically, they've both revealed who'd they have in the Council of Ministers if they're elected.

Mr Bell would reportedly have Eddie Teare as Treasury Minister and John Shimmin as Economic Development Minister.

Mr Karran would have Juan Watterson and Mr Bell in those roles.

It's hoped by many that one way or another today's vote will decide the matter.

If neither candidate gets enough support, a second round of voting will have to be held in a fortnight's time.

It would mean a delay in politicians settling in and getting down to the work they were elected for.