Bishop Robert is calling on the whole community in the Isle of Man to work together, to weather what he fears will be a very difficult year.

In his new year's message, he says he's deeply concerned about the impact the loss of government revenue, due to the new VAT deal with the United Kingdom, will have on many Manx people.

Bishop Robert says those with the least to start with will probably suffer most when cuts are made in public spending, and he is hoping for tolerance all round, as painful decisions are made.

He hopes the Island's well-known community spirit will continue to flourish: