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Minister withdraws accusations

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne has withdrawn remarks he made about being bullied by a Member of Legislative Council. 

He’d claimed he and his department had been targeted by an MLC over an attempt to have the upper chamber abolished. 

Chairman of the Tynwald Standards and Member’s Interests Committee Steve Rodan wrote to Mr Gawne last week – saying an allegation of bullying was a serious matter. 

He offered to investigate the claims, but Mr Gawne’s turned down the opportunity.

In a letter to Mr Rodan sent last Wednesday, Mr Gawne says he’s had the chance to look back over the claims and remarks he’d made to the media.

He says he’s withdrawing his remarks about bullying and claims laid at the door of Alex Downie MLC – as well as assertions his department had been targeted by an anyonymous letter-writer.

Mr Gawne says he doesn’t have any basis for a complaint to the committee, and has offered to meet privately to resolve the matter.

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