Party chairman attacks minister

The Liberal Vannin Party is accusing a Manx government minister of 'devious and underhanded action' over health insurance.

Party Leader Peter Karran yesterday arranged for insurance brokers Jardine Lloyd Thompson to give a presentation to Tynwald members about a suggested medical insurance scheme for all Manx residents travelling to the United Kingdom.

The LVP says the scheme could replace the doomed Reciprocal Health Agreement and would be paid for with a levy of £1.70 on travel costs.

But the party claims Health Minister Eddie Teare contacted the firm's London office with a warning that Liberal Vannin was not the government here and the planned trip could be 'a waste of time'.

Liberal Vannin says Mr Karran wasn't told about the call, but had never claimed to be in power on the Island.

In a statement, the party says Mr Karran was concerned and upset Mr Teare thought Liberal Vannin hadn't been honest with the brokers.

Party chairman Kate Beecroft claims Mr Teare's action 'destroy the credibility of a ministerial office in our Manx parliament', and describes the call as 'devious and underhanded'.