Tynwald members have paid tribute to President Laurence Skelly ahead of his retirement next month.
Mr Skelly, who announced to the court the birth of a new granddaughter on Wednesday afternoon, was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List and will step down at the July sitting.
Speaker Juan Watterson lead tributes saying: “”Since that time [2011], it has been a pleasure working with you as MHK for Rushen, where, despite dropping from a three seat to a two seat constituency, you increased your share of the vote from 19% to 21%.”
Mr Watterson highlighted Mr Skelly’s role during the Covid-19 pandemic, adding: “During the difficult days of Covid, as they were, as it was known, you were the one at the helm of the Department of Enterprise, ensuring that business continued to flow and that commercial nerves were settled in difficult times.”
The President, who served as MHK for Rushen since 2011, reflected on his time in office and offered advice to fellow members.
Mr Skelly said: “There’s two watch words for you, integrity and humility and integrity is about being consistently aligning your moral values.”
He urged members to protect the island’s parliamentary institution, stating: “Respect it, because it is unique. So, over 1000 years old, you look up that stained glass up there, Godfrey Groven, the Vikings gave us this, and we need to take a step back and respect it and uphold its integrity, all of us, all of us have that duty.”