MHKs sat for the final Keys sitting of the year today, but the season of goodwill was not evidently on show.
With members going over the allotted time for questions, they were asked whether or not to take questions at the end of the order paper.
When a division was called, Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper could be heard saying: “Part-timers the lot of you.”
The vote was rejected, with the remaining 10 questions not put to ministers, meaning less than half the 18 tabled questions were taken.
Defending the vote, Onchan MHK Rob Callister said on Facebook: “For only the second time in seven years, I voted against continuing question time this morning in the House of Keys, and I am happy to explain my reasons for this decision to my constituents.
“Today’s Order Paper included a significant amount of legislation, which deserves thorough consideration.
“While some may believe that the primary function of the House of Keys is to allow Ministers to answer oral questions, its main role is actually to scrutinise first, second, and third drafts of legislation, as well as to consider various clauses.
“I can assure the Constituents that I will be working right up to Christmas Eve and throughout the festive season to assist anyone who needs my support.”
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