The demand follows widespread condemnation of his comment which was contained in a press release distributed to the media by Liberal Vannin.

The LCP was developed by Marie Curie 15 years ago to improve the care of the dying and their families.

The UK plan was recently extended to include anyone who has an incurable condition — including dementia — and is 'probably' dying.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Mrs Beecroft said: 'The Isle of Man Newspapers should apologise for the distress it has caused many people for the bad reporting on the front page of the Examiner dated 6 October.'

Mr Karran clearly stated within the party's press release: 'I am unaware of any political decision taken to introduce the Liverpool Care Pathway, which is actually worse than euthanasia.

'At least with euthanasia people are consulted on the actions that are to be taken.'

>> Click here to see the press release in full (.pdf file)

>> Editors' blog: Some reading matter

But Mrs Beecroft insisted the focus of the article should not have been on their leader's comment but on the fact the party felt there were many questions that needed to be asked regarding the use of the LCP in Noble's Hospital for those with an incurable condition and who are probably dying.

The article reported: 'Party members explained they are not questioning the plan's use for the terminally ill in Hospice Isle of Man but for those who are "probably" dying in Noble's Hospital.'

However, Mrs Beecroft said: 'This type of sensationalist reporting is totally unacceptable, particularly when dealing with such a sensitive issue.

'It is also unnecessary as Isle of Man Newspapers are not in competition with any other newspaper unlike the tabloids in the UK where gutter press reporting is accepted as a necessary way of life.'

She concluded: 'The Liberal Vannin Party hopes that, with the new editorship, we will see a national newspaper that is worthy of its readership in future.'

Meanwhile, Mr Karran has written to the Examiner complaining about 'misrepresentation' in the media, but also describing the LCP as a 'worrying and dangerous policy'. He does, however, support Mrs Beecroft's assertion that Liberal Vannin is not questioning the use of LCP, just the extent of it. He says he has 'grave concerns over whether this policy is more widespread than it should be'.

The LCP has been recognised nationally and internationally as leading practice and Noble's Hospital has been registered to use it for four years.

The programme uses a series of tick-box assessments to assess the likelihood of death.

As a result certain patients can have fluid and drugs withdrawn while on continuous sedation until they die.

But the Department of Health and Social Security said the plan used in Noble's Hospital has not been changed and is only used for patients 'in the dying phase of their illness irrespective of condition/diagnosis'.

And it confirmed the decision to adopt the pathway in the Island was made by the clincians responsible for patient care — not politicians.

Isle of Man Newspapers editor Richard Butt, who has been in place for more than a year, said: 'We do not feel we need to apologise for quoting the contents of a Liberal Vannin Party press release.

'It is an easy assertion for an under-fire politician to complain that a wrong emphasis has been placed on a remark or it has been taken "out of context", but Mr Karran is a highly experienced parliamentarian and must surely have been aware the impact his comments would have?'

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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YOUR COMMENTS

Mr Karran's use of wording such as this was designed to inflame debate, and garner the maximum attention for said press release. The fact he subsequently complains about the wording being taken "Out of Context" is nothing short of ridiculous. If our politicians dont have the spine to stand up and admit they were wrong, or fight their corner when tackling a difficult or controversial subject matter, theyre not politicians , theyre stage entertainers. Mr Karran is more than experienced enough in the field of media relations to get his name into the papers as a crusading politician, and will have to accept that whilst hes entitled to his view, when it offends people or language is used such as this, he will recieve justifiable criticism. Our MHK's are not above this, and neither should they be.
SM

Has Mrs Beecroft actually READ the press release ? Come to that has
Peter Karren ?
JT

I Personally agree with Mr Karrans views here! The liverpool care pathway is a very uncomfortable way to die for self and significant others to witness compared to euthanasia perhaps. It may be widely used when not necessary!! Mr Karran is an experienced politician and serves our nation well. I suppose yet again he has opened debate on a real issue worth investigating further. Whats wrong with that?
SG