Businesswoman Claire Christian and pilot Paul Quine have been elected to serve the people of Douglas South.

Mrs Christian topped the poll, picking up more than half the total votes cast, with Mr Quine beating Liberal Vannin’s Michael Josem by only six votes after a recount.

The two newest MHKs will not have long to prove that voters made the right decision as a general election is due for September 2021.

However, with the island facing uncertainty with Covid-19, warnings unemployment is set to rise to potentially record levels and the island’s air links under threat, they will certainly have plenty to get their teeth into.

overwhelmed

Mrs Christian said she was ’totally overwhelmed’ by the size of her victory which saw her pick up more than half of the 1,789 votes cast.

She added: ’My priorities locally are; to deliver a 0-5 year pre-school within Douglas South and a review of the pre-school credit system.

’I want to improve the roads and pavements and to work for a better relationship between constituents, Douglas Council and government, in particular striving to find a quick resolution and smooth transition for the residents of Spring Valley.

’Nationally I want to see a focus on small businesses, the heart of our community and backbone of our economy, and to protect Manx jobs, create new opportunities and sectors.

’I want to see investment in our mental health professionals and support networks, including in education and our community policing.’

humbling

Mr Quine, who has spent many years flying on and off island for Manx Airlines and Flybe, said he’d found being elected ’very humbling’.

He added: ’It was quite close with Michael Josem and I think that reflects the professional campaign that Michael ran. It is gratifying to attain the seat but it was very close run thing.’

Recognising there is only one parliamentary year before going back to the voters, Mr Quine said he is preparing to focus on local issues which were raised during the campaign.

He said the most pressing of these local issues was the ’basic civic right of a decent bus service around Saddlestone’.

Mr Quine added: ’I’ve spoken to a lot of our old citizens in the area who are becoming increasingly isolated because the bus route was changed and they’re unable to get into the hospital and into town.

’So that’s something I feel we need to look to address.’

l The result in alphabetical order: Anthony Allen 264, Pamela Bernie-Malarkey 337, Claire Christian 930, Ian-James Clanton 115, David Fowler 139, Andrew Jessopp 342, Kevin Oliphant-Smith 132, Lon Pinkerton 84, Paul Quine 469.Total votes cast 1,789. Turnout 37.82%.