Our series of in-depth interviews with the island’s 24 MHKs ends, fittingly, with Chief Minister Howard Quayle. He talks to PAUL SPELLER about how he is settling into the job, the pressures facing the island at home and on in the international stage. The successful businessman and landowner also talks about how he can relate to the voting public and even finds time to say what he hopes to do with the horse tram he bought last year.

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Chief Minister Howard Quayle is the Middle man - in many ways.

He’s MHK for Middle, he was the middle - and establishment - option for chief minister between Alfred Cannan and Kate Beecroft and he is trying to plough the middle ground between dealing with international uncertainty and addressing domestic concerns.

When elected chief minister he was widely regarded as possessing the safest available pair of hands to run the country.

’It has gone better than I thought it would,’ he says when I ask him how the first six months have gone.

He is pleased with the much-lauded consensus approach.

’I had had five years of sitting in the Keys and Tynwald with constant sniping and fighting,’ he says. ’That was not what I signed up to. I signed up for achieving things.’

The impression he seems keen to give is that he is here to serve. His only ambition when he was first elected as an MHK in 2011 was to do ’a good job for the Isle of Man’.

More than once during our discussion, he tells me: ’I am not a career politician.’

When the VAT bombshell blew apart the economic landscape in 2009, it convinced him to stand.

’I am sure all previous politicians were passionate about the island. I genuinely care about this island.’

Now he holds the reins and aims to deliver on pledges to remove the silo mentality within the Council of Ministers.

’We are working at it. We will always get a relapse every now and then.’

Our conversation comes before the latest TT branding wrangle for the Department of Economic Development to unpick and prior to Health Minister Kate Beecroft causing a social media storm by posting what some thought was an inappropriate video of a female biker’s wardrobe malfunction.

It also takes place before the Department of Home Affairs’ deal over Ramsey courthouse.

What this shows is that the ministerial life expectancies of cabinet members can fluctuate.

Does he foresee changes in his line-up further down the line?

’I suppose it is early days yet. The current team of ministers are working hard, but equally we have got some good new MHKs. We will just have to wait and see.

’The talent is certainly out there for me to make the choices, but I am not the sort of person who makes change for change’s sake.’

Much has been made of Mr Quayle’s travels and his emphasis on the importance of being ready for Brexit.

Mr Quayle makes no apology for the international side of his role and cites hectic itineraries to counter accusations he likes a trip for the sake of it.

’My job is to ensure that I speak to a large number of politicians to ensure that the Isle of Man is not forgotten,’ he says.

Given we meet just 24 hours after Theresa May has called a snap election, after months of telling everyone that was not the plan, I ask him if it is a worry that any promises from the UK Government about our interests may not count for that much in the long-drawn out Brexit process.

That is why it is important to continue the engagement, he says.

’It is a case of constantly lobbying. Building up those relationships and having a good number of parliamentarians who understand the Isle of Man and its people is my way of ensuring that we are listened to.’

It has led to concerns, vocalised most recently by his old colleague Chris Robertshaw, that he is not concentrating on issues at home, such as the domestic economy, health service and other matters.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas is often to be found answering House of Keys questions that, a few years ago, would have been tabled for the chief minister.

Mr Quayle has confidence in his team.

A hands-off approach also allows him, when ministers encounter difficulties, to show a paternal concern and to promise to intervene if necessary.

The Programme for Government is what this parliament is all about. It is the touchstone for all government policy.

Although there has been criticism of some of the methods for measuring performance, there is general acceptance of the main goals. He is confident it will provide accountability, but that it will not turn into a millstone.

There is a look of disappointment, possibly concern, when I suggest we have not been overwhelmed with legislation in this first year. The Equality Bill is a big deal, but it started its process in the previous administration.

The Programme for Government outlines what’s to come. Nine bills have been introduced since the new government was formed. It compares well with recent terms - although a few more years ago you could sometimes see 20 pieces of legislation passed in a year - and I am assured it is a busy government.

For all the air of positivity, there are some who fear warning signs are not being picked up on.

Job losses in banking over the past couple of years have been well-documented, but some observers say it is the trickle of other jobs leaving the island that has slipped under the radar and could leave us in trouble.

Earlier this year, Mr Quayle told a conference up to 500 jobs could be created by companies coming to the island.

I ask him if he sticks by that. He does.

’The Isle of Man is showing good green shoots,’ he says. ’Yes, we have lost some banking jobs - that is happening across the banking sector - but we are replacing them in the e-business sector.’

More people are paying National Insurance and tax than last year, he says. He has spoken to firms applying for licences to set up here, although he cannot go into detail yet, and estate agents have given positive indicators.

But he also acknowledges the potential threat posed by a declining population

The important thing, he says, is for the Manx economy to diversify, with biotech and fintech areas to explore.

His successful career is well documented. He owns substantial land at Ballahowin and Ballavitchel -any agricultural grant goes to his tenant - and he’s the chief minister. How does he maintain a common touch?

’On a small island, people will get to see me - whether that is as chief minister or Howard Quayle the individual - out and about on a regular basis.’

Not everyone, of course, gets to buy an old horse tram for £1,100, as Mr Quayle did when some of the rolling stock was put under the hammer last year.

’It wasn’t bought as a gimmick, I bought it because I genuinely believed some of our island heritage could leave the Isle of Man and I wanted to make sure it stayed,’ he insists, adding he is now searching for someone take on its restoration.

It’s early days, but for both the government and Tynwald, the honeymoon period is drawing to a close. Frustrations are coming to the surface on social media and, as time goes on, criticisms will make some members twitchy.

Even a safe pair of hands will need to keep a firm grip.

How long does Mr Quayle see himself continuing?

’I am not someone who craves the recognition, I just want to come in and do a job, get the island back on its feet; ensure there is a good future for our young people and that we can afford to give our older people the service and care that they deserve.

’When that is sorted, I will let the next generation get on with it.’