Former President of Tynwald Noel Cringle has died at the age of 83.

Mr Cringle, who was president from 2000 to 2011, was educated at Castle Rushen High School and became a farmer and later an auctioneer at Central Marts Limited.

Married to the late Mary, they had two sons.

Mr Cringle was an Arbory Parish Commissioner from 1964 to 1974. He was first elected a Member of the House of Keys in 1974 as a member for Rushen. He lost his seat in 1986, while Chairman of the Home Affairs Board, but regained it in 1991, continuing as a member for Rushen until 2000. From 1996 to 2000 he was Speaker of the House of Keys.

From 2000 to 2011 he was President of Tynwald, and thus a member of the Legislative Council.

He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours.

Current President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly said: ’Today Tynwald and the island mourn the passing of a political giant.

’Noel was widely known as a farmer and auctioneer, and as an untiring supporter of every aspect of island life, especially sport and the arts.

’But it is above all as a parliamentarian that he will be remembered. In a career spanning five decades he served in many different capacities and ultimately distinguished himself as the longest-serving President of Tynwald in the history of the role.

’Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss.’