The Manx government has refused to comment on the arrest of Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson - and whether there are any implications for the ferry terminal project.

Mr Anderson was arrested on Friday along with four other men in connection with offences of bribery and witness intimidation as part of an investigation into building and development contracts in Liverpool.

The Examiner asked the government for a statement on whether the building of the new ferry terminal at Princes Half Tide Dock was part of the Merseyside Police’s Operation Aloft investigation.

A spokesman said the government was declining our request as it would ’not comment on an ongoing investigation in another jurisdiction’.

When the go-ahead was given for the taxpayer funded £30m ferry terminal in Liverpool, Mr Anderson said: ’The new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal is a critical piece in our regeneration plans for the north shore of Liverpool.

’The city council is investing a huge amount of money in the transport infrastructure to support this new facility and we are delighted it now has planning approval and can look forward to its completion.

’The Isle of Man and Liverpool have a historic relationship and this new ferry terminal will cement our strong links and forge even closer ties into the future.’