MHKs stood in silence to remember Bill Malarkey on Tuesday.

Home Affairs Minister Mr Malarkey died last week, after a brave battle against cancer and, in the House of Keys on Tuesday - the first sitting since - members stood in silent respect.

Speaker Juan Watterson also gave a moving tribute.

’It has been a pleasure to know Bill since we were first elected in 2006,’ Mr Watterson said. ’Many of us have lost a good friend, a man with an enormous sense of fun, a man of passion and conviction.

’He will be much missed.’

Mr Malarkey, who was Douglas South MHK, was 68. He first entered the House of Keys in 2006 as the Liberal Vannin candidate, before leaving the party and standing as an independent.

He lost his seat in 2011 but did not sit on his laurels and was elected to Douglas Council, before being returned to the House of Keys in a by-election in 2015.

Mr Watterson added: ’He had impressed many with his caring approach and tackling subjects which were difficult and not electorally popular. Key among these was the Chief Minister’s drug and alcohol strategy and social care policy.

’Bill was a champion for the vulnerable and, in the Home Affairs department, that calling was given renewed emphasis.’

The Speaker paid tribute to Mr Malarkey’s ’acute sense of fun’ - saying he would host a Christmas party in March to ensure a higher attendance, decorating the whole house!

But it was his dedication to his job that Mr Malarkey was best known for.

’Bill was someone who put everything into his work,’ said Mr Watterson.

’He lived for it. I know he was still answering e-mails and determined to make a difference even from his hospital bed - and that he was listening to the proceedings of the House just a fortnight ago.’

Mr Watterson extended MHKs’ condolences to Mr Malarkey’s widow Pamela and the rest of his family.

A celebration of Mr Malarkey’s life will take place in St George’s Church, Douglas, at midday on Saturday. Those attending are asked to wear colourful clothes.

Health Minister David Ashford is to take ministerial responsibility for the Department of Home Affairs on an interim basis, until a permanent appointment is made, it was announced this week.