Emotions are running high in a dispute between the two branches of Tynwald.

But MLCs are hoping to head off deadlock over amendments to the Communications Bill by calling for a process last used in 2013 to be brought into play.

It involves delegations from both branches coming together to try to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.

The issue at stake is whether the Communications Commission should have a political chairman.

LegCo says it should not, to ensure the telecoms and broadcasting regulator is free from political interference.

The upper house moved an amendment in May that the political chairmanship role should end in April 2021.

But the House of Keys disagrees and narrowly voted at its sitting on November 5 to put a torch to that proposal.

Instead, MHKs accepted an amendment by the regulator’s current chairman, Bill Malarkey, that it should consult again over its future structure.

Other LegCo amendments were accepted by the Keys including one from Kerry Sharpe MLC that the definition of public service broadcaster should be widened to include licence holders other than Manx Radio.

Bills need the agreement of both branches.

MLCs had been due to consider the Keys’ amendments at today’s sitting but the item has now been withdrawn from the order paper.

When the bill does come back, MLCs will decide on three options - accept the Keys’ amendments, reject them or invite the MHKs to take part in a conference process.

This process was last used with the Sunbeds Bill in 2013, when two mutually consistent written reports were produced, one in the name of the House of Keys deputation and one in the name of the LegCo deputation.

Kate Lord-Brennan MLC said it would be a test for LegCo as the issue is being portrayed as a dispute between the branches.

’Emotions are running high as it is a point of principle,’ she said.

’This amendment is not going to change things overnight. Mr Malarkey will remain chair for a decent period of time.

’The disputed amendment changes nothing for now, which is why I am quite relaxed about it. However, a resolution would be much better.’

If LegCo votes to reject the Keys’ vote, or in the unlikely event that the Keys turn down the invitation to take part in a conference, there will be deadlock.

In principle, it is possible for the bill to go through without LegCo consent.

But all LegCo amendments will fall away.