A row is brewing over whether this week’s sitting of Tynwald should be held virtually because of fears over Covid-19.

Deputy Tynwald President Juan Watterson says a virtual sitting will address ’specific concerns’ relating to certain members.

But Education Minister Alex Allinson has warned it sends out the wrong message to the public and he, along with several other members, intend to vote against it.

Mr Watterson says he received ’strong representations’ in favour of holding the sitting virtually and that Public Health advice of ’hands, face, space’ will be almost impossible to achieve in the Tynwald chamber.

Mr Allinson told iomtoday.co.im: ’This came as a bit of a surprise. The deputy president came to talk to members this morning. I know quite a number of members are not happy with this. It sends out the wrong message to the community.’

Mr Allinson said he understood some members might have reservations about meeting in the Tynwald chamber. He said the option of those members working from home should be explored.

Mr Allinson said he would be voting against a virtual sitting, adding: ’We have important business to discuss, it’s a long order paper and we are also electing a new President of Tynwald. The parliament should be sitting physically to allow for its proper functioning.’

In a statement, Mr Watterson said some members’ families were affected by the virus, others are not doubly vaccinated and some have personal health concerns. He acknowledged the potential for criticism from the public, adding ’views will be mixed’.

The sitting starts tomorrow (Tuesday) and is expected to last for three days. It’s the final session before the summer recess.