Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly has had one of the rougher rides in the cabinet over the past few years. He admits to PAUL SPELLER, in the latest of our in-depth interviews, that the Bushy’s row could have been handled better and agrees government should do more to support local industry

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IT has not been the easiest of years for the Department of Economic Development, but its minister, Laurence Skelly, is still standing.

His critics would argue he is doing so against the odds, but events in other departments are starting to suggest his fortunes may rise as others’ dip on the seesaw of politics.

When our meeting was arranged initially, I expected to find myself sat across the table from the most embattled minister of Howard Quayle’s regime.

As it turned out, by the time we come face-to-face, Bill Malarkey - who, by happy coincidence ended up scheduling for two days earlier - has taken on the mantle of most under fire cabinet member.

I remark something to that effect and Mr Skelly smiles. It has not been the easiest of rides in the past 12 months, but he’s still there.

By another happy coincidence, the signature above mine in the DED’s visitor book belongs to Martin Brunnschweiler, boss of Bushy’s.

At the start of the year the Department of Economic Development found itself at the centre of a storm that was, truth be told, largely of its own making. Bushy’s - as synonymous with the TT as orange and white signs - was told to stop using the famous two letters in its merchandise.

To say the public took Bushy’s side is as big an understatement as commenting that Donald Trump can be divisive. A queue as long as that at the beer tent - albeit in much less good humour - lined up to point out precisely how much Bushy’s has contributed to the success of the TT over the years.

Things seem better now - our interview takes place before the DED’s confirmation it was not putting on any entertainment by the tent - but is it not remarkable that there was no one at the DED who foresaw the PR disaster that occurred?

’It could probably have been handled better, I am sure,’ says Mr Skelly. ’It has been resolved, but it did run a while to get to that particular point.

’Obviously, it has happened. We move on, at the end of the day.’

Of course, it’s not the only occasion in the past year or so where the DED has found itself embroiled in awkward situations.

There is the ongoing debate with promoter TinyCow, which claims the DED owes money after the loss-making concerts featuring The Jacksons in 2014 and Tom Jones last year.

Mr Skelly is limited in what he can say on this. But the DED seems confident it has acted correctly in this instance and there is also the impression its politicians wish they could say more.

’We think mediation is probably the most cost-effective option,’ he says.

At one point, following allegations made, Villa Gaiety complex manager Dawn Maddrell was suspended while an investigation was carried out. The inquiry found no cause for disciplinary action and the suspension was lifted.

There has been an unseemly side to the dispute and Mr Skelly says some of the abuse suffered by government employees on social media has been out of order. That seems to tally with comments expressed elsewhere that, whatever you think of his politics, Mr Skelly is a good boss to his staff.

Does he believe that events promotion is a sticky wicket for a government department to bat on?

’We went out to tender essentially to see if there was a commercial operator that could run this more efficiently and more effectively than government,’ he says.

’Having tested the market, what we have now done is look at the structure and make sure it is more efficient and more effective and put structures in place because [the Villa Marina and Gaiety] is a public venue.’

Then there was Vision 9, the company selected in to act as promoter for the TT, only for the department to later announce it was to ’discontinue the independent promoter tender process’. The possibility of legal action means Mr Skelly cannot comment any further at the moment.

Before politics, Mr Skelly’s business career was at its busiest when he was in the USA, where he built up a tourism business, Travel Connoisseur, in San Diego. He says it was a happy time but, ’once the family came along’ he and wife Jackie decided they wanted to raise their children in the Isle of Man.

A fellow businessman and MHK, Ralph Peake, has argued there is not a level playing field for established Manx businesses operating in the Isle of Man and that the government is at fault.

The minister, who has been an MHK since 2011, acknowledges the concern.

’We talked a lot, the last administration, about the two-tiered economy,’ he says. ’We have recognised the domestic economy has struggled in recent years.’

Changes are taking place to support that domestic economy, including the increase in the minimum wage - our discussion takes place before the increase was approved and then criticised by some employers - and a review of the procurement process that government itself utilises.

He says the Quayle government is keen to support local industry, but it is a balancing act.

’Do we fall into the protectionism route or do we keep an open market?’

He accepts the likes of retail have had a tough time, particularly in the high street, but suggests that more could be done to promote the value of shopping locally, by highlighting better service.

’Those who shop online will all have had an experience where they have a lack of service or no service, whereas if you go down to your local shop you will find that service. These are areas we have to look at very carefully.’

Mr Skelly is the only person doing the same job he was before the election - he was asked to stay in the job and was happy to do so.

’I guess, given the run-up to the election and various issues, I thought there was an opportunity to come back and hopefully see through a number of things.’

Until very recently, a betting man or woman might put money on Mr Skelly being first in line for the exit door if and when Mr Quayle decides upon a reshuffle. But the Ides of March have been kinder to the Rushen MHK than they have for either Mr Malarkey or, given even more recent events, Health Minister Kate Beecroft.

Nevertheless, given the criticism he has endured, does he spend much time looking over his shoulder at the new intake, to see who might push him out?

’I never look back, I always look forward,’ he says.

’Whatever happens, happens. If you look back, look to see what have you learned.’

Which begs the inevitable question as to what he has learned.

’I think it is very important to listen, as a politician, and also demand a high level of scrutiny with regards to evidence before making decisions.’