An independent public inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic should be set up as soon as possible, according to a Manx-born barrister.

Covid-related deaths in care homes should be high on the agenda, says Stuart Gale QC.

’There are a few questions that need to be asked,’ he said, ’such as whether the Isle of Man was right to simply adopt the UK advice on travel, whether it was right to shut down the borders when it did or should that have been done sooner. There is the obvious question around the high number of care home deaths.

’Anybody who has lost somebody in these circumstances and people who have been denied access to their relatives are entitled to a proper explanation.’

Based in Scotland, where he is senior counsel in a major and long-running child abuse inquiry, acting for those who were abused as children in Quarriers Homes, Mr Gale said the decision of the Scottish government to commission its own public inquiry sets a precedent for other jurisdictions that have regional specialities to consider.

He said: ’The Isle of Man falls into that category. The pandemic and the restrictions that came with it have had an unprecedented effect on the normal life of the island. Trade and travel links have been disrupted. Movement within the island has been restricted under penalty of imprisonment.

’As a lawyer specialising in public law, I am aware that decisions taken in a political context are extremely difficult to challenge. On occasion, unusual circumstances demand that certain steps are taken in order to learn lessons for the future.

’Dealing with all matters relating to the government’s handling of the pandemic in a single inquiry, chaired by someone not associated with the decision making process, would be preferable to separate inquiries dealing with differing episodes. Deaths in care homes could be considered against the background of the pandemic in general.’

He said a bespoke inquiry that was fully independent of the government could be easily convened, adding: ’It would be a gross error to appoint a politician to chair an all-encompassing, major inquiry. It’s about accountability and acknowledgement. A full blown inquiry should begin as soon as possible.’

The UK government has announced an independent inquiry will get under way next spring, and is yet to establish terms of reference.

There has been no move by the Isle of Man to set up its own inquiry. A government spokesman said it would be something for the next administration to consider.