Tributes have been paid to Garff commissioner Robert ’Bobby’ Moughtin.

Mr Moughtin served on Maughold and latterly Garff Commissioners for more than 12 years.

A spokesman for Garff Commissioners said: ’He had a great wealth of political knowledge gained locally and nationally which enabled him to participate in discussions and represent his constituents at all levels.

’His time with the commissioners included several terms as chairman - a role he undertook with great pride and commitment.’

He added that Mr Moughtin played an active part in the life of Maughold parish and Garff sheading throughout the years, but also participated more widely across the island through his involvement with committees such as the Isle of Man Municipal Association and the Whitley Council.

’The commitment, positive sense of purpose, and integrity he brought to all of the roles he undertook was always very much appreciated by colleagues,’ the spokesman said,

’Robert was also a member of the committee of Maughold Parish Social Club and would often be seen working hard and enthusiastically at events such as Parish Day or Hop Tu Naa.

’Perhaps his proudest political achievement was gained from the prominent role he played in negotiations to bring about the amalgamation of Laxey, Lonan and Maughold into the new Garff authority.

’His view was that such a body would be large enough to deliver new services whilst maintaining the character of the individual parish and village areas.’

Mr Moughtin was instrumental in many projects undertaken in Maughold and Garff, including several initiatives to increase recycling in the sheading, and through his close participation in negotiations to have services such as hedge-cutting and gulley cleaning transferred from central government.

In recent times, Mr Moughtin had chaired the committee charged with overseeing the transfer of the Northern Civic Amenity Site into local authority control.

The chairman of Garff Commissioners, Nigel Dobson, said: ’The many achievements Robert made in his political life stand as a testament to his extensive contribution to local and national politics.

’It is to be hoped that his family will find comfort from knowing how greatly he was appreciated and admired by colleagues in Garff and across the Island. He will be greatly missed.’