During the interview, which covered a wide range of topics, Mr Proffitt suggested that an initial, and expensive, PKF report into the affair had accounted for all the expenditure by the MEA and concluded it had been well spent, the quality of the work, by contractors, was good; and the only real negative aspect of their findings was the poor relationship between certain senior ‘management’ figures.

The Manx Herald can reveal that former CEO of the Manx Electricity Authority, Mike Proffitt will be giving evidence, later this month, to the Select Committee of Tynwald investigating the ‘MEA loans scandal’.

In a recent exclusive interview, given to the Manx Herald, Mr Proffitt said he was due to be answering questions in the last week of May. Mr Proffitt went on to say that, through his lawyers, he had complained he had not been offered the same opportunity, as other witnesses clearly have been, to view the main questions, to be put to him by the committee, in advance and prepare his answers. He said, the committee had subsequently agreed to provide the questions; but he said he was still waiting for them and the amount of time he would have to prepare was quickly slipping away.

The Manx Herald agrees with Mr Proffitt that it is only fair he is extended the same courtesies as other witnesses; and believes it would be pointless if Mr Proffitt turned up at the meeting and after each question he replied he would need to get back to the committee with an answer.

During the interview, which covered a wide range of topics, Mr Proffitt suggested that an initial, and expensive, PKF report into the affair had accounted for all the expenditure by the MEA and concluded it had been well spent, the quality of the work, by contractors, was good; and the only real negative aspect of their findings was the poor relationship between certain senior ‘management’ figures.

However, in his opinion, these conclusions hadn’t suited the agendas of certain politicians; which is why we have this further investigation. He made it clear though he doesn’t intend to be made the ‘scapegoat’ for the affair, and will robustly defend his actions; not that he really cares what many people may think about him. He added none of what had gone on during his time at the MEA is having any impact on his current business activities.

In fact he went as far to say his business record is cleaner than perhaps several other characters involved in the matters surrounding the affair. He pointed out he has been subjected to various fit and proper assessments in respect of directorships, no complaints have ever been made about him to his professional body; and he is currently being ‘scrutinized’, again, in respect of a proposed directorship for an US company.

Readers of the Manx Herald may recall that two former Ministers, Richard Corkill and David North, who have already given evidence, intriguingly dropped hints the committee should make sure its investigation include the ‘telecoms’ area of the MEA’s ‘business plan’.

From our conversation with Mr Proffitt it appears it is an issue which definitely needs investigating by the committee to establish exactly what went on behind the scenes and reveal whether any skulduggery, or inappropriate conduct, took place. It is, without doubt, a matter the Manx Herald believes needs to be made public as it could have cost the taxpayers millions of pounds of lost income; and resulted in residents receiving an inferior internet connection service.

Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Mr Proffitt takes advantage of the qualified privilege, available to witnesses at select committee hearings, to dish the dirt on other parties involved in, perhaps, a bigger scandal than the ‘loans affair’.

The Manx Herald understands that former MEA Board Chairman, John McCallion is also due to give evidence.