Vince Cable and his wife, Rachel, visited the Island this week and Liberal Vannin are delighted that Dr Cable and his wife made time to meet with them.

Peter Karran MHK escorted them on a tour of the legislative chambers and they showed great interest in our unique parliamentary system. After the tour they met with various members of the Liberal Vannin executive for a private lunch at Niarbyl; at which they appeared to enjoy our local broth and queenies.

During the lunch discussion took place over various issues including the various systems of government, the global financial crisis, the future of offshore financial centres and the situation regarding Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander. Dr Cable also gave the Party advice on fighting the next general election.

Nigel Malpass, Party Chairman, stated “It is rare that a statesman of such stature visits the Island and it was a privilege to be able to speak with him personally and listen to his views and advice”.

In the evening Dr Cable was the guest after-dinner speaker at a dinner organised by the Sporting & Dining Club at the Mount Murray. Liberal Vannin had a table at this event and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Dr Cable’s after-dinner speech was both entertaining and enlightening; and he fielded questions from the floor in his trademark down-to-earth manner.

There was unanimous agreement that not only our own politicians could learn a lot from people of his calibre and that it was a pity that there were not more politicians with his high moral principles.

Nigel Malpass Party Chairman

Email: nigel.malpass@liberalvannin.org