Quayle’s Law

Quayle Must Obey the Quayle Rule

On February 19th Chief Minister, Howard Quayle in his Coronavirus Media Briefing announced the Quayle Rule, that the results of the Steam Packet investigation would be published:

“So, as soon as we have something, then of course we’ll share it with you”.

At the Coronavirus Media Briefing on February 23rd Minister of Health & Social Care, David Ashford endorsed the Quayle Rule – and reiterated that the results of the Steam Packet investigation would be shared:

“….and the Chief Minister has already said, once we have the results of that investigation, then they will be shared”

Chief Minister, Minister, the Great Manx Public are Waiting

Liberal Vannin are calling on the Chief Minister to fulfil his promise and share the results of the recent investigation into the “misunderstanding” between Government and the Steam Packet.

 With the Island now entering its second circuit breaker lockdown this year, the “Great Manx Public” deserve answers: 

  • What was the extent of this misunderstanding?
  • Why did the misunderstanding last for months before the inevitable Covid infection arose?
  • What scrutiny of the isolation regime for Steam Packet employees was in place and why did it fail?

Lawrie Hooper, MHK, Leader of Liberal Vannin is urging the Public Accounts Committee to look into this as a matter of urgency.

We are not seeking scapegoats or conducting a witch-hunt, but people have been imprisoned for breaches of Covid regulations. Lessons must be learned from any failures by Government and / or our Steam Packet Company. Open and transparent government at this critical time is paramount.

For further information, please contact:

Lawrie Hooper, MHK, Ramsey, Leader, Liberal Vannin  lawrie.hooper@gov.im          +44 (0)7624 473478

Paul Weatherall, Chair, Liberal Vannin  paul.weatherall@manx.net               +44 (0)7624 479436