Drama indeed

"Drama indeed" is a line often used Manx Radio in the TT and  the station reported on plenty last night with an action packed election special producing quality reporting, gaffs and surprises.

Former Commonwealth Games 400 metre hurdler and veteran champion David Anderson defied the exit polls to retain his seat of Glenfaba.

Before that, Northern 10 Miles regular finisher and London Marathon marathon runner Eddie Teare retained the constituency of Ayre with a landslide win. There was another landslide win for Alf Cannan, brother of Northern AC's well known former Island Games athlete, Bernie, in Michael.

Later in the evening, Parish Walk finisher and London Marathon runner, David Cretney retained his South Douglas seat with the largest number of votes of any candidate in Douglas.

Two other Parish walkers retained their seats with contrasting margins. Tim Crookall had a narrow victory in Peel but Graham Cregeen romped to victory in Malew and Santon.

Less successful were three times Parish Walk entrant Quinton Gill, who lost his seat in Rushen, and June Kelly in Onchan who is a sister of Maureen Kelly of the IOMVAC.

Peter Karran, brother of former walking champion Mike, again topped the poll in the latter constituency but ten times Parish Walk entrant Adrian Earnshaw had to face being asked on live radio if it was a good result for him after he had lost his seat.

It was Allan Bell who, as Tourism and Leisure minister, delivered the National Sports Centre to the Isle of Man in 1991. He topped the poll in Ramsey to become the longest serving member of the keys and will surely now be chosen as Chief Minister to deliver leadership to the Isle of Man for the next five years.