IoM Should Look To Ireland For Support, Says Former Lib Dem Leader

by Robert Lee, Tax-News.com, London

04 July 2002

Speaking during a visit to the Isle of Man last week, the former leader of the UK's Liberal Democrat party, Lord Owen said that the Manx government should turn to Ireland for support in matters European, suggesting that the Republic would be 'sympathetic' to such an approach.

The Isle of Man Online news service this week quoted the former Lib Dem chief as warning that:

'If you can get the Irish on your side as well as the British, you should do so. There are some areas where you (the Island) are going to need help and friends as they (the EU) start to regulate financial services across the European Union.'

Despite recent indications that the United Kingdom may be gearing up to join the single European currency, and his own stated position as a 'very convinced European', Lord Owen suggested that in his view, the time is not right for the UK to join the euro.

However, the IOM Online reported that he dismissed suggestions that the Isle of Man would suffer if Britain were to take the plunge and praised the jurisdiction for its innovative attitude, explaining that:

'You thrive on your intelligence, on being ahead of the game, being able to modify and adjust. You would be able to adjust to this change.'

Recommended