It is reported in today's Manx Independent that Geoff Cannell's contract as TT and MGP Press Officer, which expired on 30th September, is not being renewed.

Tourism Minister David Cretney is quoted as saying "As part of a wide review of the way the Department's resources are best utilised to support the TT it has been decided that a year-round, salaried Press Officer post was not justified. It has therefore been decided not to renew Geoff Cannell's contract, which expired on September 30th. A designated Press Officer will be appointed for the TT in good time for next year's event and it is likely that additional assistance will be obtained on a freelance basis from an appropriate journalist or journalists."

Geoff Cannell is quoted as saying "I really think it possibly dates back to the difficulties we had between Manx Radio and Energy FM. I've never heard of an international sporting event that doesn't have a Chief Press Officer."