The Economic Development Minister has admitted there are "undoubtedly" reputational implications for the Island following the collapse of the proposed deal with Vision Nine.

Laurence Skelly was among several senior witnesses to give evidence yesterday (Wed) before the Tynwald committee investigating the breakdown of the TT promoter agreement.

An outline agreement between Vision Nine and the Department of Economic Development was scrapped in November last year – six months after it had been approved by Tynwald.

Answering a question from Committee Chairman Michael Coleman MLC, Mr Skelly said he accepted "100%" that the failure of the deal would have ramifications for the Island within motorsport circles:

Also giving evidence yesterday were current CEO at the Department of Economic Development, Mark Lewin; Mr Lewin's predecessor, Chris Corlett; former deputy CEO David Ronan; and TT and Motorsport Development Manager Paul Phillips.

Departments withheld Vision Nine concerns

Why weren't issues surrounding the promotion of the TT "flushed out" before the deal collapsed?

That was the question on the lips of Ayre and Michael MHK Tim Baker yesterday - he's part of the Economic Policy Review Committee which is reviewing the failed Vision Nine deal.

The hearing heard details about a Motorsport Strategic Group - made up from representatives of various government departments - which held numerous meetings in 2015 and 2016.

Mr Baker said with that in place he couldn't understand why it all went wrong:




David Ronan is the former deputy chief executive of the Department of Economic Development - he said other departments hadn't been forthcoming with their concerns: