Ministers must decide themselves if they're conflicted over Mooir Vannin plans

Chief Minister says 'pre-determination' must be separated from 'pre-disposition' 

Ministers will have to determine themselves if they have any conflicts of interest in relation to the Mooir Vannin Wind Farm proposal.

Ard-Shirveishagh Chris Thomas told the House of Keys this morning (3 November) that his Council of Ministers will have to declare any conflicts as soon as they become apparent.

These can arise through personal or financial interests, personal ties or pre-determination bias.

The chief minister says he anticipates that the primary source will relate to the latter and, in particular, statements made during the General Election process.

But he says it has to be distinguished from ‘pre-disposition’:

In the run up to September’s vote prospective MHKs were told, by the Attorney General’s Chambers, that adopting a position could impact future decision making if they were later appointed to the Council of Ministers.

You can find out more HERE.

Examination

Orsted’s plans for an 87-turbine development off the east coast of the Isle of Man were scrutinised by an examining body earlier this year.

The panel took evidence from a range of representatives throughout the process including from the company, Manx Utilities and residents who live near the development site.

Hearings also examined environmental impacts, shipping routes and whether electricity generated by Mooir Vannin could be used on the Island.  

The process was completed on 9 September 2026 and the examining body was given 60 working days to complete its report and determine a recommendation.

That report is due to be discussed by the Council of Ministers in early December.

CoMIN will then have 30 working days to make a decision and explain it; it’s understood the report will also need to be published as soon as practicable after it’s received.

Cannan

Mr Thomas was quizzed in the House of Keys by his predecessor Alfred Cannan.

The Ayre and Michael MHK wanted to know which ministers has already declared conflicts of interest arising from their previous public statements.

He also wanted to know what arrangements had been made for their non-participation in any determination:

Mr Thomas confirmed that no ministers had yet determined a position because the matter hadn't been discussed in the Council of Ministers. 

He also said Tynwald will only be involved in the decision-making process around Orsted’s plan if the Council of Ministers agree to let the project progress.

He also told the House of Keys that additional members of Tynwald could be appointed to act for ministers who find they are conflicted