May182928.jpg)
Tynwald has narrowly rejected an MHKs plan for a referendum, which would have given voters in the Isle of Man a chance to have a say on whether the Legislative Council should be publicly elected.
After a three and a half hour debate, a motion was defeated 5-3 in the Council itself while, in the House of Keys, Speaker Steve Rodan used his casting vote against the proposal, after members were deadlocked at 10-10.
Voting on another referendum, on whether the chief minister should be popularly elected, was 12-8 against in the House of Keys and 8-nil against in the Legislative Council.
The motion was tabled by South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey, who made it clear a 'no' vote wouldn't be the end of the matter (play audio file):
Those referendums would have been held on general election day, September 29.
Story uploaded to manxradio.com on May 18, 2011.
Island hosts 'first of its kind' visually impaired golf event
Football: Corinthians hammer Ayre United to reach Hospital Cup last four
Battles to resume in ARA Championship
IoM women victorious at Preston North End
NW200: Storm Stacey takes debut double on final day