The Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, Alfred Cannan has been quizzed on the 'ethics and morals' of the ferry company's approach.

As ManxRadio reports, allowing the Isle of Man Steam Packet to operate at arm’s length is ‘vital’ – providing it’s operating within the law.

The chief minister has told the Manx Parliament (Tynwald) that there is no reason at this stage to interfere in operations of the ferry company’s business amid an ongoing dispute with a trade union, as Afloat reported previously involves Nautilus International.

At today’s sitting of Tynwald, eleven questions had been tabled on the Steam Packet dispute. 

In August the £78m newbuild flagship, Manxman was introduced on the Douglas-Heysham route. The 948 passenger/237 car capacity ferry currently maintains day-light sailings whereas the former flagship, Ben-My-Chree operates night crossings. 

Politicians have quizzed Cannan, about the involvement of the Council of Ministers in the negotiations and over claims of ‘fire and rehire’ of seafarers.

The southern Manx House of Key (MHK’s) Jason Moorhouse along with Juan Watterson questioned the involvement of government so far. To listen to the MHK’s, click here to a link from the radio station.