New party chairman wants more help for the tourism sector
Rebalancing the books in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is Liberal Vannin's primary concern, according to the party's new chairman.
Many of the Island's businesses have been impacted by restrictions imposed since March last year.
The tourism and hospitality sectors are among those worst affected by the pandemic.
Paul Weatherall says financial support may need to continue for some time to come.
"Coming out of Covid and how we can rebalance the economy with the amount of money that's been spent [is our main priority]", he said.
"I think we're still going to be having to spend money, if not to fight the virus in the 12 months after the election, we'll still be needing to support businesses."
Almost £10m has been paid out since the turn of the year as part of the government's Coronavirus Business Support Scheme.
The initiative is for those in the travel and tourism sector only, with further support available for other industries in a special circuit breaker lockdown package.
Earlier this year, Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan said the Manx economy "has performed pretty well in most sectors" despite the pandemic.
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