At its meeting in May the Isle of Man governments Council of Ministers(CoMin) took the initial steps in a process which should result in the Island ratifying the UN Convention Against Corruption (the publicised summary of CoMin deliberations on the issue are set out below).
The Celtic League welcome this initiative as the adoption by the Isle of Man of international anti-corruption standards is something we have called for, sometimes in the face of outspoken opposition within the highest levels of government see:
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There is however a certain degree of irony in relation to this welcome move in that the Isle of Man government will have to progress ratification of the Convention via the United Kingdom because of Mann's constitutional position. The hypocrisy of the United Kingdom acting as 'honest broker' in extending International anti-corruption principles to one of its dependencies whilst 'in the dock' itself at the OECD is breathtaking!
Since the United Kingdom was 'indicted' for its grubby involvement in the Al Yamamah arms deal and its incumbent government was also embroiled in a seedy cash for honours scandal the true nature of corruption within the British political system has been exposed. There will undoubtedly be further revelations.
It is perhaps past time the Isle of Man government looked to sever that final constitutional umbilical cord to the UK.
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
05/08/07
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