Keys Presiding Officers
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	The Speaker is the principal officer of the House. The Speaker is elected by the Members from amongst their number at the first sitting of the House after a General Election. From earliest times Mr Speaker has been the spokesman of the House and the defender of its privileges, in particular in Tynwald Court. As the presiding officer of the House he remains impartial. He is responsible for controlling the procedure of the House and for authoritative interpretation of its Standing Orders. In the case of a tied vote on a division he has a casting vote. Mr Speaker also has extensive powers and duties in respect of the business of the House and authorises the order of business of the House for each sitting. Mr Speaker also has some other rather unusual rights. In addition to his casting vote, he is entitled to vote as a member in divisions and usually does so, although, reflecting the impartiality of his Office, unlike the other Members present he may abstain. He is also entitled to participate in debate, but again in the interest of maintaining the impartiality of the Office of Speaker this right is rarely exercised. The present Speaker is The Hon Stephen Charles RODAN BSc MR Pharm S SHK who was elected in 2006. The Deputy Speaker is elected by the members from amongst their number. He or she serves as the presiding officer in the absence of Mr Speaker.