The Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK, has paid tribute to Bill Malarkey, who died yesterday. 

Mr Speaker said:

“The House of Keys will today be mourning the loss of a proud Manxman, colleague and parliamentarian, Hon. Bill Malarkey MHK.

“Bill was certainly a fighter. He fought hard to get into the House of Keys, and when there he fought hard for the people of Douglas South. He fought hard for those who often didn’t have a voice and was very proud of his time in the Department of Social Care and as Minister of Home Affairs where he could make a difference to our Island’s most vulnerable.  When he was diagnosed, he was again determined to fight. Supported by Pamela and his daughters, he defied the odds of recovery time after time. 

“Bill was someone who put everything into his work. He lived for it. I know he was still answering emails and determined to make a difference even from his hospital bed, and that he was listening to the proceedings of the House just a fortnight ago.

“It has been a pleasure to know Bill since we were first elected in 2006. Many of us have lost a good friend, a man with an enormous sense of fun, a man of passion and conviction. He will be much missed. Our condolences go to Pamela and the family.

“A tribute and period of silence will be held in the House of Keys at the commencement of Tuesday morning’s sitting as a mark of respect.”

(ends)