Tributes paid to Manx capital's former mayor

Richard McNicholl was elected Mayor of Douglas on four occasions

Tributes have been paid to a former councillor who served as the mayor of the Manx capital on four occasions during a 28-year career in local politics.

Richard McNicholl, who died on Sunday after a long illness, represented Douglas Council's Murrays Ward from 1993 until his retirement from politics in 2021.

During the period he was appointed to serve as mayor in between 2003 and 2005 and 2010 to 2012.

Council leader Devon Watson said Mr McNicholl was "always a very diligent and committed councillor who wanted the best for the people of Douglas and the wider island".

His death was confirmed in a tribute on social media by his wife, Julie McNicholl, who said it had come following a "long and debilitating struggle with cancer", which he had "faced with courage, stoicism and humour"".

Paying tribute, Watson said he was a "loyal colleague" who was "highly regarded by fellow councillors and staff alike, as well as by other local authorities across the Island for his far-reaching service".

"Even in more recent times when he had been battling ill health, he remained interested in and supportive of initiatives to improve life for island residents," he said.

"We send our sincerest condolences to his wife Julie and wider family at this difficult time."

On his retirement from local politics in 2021, he was praised for being a "supportive colleague and mentor with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the island's largest local authority".

The council has confirmed the flag at the city hall would be lowered on the day of his funeral, on 24 September, as a mark of respect.