Tributes paid to 'political giant' Eddie Lowey

Eddie Lowey died last week at the age of 86

Tributes have been paid to "giant" of Isle of Man politics Eddie Lowey, who has died at the age of 86.

Mr Lowey served in the Manx parliament for 38 years before his retirement from politics in 2013.

Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson said he had had a "extraordinary career in Tynwald" and had offered "wise words of counsel" to members.

The President of Tynwald said Mr Lowey had been "highly respected by all his colleagues" during his political career.

First been elected the House of Keys as a representative of the constituency of Rushen in a 1975 by-election, he retaining his seat in both the 1976 and 1981 general elections, before being elevated to the Legislative Council in 1982.

During his time in office he served on many government departments and held several senior positions, including as minister for the Home Affairs and Industry departments.

'Irreplacable'

Mr Skelly said: "As an MHK, a minister and an MLC, in those four decades he was polished, accomplished and highly respected by all his colleagues."

Echoing that sentiment, Mr Watterson said Mr Lowey "took his place as one of the giants of Manx politics".

"His polling in the Keys and LegCo reflected the high esteem he was held in," he added.

Tributes to Mr Lowey have also come from the Manx Labour Party (MLP), who he represented in the Tynwald during his career.

Current chairman Sarah Maltby MHK said: "Eddie, like many of the older MLP members, were good strong characters who gave many years of their life to fighting the good fight."

Away from politics, Mr Lowey was an avid supporter of Malew Football Club, serving many roles within the club.

A club tribute said: "Eddie’s generosity to the club and local community was unmatched and he will be a huge loss to the village where he would always take time to speak to everyone.

"In football clubs people often come and go, but Eddie was a one of a kind whose knowledge, kindness and character is irreplaceable."