The Steam Packet Company has not made a "secret" proposal to government over the future of sea services:
That's the message from Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne who has told Tynwald to expect more "clarity" on the issue in July.
One of the options under consideration is to allow the company to propose a deal which offers such "exceptional value" to the Island that it outweighs the need to go out to competitive tender.
It left Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw raising concerns about timing in light of the upcoming General Election:
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