This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Manx Parliament national day
07/07/2003
Celebrating the diverse traditions of the British Isles can bring real benefits to us all, First Minister Jack McConnell will say today.
He will be speaking at Tynwald Day 2003, the national day of the Isle of Man when the Manx Parliament, the worlds oldest continuous parliament, meets at St Johns village.
The Queen is presiding as Lord of Mann at the ceremony for the first time since 1979.
Jack McConnell said:
"Scotland and the Isle of Man have strong links dating back centuries that complement our own distinct identities. We also share a rich heritage.
"In the same week that Scotland has marked the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns, the Isle of Man is gathering for the annual commemoration of another historic event the first sitting of the Manx Parliament at Tynwald, over 1,000 years ago.
"These are occasions not just of domestic importance, but of significance internationally, because the nations of the British Isles continue to be a beacon of democracy.
"In the Manx and the Scottish Parliaments, we have both the oldest continuous parliament in the world and one of the youngest.
"Our shared and diverse traditions, and the dynamic new relationships which we have forged, can be an inspiration to others and promote our nations as vibrant places to visit or to live and work.