Andrew Smith MHK

Andrew Smith

I am pleased to announce my intention to stand as an independent candidate in the forthcoming General Election for the constituency of Garff. A resident of Laxey since my arrival on the Island in 1986 I served on the Board of Laxey Village Commissioners from 1992 to 2001, holding the office of Chairman 1996/97, 1998/99 and 2000/01. At the time of devolution of funding to schools I was the first Community Governor of Laxey School. My support of Culture, Heritage and the wider local community is well documented. I have been the principal organiser of the Laxey Fair since 1999 and regularly support Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust and the various churches throughout Garff.

I have previously contested General Elections in Garff in the 1995 By-election and in the General Election 2016 when I was narrowly beaten by a margin of 23 votes.

Following the serious flooding in Laxey in 2019 I formed the Garff Flood Action Association. From the ‘Major Incident’ being declared on 01 October 2019 this Association became active and continually monitors flooding incidents throughout Garff, collating and disseminating relevant information both to Central and Local Government and the wider community. 

During my professional accountancy career I have worked within the Agricultural, Banking, Fund, Insurance, Oil and Gas, Shipping, and Yacht and Aircraft industries. I was also employed by IOM Government Treasury Financial Services Division from 1997 to 2008.

Since 2006 I have had a business interest in Fairy Cottage Filling Station and recently formed a Strategic Business Alliance with Island Fuels Limited

My dedication and commitment to Garff and the Island are well known. I believe that I continue to have the requisite skills, local knowledge and business and life experience to enable me to serve the people of Garff and the Island’s wider community, as together we face the various current challenges.