10 Facts About Phil Gawne

Phil Gawne attended his local primary school in Arbory, before joining Castle Rushen High School for his secondary education.

Phil Gawne has been married to Catherine since 1991; they have two children and live in the hamlet of Surby, near Port Erin in the south of the island.

Phil Gawne has been involved with nationalist politics for much of his political career.

Phil Gawne first became a Member of the House of Keys in 2003.

The contest was close, with Phil Gawne losing by a total of 19 votes after two recounts.

Phil Gawne is a fluent speaker of the Manx language and has been involved with the Manx language for decades.

Phil Gawne served as the Manx Language Development Officer, and was the chairman of Culture Vannin from 2004 to 2016.

In 1996, Phil Gawne helped to found Feailley Ghaelgagh, following a research trip to Scottish Gaelic development agencies in Inverness and the Isle of Skye.

Phil Gawne was instrumental in passing the 2001 Education Act that allowed for the Manx language to be taught on the island's schools:.

Phil Gawne is a director of Mooinjer Veggey, the Manx language pre-school organisation that aims to provide pre-school education with and through the Manx language.