Big Debate starts tonight

The first of 4,000 thousand invited Isle of Man residents will tonight (Thursday) embark on what government officials say is an ‘unprecedented exercise in democratic engagement’.

Peel is the venue for the first of The Big Debate gatherings in which members of the Manx public have been randomly selected from the electoral register to take part in discussions about the future of the Island’s government.

It’s the brainchild of Policy and Reform Minister Chris Robertshaw who says The Big Debate will have three core themes – making government smaller and smarter; working with and responding better to the needs of communities, families and individuals; and modernising the welfare state.

It’s billed as a national conversation on the big challenges facing the island – the economy, the welfare state, and the future size and shape of our government.

Those attending will be asked to record their views anonymously on a variety of issues, including reducing bureaucracy and modernising the welfare system.

The first of the Big Debate meetings takes place at Peel Centenary Centre at seven thirty.

While those invited have been randomly selected and are likely to include employees from right across the public service, the innovative bid has not found favour with everyone.

Indeed, a rival event which has the potential to take focus away from the initiative, will also take place in Peel tonight.

Isle of Man 2020 has been launched by West Douglas MHK Chris Thomas with the support of Michael member Alfred Cannan and the Liberal Vannin party.

That starts at seven o’clock at the Masonic Hall.