Former MHK accuses chief minister of 'belittling and demeaning Tynwald' over Assisted Dying Bill

Quintin Gill writes to Alfred Cannan over behaviour that's 'inappropriate and unworthy of any chief minister'

A former MHK has accused the chief minister of publicly belittling and demeaning the Manx parliament during the debate over the Assisted Dying Bill.

Quintin Gill, who represented Rushen between 2001 and 2011, has sent an open letter to Alfred Cannan, claiming his behaviour has been inappropriate and unworthy of any chief minister.

Mr Gill highlights Mr Cannan's contributions to a debate on the Ministry of Justice's decision not to recommend the bill for royal assent, in which the Ayre & Michael MHK described the bill and those supporting it as "third rate".

Hansard from the House of Keys sitting on 5 May shows Mr Cannan said "It pains me to say that you have been warned that this Bill is incomplete, that this Bill is legally and operationally unstable, that the Bill is third-rate legislation. It pains me to watch the core struggle from those of you who know that this is third rate and yet support and want assisted dying to come into operation and have chosen to support the Bill. It pains me to know that there are good like-minded MHKs in here who feel trapped, who feel they have to support the mover and his cohorts, whatever they propose, in order to get an outcome despite in their heart of hearts knowing this legislation is dangerously incomplete."

He went on to say: "Does every Hon. Member in here really understand the laws and what has been talked about because we really do need to, because that is where the implications for the Island will come from. It is the impact outside of the Island of the European Court of Human Rights that could really impact us, and I would like to think that every Member in here has understood what is being said today before they vote for any of this.’ But did we really understand, Hon. Members? Really? Do you really understand what is going on now? Do you really understand the new clauses and how they tie into the Bill? Do you really understand the critical points that continue to be made that the Bill is unworkable? Can you put aside your overriding desires to deal with this in the cold, hard, deliberate focused way that legislation needs to be dealt with? Can you? Or are you hearing but not listening? Because 16 Hon. Members have some big questions to answer right now. Third rate legislators or first rate legislators. The reputation of the House of Keys is at stake."

In his letter, Mr Gill says that while Mr Cannan has every right to oppose the actions of the bill's supporters, to do so in this manner is "entirely wrong".

Mr Gill also questions whether Mr Cannan has contacted the UK Government to request amendments to legislation there in relation to the bill in his capacity as chief minister, and whether it was appropriate to do so.

He's calling for the chief minister to publish full and candid evidence of all communications and correspondence relating to this.

Manx Radio has previously contacted the chief minister about his correspondence with the UK government with regards to legislative amendments.

Mr Cannan confirmed to Manx Radio that the mover of a proposed amendment contacted him to ask whether the Isle of Man Government had been consulted on the detail of the amendment, and that he confirmed it had not.

The former MHK goes on to say he's disappointed and saddened to have to write to Mr Cannan as he has "always valued the integrity and process of our political system."

Mr Gill has also shared his letter with all Tynwald members, as well as the Island's media.

He concludes by stating his letter is about "maintaining, promoting and protecting Manx right and freedoms".

Mr Gill has been telling Manx Radio more about why he decided to send this letter:

Manx Radio has invited Mr Cannan to respond to Mr Gill's comments.

A number of amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill are due to be considered in Tynwald next week. Manx Radio will be looking at these amendments on tomorrow's Manx Radio Breakfast.