On Air Night Flight | Midnight - 5:00am

Govt programme approved but critics circle

Thomas hits back at negative comments

The Programme for Government progress report has been unanimously approved by Tynwald.

It sets out what has been achieved so far and the primary legislation proposed for the next year.

The Chief Minister and ministers delivered speeches about the success of individual departments.

But there was criticism from quarters about a lack of humility and a focus on things that have worked rather than matters which have not progressed.

Comment was made about spin, and the drop in public confidence in government and Tynwald shown in the recently published social attitudes survey.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper was critical of all departments - and of the Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas.

In response, Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas rounded on Mr Hooper when he summed up at the end of the debate.

More from Isle of Man News