Seven acts promulgated in final Tynwald Day ceremony before election

Campaigners present petitions for redress of grievance in St John's

The final Tynwald Day ceremony of this administration has taken place in St John's.

Seven acts were promulgated, marking the final stage of the legislative process for those laws. 

Among those being read out on Tynwald Hill this year were the Income Tax Act, Reproductive Rights Act, and the Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) (Amendment) Act.

Clerk of Tynwald Jonathan King speaks to petitioners ahead of the ceremony - picture credit: Manx Radio

The Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford hailed Tynwald Day as a 'celebration of all that's Manx'.

It was the Douglas North MHK's 10th year taking part in proceedings as a member of Tynwald, and he told Manx Radio what it means to be part of the Island's national day:

A former chief minister says Tynwald Day represents what the Isle of Man is as a nation.

Tony Brown, who's also the chair of Castletown Commissioners, was among those in attendance for this year's ceremony:

For a number of MHKs and the President of Tynwald, it will be the final Tynwald Day before they step down from the Island's parliament.

Among those taking their place on Tynwald Hill for the last time was Middle MHK Stu Peters, who confirmed he will not be seeking re-election this September; he's been representing the area since 2021.

But he told Manx Radio he plans to leave the Island for Blackpool in the coming months:

The ceremony also saw a number of petitioners walk up to the hill to present their petitions for redress of grievance.

The petitions covered a range of topics including road safety, local authority reform and constituency boundaries.

Campaigners against the offshore windfarm proposals also submitted a petition, and took part in a demonstration during proceedings.

Demonstrators from the NOT4IOM - or No Offshore Turbines For Isle of Man - campaign group - picture credit: Manx Radio

We'll hear more about the petitions on Manx Radio Breakfast tomorrow.

It wasn't just Manx residents in attendance. With the sun shining on Tynwald Hill, visitors to the Island have been taking in our National Day too:

The Tynwald Honour, an award which recognises and individual's outstanding contribution to Manx life, was presented to Peter Kelly MBE. 

The Captain of Onchan parish is known for his work with the Isle of Man Victorian Society and is a champion of heritage and architecture on the Island.