The budget, which sets out the Isle of Man government’s financial plan for the year ahead, was approved by Tynwald with only Speaker of the House of Keys and member for Rushen Juan Watterson SHK voting against it.

Manx Radio’s full article outlining the pink book can be found here.

The budget is available by clicking here.

Tomorrow on Perspective between 12 and 1, Dollin will be joined by the treasury minister live to discuss what this year’s budget means for the people of the Isle of Man.

If you’ve got a question for Alf Cannan, tweet using #MRPerpsective, text 166177 or email studio@manxradio whilst the show is on air.

That’s tomorrow between 12 noon and 1pm online, on smartphone apps, on smart speaker and on FM and AM.

In the first hour from 12, Dollin Mercer will be joined by Prison Governor Bob McColm and Minister for Home Affairs Bill Malarkey to reflect on ‘The Best Little Prison in Britain?’, the ITV series which focussed on the Isle of Man’s only prison. 

Bob McColm’s interview part way through the series can be viewed here.

In hour two, we’ll examine closely the concept of queen scallop diversification by hearing from the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture as well as members of the Island’s fishing industry.

More info on queen scallop diversification

To get involved with either of our topics, tweet #MRPerspective. Whilst we’re on air between 12 noon and 2pm, you can text 07624 166177 or email studio@manxradio.com

The first hour will contain extracts from a hearing of Tynwald's Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee this week.

In the second hour, we'll hear from Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly and member for tourism Rob Callister live in the studio.

Get in touch on 166 177, or at studio@manxradio.com.

We'll also hear from Bernard Moffatt, formerly of the Transport and General Workers Union and long time chair of the Isle of Man Trades Union Council, looking back and sharing his thoughts on how the trade union movement has changed on the Isle of Man and in the wider world.

All between 12 noon and 2pm this Sunday, 1 September.

The programme will be available as a podcast shortly after broadcast.

We'll hear from Visit Isle of Man, Member for the Department for Enterprise Rob Callister, Ellis Brown architects and a cruise ship captain.

Last week, architects Ellis Brown proposed plans for a new cruise berth in Douglas and Cruise Isle of Man announced a new passenger record.

Let us know your thoughts on the cruise ship debate, by texting 166177, emailing studio@manxradio.com or tweeting using the hashtag #MRPerspective.

Year 12 students from five of the Island’s secondary schools took part in the initiative during which there was a Tynwald sitting which included question time and two motions.

Questions asked focussed on topics which have been prevalent recently. These included ones on the refugee crisis, environmental issues and mental health.

The two schools who moved motions were Ballakermeen High School and Castle Rushen High School.

The motion from Ballakermeen High School read: “That Junior Tynwald is of the opinion that oil and gas exploration in Manx waters is likely to be detrimental to the environment and should be stopped”.

Castle Rushen High School moved: “That Junior Tynwald is of the opinion that greater use should be made of referendums to enhance the democratic process”.

Not only did students take the positions of politicians, but some chose to be journalists working with Manx Radio and Isle of Man Newspapers. During the programme, we’ll hear the interviews conducted by those young people who took seats on the Manx Radio bench.

That’s between 12 and 2 this Sunday, 21st July. Contribute your thoughts by using the hashtag #MRPerspective on social media.

Manx Radio News’ article following the sitting can be read here.

The programme will be available as a podcast shortly after broadcast.

Update: Dan Davies is unfortunately now unable to appear. Gary Roberts and Bill Malarkey will be in the studio from 12 - 2.

In the first hour from 12 noon, we’ll have a reflective piece looking at the reactions and responses to the news that DEFA has reduced the number of queen scallops which fishermen in Manx water can catch.

We’ll hear from Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot as well as fishermen who have been affected by these new measures - which have been implemented following advice from scientists at the University of Bangor.

In the second hour after the extended 1 o’clock news, we’ll be looking at the debate on legalising medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp in the Isle of Man.

Live in the studio will be campaigner for legislation change, Jeff Ditchfield, and we’ll hear from Director of Public Health, Dr Henrietta Ewart.

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on both stories, so text 166177, email studio@manxradio.com or use the hashtag #MRPerspective on social media.

We’ll be hearing from: Steve Rodan OBE MLC, President of Tynwald; the Clerk of Tynwald, Roger Phillips, with information for prospective petitioners; Weather forecaster Neil Young; Culture Vannin; Alex Brindley with information about Manx Radio’s coverage and Captain Jonathan Palmer-Tomkinson, The 2nd Captain, The Queen’s Company of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards who will be the military presence on Tynwald Day.

All of that will be squeezed into 2 hours on Sunday, 30th June from 12 noon - 2pm on your Public Service Broadcaster, Manx Radio.

Below is some more information about Tynwald Day, taken from The Tynwald Website.

General Tynwald Day Information

According to the Tynwald website...

Each year on Tynwald Day, Tynwald Court participates at the Tynwald Day Ceremony at St John's. After a religious service in the Royal Chapel, the members of Tynwald process to Tynwald Hill, one of the ancient open air sites of Tynwald. Following the proceedings on Tynwald Hill, presided over by the Lieutenant Governor, the members of Tynwald return to the Royal Chapel where a formal sitting of Tynwald takes place.

Promulgation of acts is an important part of Tynwald Day. By statute, each Act of Tynwald must be promulgated on Tynwald Hill within eighteen months of enactment or it ceases to have effect, and therefore is no longer law. Promulgation of the Acts takes place on Tynwald Day and the promulgation is certified at the sitting of Tynwald at St John's.

Acts for promulgation on Tynwald Day 2019

Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2018

AN ACT to make provision for the disclosure of information held by public authorities; and for connected purposes.

Credit Unions (Amendment) Act 2018

AN ACT to enable certain societies to be registered under the Industrial and Building Societies Act 1892 as credit unions; and to make further provision with respect to societies so registered.

Data Protection Act 2018

AN ACT to enable provision to be made to adequately protect personal data; to regulate the control and processing of personal data; and for connected purposes.

Anti-Money Laundering and Other Financial Crime (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2018

AN ACT to give effect to certain recommendations specified in the Fifth Round Moneyval Evaluation Report on the Evaluation of Anti- Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism; to amend Manx enactments in relation to money laundering and in order to secure the effective prosecution of financial crime; and for connected purposes.

Airports and Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act 2018

AN ACT to amend the Airports and Civil Aviation Act 1987 to provide enabling powers for the making of Isle of Man secondary legislation that is not derived from related secondary legislation enacted in the United Kingdom; to authorise the enactment of Isle of Man secondary legislation that gives effect to international obligations of the Island in relation to civil aviation; and for connected purposes.

Central Registry Act 2018

AN ACT to establish the Central Registry; to create the office of Registrar General; to transfer certain functions of the General Registry to the Central Registry, the Registrar General and the Treasury; to make minor amendments to the law on the registration of interests in land; to provide for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme; and for connected purposes.

Abortion Reform Act 2019

AN ACT to restate the law relating to abortion with amendments; to make provision about access zones for premises where abortion services and related counselling are provided and for premises occupied by those providing such services and counselling; and for connected purposes.

European Union and Trade Act 2019

AN ACT to repeal the European Communities (Isle of Man) Act 1973; to make provision consequent upon the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU; to make provision to implement EU law in the Island after exit day; to make provision to apply to the Island UK legislation relating to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal; to make provision in relation to trade and trade agreements; and for connected purposes.

Payment of Members’ Expenses (Amendment) Act 2019

AN ACT to amend the Payment of Members’ Expenses Act 1989 to make provision for a member of Tynwald who is suspended from Tynwald or a Branch of Tynwald to cease to receive certain payments and expenses; and for connected purposes.

Criminal Evidence Act 2019

AN ACT to make fresh provision about evidence in criminal proceedings; and for connected purposes.

Petitions

In addition, any person may approach Tynwald Hill on Tynwald Day and present a Petition for Redress. If the Petition is in accordance with the Standing Orders of Tynwald, any Member of Tynwald may subsequently request that Tynwald consider the substance of the petition. Matters are indeed redressed by this simple but ancient procedure which can lead directly to the enactment of legislation.

Following Tynwald voting unanimously for the establishment of an independently-led, dedicated climate emergency transformation team this week, Perspective is returning to the topic of the climate.

On Sunday, Dollin Mercer will be joined by Ralph Peake, who moved the amendment for an emergency transformation team and Lawrie Hooper who moved an amendment which was defeated by the house. The main difference between Mr Peake’s and Mr Hooper’s amendments was that Mr Hooper wanted government to commit to a 2035 target for net carbon neutrality and Mr Peake’s did not.

Bill Dale from Beach Buddies will also be in the studio to discuss his reaction. We’ll also be hearing from a representative of the Student Climate Network who has been vocal in the wider debate on Island about climate change.

In the meantime, you can listen to our previous programme about the climate emergency here and Dollin Mercer’s information pack about the recent Tynwald debate here.

As always, we want to hear your views during this week’s Perspective. Whilst we’re on air, you can text 166177, email studio@manxradio.com, use the smartphone app, #MRPerspective and ring the Mannin Line on 661368.

Dollin Mercer will speak to Tony Fox BEM, Ivor Ramsden MBE, Tonia Lushington MBE, Steve Rodan OBE and Mitch Murray CBE.

Tony Fox BEM has raised funds for many good causes including local Manx charities, Coronary Care at both Nobles Hospital and Broad Green in Liverpool, and Robert Owen House for over 40 years. He has raised over £100,000 for the Liver Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. The latter stemmed from his wife’s liver failure and treatment there 5 years ago, and has allowed purchase of a Normothermic Regional Perfusion machine, called the ‘Fox Machine’ by the hospital. He hopes to raise another £30,000 for good causes this year. Her Majesty the Queen, Lord of Mann has recognised Tony Fox with the British Empire Medal for services to medical charities and the community of the Isle of Man.

For over 25 years, Ivor Ramsden MBE has contributed to the social and military history of Manx people by establishing, in his spare time, the Manx Aviation and Military Museum. He has catalogued over 9,000 items in the Museum and created a unique set of personal histories and records. He uses these freely to help others, including visitors, schools, community groups, families and individuals from across the Island and beyond. The exemplary levels of conservation, display and customer service have helped tourism on the Isle of Man and to establish useful links with UK museums. Her Majesty the Queen, Lord of Man has recognised Ivor Ramsden by making him an MBE for services to Manx heritage and tourism.

Tonia Lushington MBE has been Secretary General of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association for over 10 years. Through this role, she has guided the Association through a raft of financial and other complex challenges. She was also Chef de Mission for Manx Teams competing in Delhi and Glasgow and for Youth Teams attending the Games in Pune and Samoa. In addition to organising, mentoring and coaching, she has been involved with much of the Association’s fundraising activity for many years. Her support to Manx charitable and sporting sectors spans 5 decades, as an administrator and as a competitor. For services to sport and the community in the Isle of Man, Tonia Lushington is awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Steve Rodan OBE is currently the President of Tynwald. He is pictured left wearing the Speaker's wig and gown, which were his from 2006 to 2016. On coming to the Isle of Man in the 1980s Mr President immersed himself in the Island’s historic, cultural, charitable and political life. From early days as a pharmacist in Laxey, supporting local charities and as a Commissioner, through service as an MHK and Minister, his commitment to the people of the Island has been strong. He helped to achieve the right to vote for 16 and 17 year olds. In the Legislative Council since 2016, he has been an even handed President of Tynwald. As County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, he led them with dignity during the commemorations of the 100th Anniversary of WWI. For outstanding service and dedication to the Isle of Man, Steve Rodan receives an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Mitch Murray CBE is a songwriter, record producer and author who has won two Ivor Novello Awards. Songs written or co-written by Mitch Murray have included 5 UK and 3 US number ones. Murray is regarded as a leading humorous speechwriter and has written several best selling books on the subject. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in showbiz, including The Beatles to Gerry and the Pacemakers. Mitch Murray receives a CBE from The Queen in her Birthday Honours List.

Tune in live and contact the programme by texting 166177, emailing studio@manxradio.com and using the hashtag #MRPerspective on social media.

This week's Perspective is on a retrospective theme, following a week of commemoration on the Isle of Man, across the British Isles, and further afield.

Ceremonies have been held to mark the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant dates in the modern era of the western world.

Tuesday, 6th June 1944, saw what is widely considered to be the largest combined land, air and seaborne invasion in history.

Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II, unleashed with the words "let's go".

More than 4-thousand Allied troops died during the operation to liberate France.

Dollin Mercer will look back at the day itself, and events which have commemorated it this week.

Join in by texting 166177, emailing studio@manxradio.com or using the hashtag #MRPerspective on social media.

On the 24th of May, reformed abortion law came into effect in the Isle of Man. This means that a woman on the Island can now have a pregnancy terminated up to 14 weeks by request and up to 24 weeks in cases of foetal anomalies, serious social reasons and where the life of the mother is at risk or if the child would die or suffer seriously shortly after birth.

This Sunday on Perspective, from 12 - 2, we are going to track this debate right back to when Doctor Alex Allinson MHK made this statement in his 2016 manifesto, on which he was elected as an MHK for Ramsey)

“I strongly disagree with the 1995 Abortion act and would like to see it reformed. Although abortion is legal on the Island most women are forced to travel and pay privately for terminations in the UK. The current act is almost medieval in the way it treats victims of rape and has no place in a modern society. As a husband, father and brother I fully support the campaign to modernise the legislation. We should provide safe, early medical terminations where possible and support for women who make the difficult decision that they cannot continue with a pregnancy.”

We will be following the journey of this bill, now law, from its humble beginnings through protests, amendments and petitions to last week, when the law came into effect.

Tweet #MRPerspective to have your say on the programme.

Listen online, via the Manx Radio app and on 97.20FM.

On Perspective this week, Dollin Mercer will be joined by healthcare experts to talk about death, grief and the importance of end of life care.

Our panel will include:

Sue Wilson, Nurse and Long Term Conditions Co-ordinator at Community Health Centre;

Rosie McCaffrey, former manager at Community Mental Health Service and is now one of the Project Leads for the Western Integrated Care Project (Western Wellbeing Partnership) 

Steve Herron, a paramedic who is a link person for end of life care is also a member of the DNACPR* policy group.

Manx Radio's Judith Ley, will also be joining us to share her story and End of Life Events. 

Contribute to the conversation by text to 166177, email manxradio@studio.com or tweet @manxradio and use the #MRPerspective on social media.

  *Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

The former officers joining Dollin Mercer will be Hector Duff, Richard Davis, John Teare, Paul Davenport and Kev Wilson.

Hector Duff joined the police in 1947 straight after his distinguished war service. On retirement in 1973, he was a Station Sergeant.

Richard Davis and John Teare both joined in 1956. Richard Davis was the first police officer on scene at the Summerland fire in 1973, and spent time during his acting years as a Traffic Officer. John Teare retired in 1987 in the role of Prosecutions Inspector.

Paul Davenport joined in 1978 and had a varied time in the police including in traffic and lots of time spent in Scenes of Crime and CID.

Kev Wilson joined in 1988 and retired recently, in 2017 as Superintendent and Acting Deputy CC.

With thanks to Manx Branch of the National Association For Retired Police Officers, tune in live online or FM 97.20 this Sunday from 12.

Photo credit iMuseum: Police Constable Fred Trickett by Chris Killip, 1970

The Isle of Man government has recognised this new timeframe, but admits there will be financial limitations in achieving dramatic reductions to its carbon emissions by 2030. 

In the words of the environment minister 'the changing of the goal posts' as he put it in 2018, 'makes things more difficult'.

Since then, Extinction Rebellion emerged and occupied the city of London and hundreds of thousands of students went on strike to demand faster, meaningful action from governments around the world.

In reaction to renewed pressure on Manx shores, the Isle of Man government revised its strategy by putting it to public consultation and saw Chief Minister Howard Quayle pull a u-turn on the decision to declare a climate emergency. 

Last week on Perspective, we heard from the wildlife experts about the ecological crisis, now we hear from the politicians and the individuals about the Island's intentions and more importantly, its actions. 

From midday on Sunday, we'll be live in the studio with DEFA Minister Geoffrey Boot, Chairman of Manx Utilities Dr Alex Allinson, lobbyists from the Climate Change Coalition and representatives of the Isle of Man Student Climate Network.

And as ever, tell us your views by using #MRPerspective on social media, emailing studio@manxradio.com or by texting us on 166 177.

The drastic decline in invertebrates and seabird populations forms part of what environmentalists are calling an ecological crisis.

But what’s behind it?

Our native plant and animal life face not only potential climate breakdown, but are fending off a whole host of invasive species too.

We speak with local wildlife experts and look what can be done and is being done to restore the health of our wild ecosystems.

Join Tim Graham Chief Executive at the Manx Wildlife Trust, Richard Selman Ecosystems Policy Manager for the Isle of Man Government and Neil Morris from Manx Birdlife as we discuss man's relationship with nature, the impacts of climate change and, the somewhat controversial presence of wallabies...

We also hear from the Natural History Curator at the Manx Museum Laura McCoy, the organiser of Manx Wildlife Week. 

Dr Peter Duncan Senior Marine Environment Officer at DEFA features in a special Perspective part two on the health of our oceans.

That's this Sunday from 12 - 2, on your Public Service Broadcaster, Manx Radio.

On Perspective this week, the education department's response to our freedom of information request has revealed language learning on the Island is at an all time low.

We explore the potential reasons why Manx students seem to be turning their noses up to foreign languages.

Is it too difficult a subject? Is communicating easier now with technology in the palm of our hand? Or is it just simply not a priority in Manx education policy?

Some schools say they're doing something about it, others don't need to. 

From 12, Sunday 14 April, we're hosting a panel of language teachers, learners and linguists:

Emma Humphrey founder of private foreign language tuition Conversa. 

The Island's La Jolly Ronde franchisee Stephanie Kelsey, who teaches french to preschool and primary school children. 

Also, Daphne Caine MHK for Garff will be accompanying Manx-born Eleanor Radcliffe, who did her growing up in Luxembourg speaking four languages.

And after the 1 o'clock news, we'll be joined by the Manx Bard and teacher at Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, Annie Kissack, and Spanish teacher at St. Ninian's, Ann McCusker.

We'll also be hearing from Headteacher at Ramsey Grammar School, Annette Baker, and Head of Languages Lorna Rousseau, as well as the Principal from King William's College, Joss Buchanan, on why they think language learning is important.

And as ever, get in on the conversation by using #MRPerspective on social media, emailing studio@manxradio.com or you can text us on 166 177.

On Perspective this week, we're hosting a panel of bartenders, brewers and bottlesharers to discuss all things ale.

From the Manx pure beer act to the future of the public house - all to coincide with this year's Isle of Man Beer and Cider Festival.

CAMRA's press man and punter Roger Cave, Brewery Boss Martin Brunnschweiler from Bushys, one of the fellas from Two Fellas micropub in Peel John Wheeler, and Benn Quirk of the Manx Cider Co. will be live in the studio.

We'll also be speaking to craft beer supplier Chris Griffiths aka Bottlemonkey who's behind plans for a nano-brewery in the old Castletown fire station.

Join us for a round or two, from midday this Sunday 7 April. 

And as ever, get in on the conversation by using #MRPerspective on social media, emailing studio@manxradio.com or you can text us on 166 177.

Four panelists, Alfred Cannan MHK (Treasury Minister), Jennifer Houghton (of the Institute of Directors), Roger Tomlinson (of the Positive Action Group) and Richard Radcliffe (a long standing member of Ramsey Town Commissioners), along with John Moss in the chair, discussed various topics ranging from Brexit to public transport.

The debate started with Brexit, and Alfred Cannan was keen to make clear that the Island is ‘as fully prepared as we can be’. He also pointed out that ‘Brexit could bring a lot of opportunities to the Island’.

The second item for discussion was the proposal of a marina for Ramsey. Roger Tomlinson suggested that the project would not be completed in his lifetime, whilst Richard Radcliffe and Jennifer Houghton raised questions over environmental consequences of the marina.

The third discussion point raised by John Moss was public transport, and more specifically the new connectVILLAGES service for the North.

The subject of the environment surfaced briefly. Unfortunately, due to a diary clash, Bill Dale of beach buddies, who had planned to be on the panel, had to withdraw. Richard Radcliffe, who stepped in to fill Mr Dale’s place said that as soon as Bill gets his knighthood, the better.

The next topic discussed was the teaching of Religious Education, which is compulsory in Island schools up to and including GCSE level. Roger Tomlinson said that ‘Parents must accept responsibility for their children’s education’.

On the subject of opposition in Tynwald, Alfred Cannan, a member of the executive government, said that for a parliament to run properly, an ‘opposition is vital’ whilst Roger Tomlinson arugued that ‘if the government has made to mind up behind closed doors, that is what will prevail in Tynwald’. You can hear a podcast of the Perspective episode on this topic here.

Finally, the panel moved on to the discussion of Health, and the overall consensus was voiced by Roger Tomlinson, who said that ‘as citizens we have no critique of our health service’, and Jennifer Houghton said ‘I’ve never had a cleaner hospital to walk into’.

John Moss concluded the discussion by asking the panel if they won £100000000 on the lottery, how they would make the island better. Answers ranged from saving the money to help future generations, to investing it into more business, and building a modern theatre.

You can hear the debate on Manx Radio’s Perspective programme from 12 - 2 tomorrow (Sunday 31).

In May 2018, government made a move that will undoubtedly define its administration for years to come. 

It used £124m of the Manx taxpayer money to purchase the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. - taking it from Portuguese company Banco Espirito Santo and bringing it into public ownership.

However, the proposed takeover which led to the nationalisation of the Island's lifeline was not subject to Tynwald debate. 

The move, according to the Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan, will secure long-term stability for the service.

Almost a year on, a further £25million will be spent on a new landing stage at Liverpool's Princes Half Tide Dock as part of the new look of 'People's Packet'.

And just this week, in the March sitting of Tynwald, the Sea Services Agreement made headway as members approved the Heads of Terms which will instruct the Department of Infrastructure to finalise the contract with the Steam Packet by the end of May.

On Perspective this week, (24 Mar) Dollin Mercer will reflect on the buyout and the subsequent investments, as well as the recent developments in the Manx parliament. 

He'll be joined by Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw at 12.30 and from 1, he'll speak to Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer.

Tune in from midday and as ever, let us know your thoughts and submit any questions you might have for our guests by using #MRPerspective on Twitter and Facebook. 

You can also text us on 166177, or email studio@manxradio.com.

On Perspective this week, Dollin Mercer will be joined by live guests to examine a particular bugbear of some politicians and political commentators alike, both past and present – a perceived ‘lack of opposition’ in the parliament of the Isle of Man.

Representatives from four Manx political parties will give their views on the functioning of Tynwald, and how government is held to account in the absence of a traditional ‘party politics’ structure, like we might see in the UK.

Leader of the Manx Labour Party David Cretney MLC, Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper of Liberal Vannin, leader of the Isle of Man Green Party Andrew Newton and Mec Vannin Chairman Mark Kermode will be in the studio from midday this Sunday, 17 March.

As ever, let us know your thoughts and submit any questions you might have for the guests by using #MRPerspective on Twitter and Facebook. 

You can also text us on 166177, or email studio@manxradio.com

In November last year, a motion was tabled in Tynwald asking for a committee to look at whether the Isle of Man could accept refugees, specifically, 25 families from the war-torn country of Syria.

In spite of unanimous support in the Legislative Council, 9-0, it failed to gain the approval of both chambers, with 10 for and 11 against in the House Keys. It led to one MHK blaming what he called the 'CoMin block vote'.

A group of students at Ballakermeen High School say they were "very disappointed" with the outcome of the debate and feel strongly that issue remains unsettled.

Two of the sixth formers had in fact signed out of school to spend their afternoon in the chamber's public gallery to watch the debate unfold. 

We speak to them about their plans to get the issue back on the Tynwald agenda. 

We also interview a former non-political member on the government's International Development Committee, who has 20 years of experience in humanitarian aid work.   

Tune in from midday this Sunday 10 March. 

Text 166177, email studio@manxradio.com or join the conversation using the hashtag #MRPerspective.

The Mannin Line will be open after the 1 o'clock news, so call us on 66 13 68.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture is seeking the views of the public as it drafts 'The New Education Bill', legislation which 'seeks to be progressive where possible' whilst striving to match the standards set by the UK and elsewhere. 

This consultation seeks to bring the current law from 2001 up to date, taking social media, faith schools, sex education and home schooling, among many other factors, into account. 

Joining Dollin Mercer on Sunday 3 March from midday until 2pm will be the political members for DESC, Lawrie Hooper and Ann Corlett as well as Onchan MHK Julie Edge and Garff MHK Daphne Caine.  

To join in the conversation, use the twitter hashtag #MRPerspective or send your questions via text to 166177, or email us at studio@manxradio.com.

In the meantime, you can view the consultation here.

This week on Perspective, Dollin Mercer will be joined by guests to discuss reaction to the 2019/20 budget which was announced in Tynwald on Tuesday.

Treasury minister Alf Cannan, university student Kathryn Sharman and David Gawne from the third sector will be live in the studio to discuss their thoughts.

As always, we want to hear your views. This week, we want to know what you think of the budget – the whole of which can be found here.

Text us on 166177, email studio@manxradio.com or call the Mannin Line in the second hour on 661368. You can also contact us through social media using #MRPerspective.

On Perspective on the 17th February, Dollin Mercer and William King looked at The Department of Health and Social Care. Specifically,  the predicted £3.5million overspend – for which Noble’s Hospital was mainly responsible.

In the second hour, we looked at the new Integrated Care ‘vision’ which looked similar to Wigan’s ‘vision’ from 2014.

The programme included audio from the sitting of the Public Accounts Committee hearing which revealed these findings. Also, Dollin Mercer spoke to Minister for Health and Social Care, David Ashford and Lawrie Hooper MHK.

As countries around the world relax their drugs laws, the Isle of Man has decided to consider its approach on the legal status of cannabis.

In a first for the Department of Health and Social Care, it has turned to the public for their opinion on the possibility of the drug being used legally, for medical purposes. 

The online consultation asks whether the Island should heed to legislation set by the United Kingdom, or take on a new model of framework, one that represents the views of the Manx people.

This isn't just a medical decision says the Minister, it is a political one too.

Is it only right then, that government puts this to the public who have been cited as the driving force behind the debate?

Presenter Dollin Mercer will be joined in the studio tomorrow with the Health Minister David Ashford and founder of Mother T's community cafe Valerie Miller, to discuss what new legalisation could mean for the Isle of Man.

Tune in to Perspective from 12 this Sunday (10 Feb).

To join the discussion send your thoughts to @ManxRadio on Twitter and Facebook, or use the hashtag #MRPerspective. 

You can also text the studio on 166 177 or call the Mannin Line on 66 13 68.