Episodes
In last week’s sitting of the House of Keys Lawrie Hooper asked the Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston “Whether the Minimum Wage will be increased to £13.05 by 1st October 2025 to reach equivalence with the minimum salary threshold for Worker Migrant visas at that date? In an interesting exchange it emerged that government’s position appears to be that it didn’t want migrant workers to undercut Manx workers in the job’s market. Of course that then means that the minimum wage for immigrant workers is higher than that for Manx workers. We’ll also hear from Dawn Kinnish MLC who’s taking her firs...
Manx Newscast: Rotary International president visits the Isle of Man for the first time in 100 years
It's the first time in 100 years that a sitting president came over to the Island to meet with volunteers. Rotary provides service and goodwill to create lasting change with three branches locally of Douglas, Onchan and Rushen & Western Mann.President Stephanie Urchick has described this visit as 'a special one'
Dr Edward Fitzgerald is the Health Equity and Access Co-Lead at KPMG International and Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences at KPMG Islands Group. He talks to Agenda about health care policy and the policy differences of delivering health services in Island situations. With spiralling health costs threatening the economic development of the Island he has some important lessons for us on how we can improve our health services and make them affordable. A useful dose of health policy medicine from the good doctor.
A few May Tynwald leftovers on Agenda this week. Some conflicting views on the 20mph zones proposed for the Island. What was Ann Corlett MHK looking for when she first raised the subject in Tynwald? DoI Minister Michelle Haywood MHK offered a consultation olive branch which some members were loathe to accept. And how an innocent little question on economic growth developed into a full blown warts and all debate. No angsty engine revving on this week’s show, just a gentle tour through the speed limit question.
The Global Minimum Tax (Pillar Two) Order 2024 (Confirmation) Bill 2025 received its principles stage reading at last week’s sitting of the Legislative Council. While the Bill’s title is to say the least a little bureaucratic it cements in Manx law an ability to bring in much needed tax revenue to Treasury while not impacting on the Isle of Man’s competitiveness. Find out more about the Bill and the role of a Member of the Legislative Council from Gary Clueit MLC on this week’s Agenda. Tax and legislation can be fun …. honest!
Just over a month ago Perspective heard from Robert Morrey who explained his plan to build an anaerobic digestor and energy hub at Andreas. Just over a week ago a group of farmers and government officials visited Scotland to see how AD plants work. I joined them as an independent observer and this week’s Agenda gives the farmers’ view on how energy crops could work for Manx agriculture. Some positive news for farmers and more stable energy bills …. but will government back it?
In Tynwald last week Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse had two motions on the Order Paper. The first related to DoI’s refusal to allow the outgoing airport director to attend a hearing of the Economic Review Committee and the second related to a report by the Select Committee on the Regulation of the Steam Packet Company. The Steam Packet is of course wholly owned by the Isle of Man Government but is kept at arm’s length from government - except of course for when political pressure builds and the arm becomes considerably shorter.
Paul Craine has been researching our population for well over 40 years and he’s concerned about the Manx birth rate falling to it’s lowest since 1920. Births in the Isle of Man are now 43.9% lower than in 2010 with just 574 babies born last year. What’s causing this trend and how concerned should we be about it? Paul Craine joins me on this evening’s Agenda at 5.30pm on Manx Radio to consider these weighty issues. Demographer Paul Morland outlines the extent of the global decline in births and concludes that: “…governments can have no higher priority than addressing the demographic question...
The Department for Enterprise is progressing a new Employment (Amendment) Bill which will feature new rights for rest breaks, neonatal care leave and carer’s leave with the Bill being framed round feedback from a series of public consultations held in 2024. The Department will also be undertaking further research on a number of other areas including statutory annual leave provision, the maximum awards available at the Employment and Equality Tribunal, and reforms to the licensing of Employment Agencies and Businesses.We’ll also hear about the local economy strategy. Yes they’re busy bees at...
Retired law lecturer Peter Murcott is concerned about Michelle Haywood’s private member’s Bill which provides for Safe Access Zones and Protected Public Places. He believes that if enacted this law would lead to a significant erosion of free speech and could criminalise people merely for living in their own homes. If his interpretation of the Bill is correct than this should be a concern for us all, but is he right? He presents his case to Agenda this evening at 5.30pm on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne. Is it reasonable to expect to be able to go about your business without being harangued b...
Manx Care’s Mandate was supposed to be on Tynwald’s Agenda last week but despite the Minister’s best endeavours the debate didn’t happen. The Minister remains eager to hear the views of politicians, patients and medical professionals so she’s in for a treat on this episode of Agenda. The Isle of Man Medical Society had plenty to say about the Mandate and Drs Crerand and Prakash explain why. This is the second time in as many months I’ve interviewed the Drs - maybe I need to eat more apples?
It’s been a few weeks now since we talked about LegCo but Onchan MHK Julie Edge has prompted Agenda back to the topic as she has a motion in Tynwald calling for the role of Members of the Legislative Council and the method of their election to be reformed. So what is this all about and what’s provoked Ms Edge to seek such reforms? Has Julie Edge been playing politics with her questions on cancer care and is she right to suggest UK government health reforms should see an end to Manx Care being independent from the Health Department?
The Local Government Amendment Bill appeared to be a largely uncontroversial piece of legislation providing updates and improvements to the Acts which allow the Commissioners and Councillors to deliver services to us the Rate payers. Uncontroversial until Lawrie Hooper tried to introduce three new clauses which significantly alter the relationship between central and local government. Local authorities are far from happy but is this a much needed reform to drive forward better local services? Expect fiery brands and pitch forks at dawn.
Tomorrow the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. On Agenda and Perspective we’ve spoken to 14 of the candidates with the 15th being unavailable for interview. This evening we hear from our final candidate, civil servant, Claire Newall who while new to politics has a good understanding of how the system works. Tomorrow the House of Keys has a big job to do in sifting through the excellent field of candidates. Will they go for comfortable fits or rough diamonds?
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. We hear from social worker Kirstie Morphet. So we’ve heard from some very informed and experienced candidates - who will be chosen by the Keys next week?
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. We hear from retired engineer Andrew Jones. So we’ve heard from some very informed and experienced candidates - who will be chosen by the Keys next week?
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. On part 2 of our LegCo special we hear from businessman Mark Cleator. Some very people standing for LegCo so worth a listen just for the skeet!
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On Agenda this evening we hear from businessman Barry Duncan. There are some very interesting people standing for LegCo so worth a listen just for the skeet!
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On this LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Ron Berry I hope you’re enjoying listening to the people standing for LegCo as much as I’m enjoying interviewing them.
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On this LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Matt Gough I hope you’re enjoying listening to the people standing for LegCo as much as I’m enjoying interviewing them.
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from businessman Gary Clueit who is hoping to get elected to LegCo at his second attempt. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s Agenda.
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from businessman Peter Reid who is hoping to get elected to LegCo at his second attempt. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s Agenda.
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from MLC Rob Mercer who is hoping to get elected to LegCo for a second term. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s Agenda.
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from former Garff MHK Martyn Perkins who is hoping to get elected to LegCo. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s show.
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from dyslexia campaigner Julia Bell who is hoping to grab one of the LegCo seats. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s Agenda.
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council, one of which will replace Peter Greenhill MLC, who has decided to step down at the end of February when his 5 year term ends. He tells Agenda about his experiences over the past five years and gives some advice to prospective LegCo candidates. If you are hoping to be nominated for one of the LegCo seats please get in touch so we can arrange an interview. Candidate or not though, it’s interesting to hear Peter Greenhill’s thoughts on the role he’s about to leave.
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from Kerry Sharpe MLC, who is hoping to retain her LegCo seat. LegCo members have a big say on how our island is run so it’s important to know who they are!
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from the longest serving Tynwald Member, Bill Henderson MLC, who is hoping to retain his seat. LegCo members have a big say on how our Island is run so it’s important to know who they are!
Agenda 6.1.25 In the final November sitting of Legislative Council members held their second Evidence Stage on the Assisted Dying Bill and MLCs heard from two expert witnesses Bridget Carter and Dr Claud Regnard as well as the Bill’s promoter Alex Allinson. Ms Carter works to prevent coercive behaviour towards vulnerable elderly people and Dr Regnard is a life long Palliative Care expert. As the Assisted Dying Bill approaches the end of its consideration by LegCo, Agenda extracts some of the highlights from the evidence session including the advice given by the Attorney General on the Bill.
As an early Christmas present we’ve got a yuletide topped and tailed Agenda, stuffed with an interview with newly appointed Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford. What does Mr Ashford hope to achieve in his return to Ministerial politics and does his appointment herald the start of a program of delivery of the much trumpted headline grabbing targets which government has been so good at talking about over the past three years. Government appears to be nibbling through the last of the financial leftovers at an alarming rate so can we expect some more ample portions in the year to come? A mess...