Episodes
The assisted dying Bill is due to be read a third time tomorrow in an extra Keys sitting and Agenda asks what’s the rush. We also ponder whether Tynwald and government are capable of delivering a bus station in Douglas, why developers need support to build luxury flats in Port Erin and why Tynwald rejected the opportunity to save money by allowing private member’s Bills to appear on the government consultation website. If you are struggling to understand government’s spending priorities then this week’s Agenda may well be able to help - mind you it might not and all.
Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood wants to progressively prevent new generations from being able to purchase tobacco products. Her private member’s Bill would in effect see the age at which you can buy tobacco products increase by a year each year until eventually nobody could buy them. With an estimated 25% of the health budget spent treating smoking relate illness this seems like an obvious thing to do. Will the health budget savings outweigh the lost tobacco tax income? Surely helping us lead longer healthier live must be a good thing?
Lawrie Hooper’s homework was marked by June Tynwald and he passed with flying colours. The waiting list initiative supported by Tynwald last year appears to have had a significant impact in reducing numbers of people waiting for treatment. Minister Hooper tells us about that initiative and new adoption law changes before moving on to the Carer’s Strategy. Julie Edge gave an impassioned speech in support of carers which we’ll hear too in this week’s Agenda. Good news about waiting lists but does government care about carers?
The 41st Summit of the British-Irish Council took place here just over a week ago with senior politicians focussing on unlocking the economic and social opportunities of renewables across these islands. The Irish Taoiseach was here as was the Scottish Government First Minister but do these summits actually deliver anything meaningful? And has any progress been made to give the Isle of Man a share of the spoils extracted from windfarm licences that would be ours if we were independent?
If we had a house for every report, review, investigation, and new policy and recommendation then we probably wouldn’t have a housing crisis. So why does Rob Callister want to set up another committee investigation on housing? Should public sector housing be more accessible for people on low incomes and if so how do we pay for the new houses required to satisfy demand? Surely it’s time for more obvious action rather than endless words, excuses and “jam tomorrow”?
The Manx Development Corporation has its supporters and critics but what is it for and how was it formed? It aims to be a catalyst for the positive transformation of the Island’s urban landscape for the benefit of all Manx Citizens and has a vision to create an urban landscape which will be perceived as vibrant, safe, of high design quality and environmentally efficient. So how is that working? Well, Dane Harrop, Managing Director of the Manx Development Corporation is keen to tell us on Agenda. A bold initiative to provide us with beautiful and inspiring places to live or more tax payers m...
Long serving political figure Eddie Lowey passed away recently and on Agenda long term friend and occasional political ally Peter Karran pays tribute to a towering Manx statesman. Mr Lowey was first elected to the House of Keys in the old Rushen constituency. He went on to serve in many position in both government and Tynwald stepping down from Legislative Council about ten years ago. But it was his dedication to the Manx people through the Labour Party which defines him as one of the most influential politicians in living memory.
The Island’s first set of Biodiversity Action Plans mark a significant step in the Island’s commitment to nature conservation. Agenda asks the experts what are they and why do they matter? There certainly seems to be a greater focus on protecting the Island’s biodiversity but will these plans make a difference? Is there any budget to help deliver the plans? We live in a beautiful part of the world with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Are you pleased that government is looking after the birds and the bees? Are they doing enough or is it just bluff and bluster with no real substance?
More from the new political alliance on this week’s Agenda. Julie Edge MHK gives her warts and all assessment of government and what needs to change. So what did she do as Minister to solve these problems? Is this just sour grapes on the recently replaced education Minister? Ms Edge certainly has some interesting thoughts and ideas for the future which she shares with you on Agenda. Will the Chief Minister live to regret losing so many Ministers? Do you find it refreshing to hear the unbridled views of ex-Ministers or do you just wish they’d all shut up and focus on delivering the change pr...
In Tynwald last week Onchan MHK Rob Callister asked his colleagues to reaffirm a 2017 Tynwald decision relating to the role LegCo members should fulfil and in particular that they should not be a member of more than one government department. The government website tells us that one MLC is a member of two departments and since last month’s reshuffle there may be two, but does any of this really matter? As is often the case there were mixed views in Tynwald and we hear some of them on Agenda. Should MLCs make decisions on government policy bearing in mind their at best tenuous mandate from t...
John Sheppard is a Sustainability Consultant and Technical director of Wren Sustainable Limited. He believes that government initiatives to help households become more sustainable are “a joke” and he tells us why on Agenda. While government has legislation requiring it to deliver on carbon reduction targets, it seems that legislation is limited on requiring government agencies to help people reduce their energy needs. It certainly makes financial sense for us all to better insulate our homes and reduce energy bills so why aren’t more of us doing this? Is there real substance behind the gove...
On Agenda last week Tynwald Youth Select Committee members Zara Molnova, Aidan Clarke and Alex Cowley told us about the work of their Committee. This week these sixth form students talk about their political aspirations and run rings round me in a discussion about the perils and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence. As someone who’s political thinking inhabits the margins of the Tynwald/CoMin bubble I found it encouraging to be challenged by their fresh ideas and inciteful comment. Well worth a listen as you’re getting your tea later.
Very occasionally when conducting interviews Phil Gawne is particularly impressed by the refreshing honestly and clarity of my guests. The Youth Select Committee was established by Tynwald to give a voice to students and Castle Rushen High School students Zara Molnova and Aidan Clarke, and Chair of the Select Committee Alex Cowley from St Ninians High School join Phil Gawne on Agenda. In the first of what will be a two part interview they tell me about their role and how they intend to help Tynwald solve the Island’s housing crisis. Honest, straight talking and passionate about politics - ...
An Agenda of two halves this week with Paul Craine MLC assessing the latest population figures and MLC and Children’s Champion Kerry Sharp assessing the recently announced Ballakermeen toilet policy and how children’s rights have changed over the decades. Government has set its sights on growing the economically active population and the latest figures seem to suggest they are beginning to succeed. And the toilet policy has certainly attracted a lot of interest with vociferous argument for and against so good to have a philosophical reflection on the topic. Well worth crossing your legs and...
At a meeting last week more than a hundred people heard from Canadian campaigner, Alex Schadenberg, Chair of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and Dr Duncan Gerry consultant geriatrician. Both spoke with passion and expressed deep concern about Alex Allinson’s attempt to introduce Assisted Dying in the Isle of Man. So are the safeguards in the Assisted Dying Bill strong enough? We hear the views of those concerned about the new Bill on Agenda. There’s no doubt that the Bill will have a dramatic impact on end of life care in the Isle of Man. Should we be worried about that?
The scandal surrounding the actions of the UK Post Office in connection with wrongful persecution of sub postmasters is rarely off the news lately, thanks in part to the significant campaign for justice led by Alan Bates. Looking at the fact as we now know them it seems remarkable that a common sense test hadn’t been applied by Post Office Chiefs. Corporate investigator Rob Kinrade explains how properly trained staff should be able spot such situations and avoid the huge stress and embarrassment caused when things go so badly wrong. Sadly protecting corporate reputations seems to trump comm...
Julie Edge has been replaced as education minister in what the Chief Minister has termed a strategic change. All parties are at pains to mention that this was not a sacking but Ms Edge responded to news of her departure by saying that as the “difficult woman” who regularly challenges decisions and offers the public perspective, I am not surprised. So what’s going on? We hear the departing Minister’s view on Agenda. Is this the start of a much needed reshuffle of the Council of Ministers? Will more Ministerial heads roll? Or is this just a convenient way to get an unpopular budget off the he...
The Isle of Man Electoral Commission recently published its report which makes recommendations to Tynwald in relation to House of Keys constituency boundaries. The report is due to be debated in March and on Agenda Commission members Sally Bolton and Nigel Davis explain the Commission’s findings and recommendations. Should MHKs make decisions about the future shape and size of their constituencies? Should they follow international standards? With just under half the voting age population not bothering to vote should we be looking at much bolder steps in relation to Keys elections?
We’re half way through the Cannan administration and the Chief Minister is facing growing pressure to deliver on the promises contained in the glitzy strategy documents and plans. So how does Alf Cannan think he’s doing? Is the housing crisis solved? Find out on Agenda with Amy Griffiths who caught up with the Chief Minister earlier this month. Are the recent green shoots of economic growth a sign that all is well in the government garden or merely the expected bounce that follows the forced constraint of Covid restrictions.
The Cannan administration has had bold ambition to radically change the government and the prospects for our economic future but half way through this government’s term in office what meaningful change can they point to. Is the Cannan government’s ambition one you share or are their aspects of it that you’re not signed up to? On Agenda political commentator Alistair Ramsay joins me Phil Gawne to pick through the policies and ponder what meaningful change will be delivered prior to the 2026 election. Are we witnessing a bold revolution or some deckchair rearrangement to get a better view of ...
There was quite a heated exchange in Tynwald this month about government’s policy relating to accepting refugees. Minister Kate Lord Brennan was surprisingly robust in defending the Cabinet Office’s approach and this led to several members including the mover of the motion Joney Faragher giving as good as they got. On Agenda this week we hear from both protagonists and get seasoned politician Juan Watterson’s take on how the apparent misunderstandings may have occurred. A heated debate to warm this dark January evening.
The Energy Strategy was debated in Tynwald last week and Minister Clare Barber didn’t have it all her own way. Ann Corlett again questioned the Infrastructure Minister about when his Department will lower speed limits in residential areas. Also Lawrie Hooper talks about proposed changes to constituency boundaries. Clare Barber on Energy Strategy, Ann Corlett on Speed Limits and Lawrie Hooper on the Boundary review. Buckle up for another high octane Agenda.
There was no room in the Perspective inn yesterday for the Homlessness Strategy and Children’s Champion’s Report. So in the Agenda before Christmas all through the House (of Keys) we have a Minister stirring and even some cows. No wise men but Tynwald stars David Ashford, Claire Barber and Kerry Sharpe are with us to give some good news good for the homeless and for vulnerable children, as well as encouragement for campaigners seeking new laws to protect puppies and kittens. Loads to stuff in to this week’s bumper Tynwald Christmas Agenda stocking!
We’ve got a new Fisheries Management Agreement and there’s more tweaking of the planning system being proposed. Planning and Fisheries Minister Clare Barber tells us about both including the usual proposal to increase fees - well Government needs the money I suppose! But tucked in the planning consultation there’s a proposal that the planning committee should be allowed to consider applications linked to DEFA, which of course is the Department which provides the policy and legislation which the Planning Committee must follow. Do I hear an alarm bell ringing or is it just Santa’s sleigh?
A damning report into children’s social care services was debated in November Tynwald, painting a very bleak picture for children in care or leaving care at 16. The report found that a lack of adequate support systems to promote the safety and well-being of these children is significantly failing them, the impact of substance misuse on children is of significant concern, and too many children do not have access to appropriate education, training or employment. We consider these findings on Agenda. Lets hope that 2024 brings more comfort to these vulnerable children.
Anyone fancy some free money this Christmas? That appears to be what’s on offer from Paul Craine MLC as he asks Tynwald to support his motion which calls for the Isle of Man to benefit from the revenue generated on the seabed out to the median line between the Isle of Man and the UK. Scotland was granted similar benefits just prior to the independence referendum so surely the Isle of Man has a strong case. All the angles are explored on Agenda. Mr Craine does describe this as a David and Golliath sitution but perhaps it’s worth the Isle of Man placing a polite request in its civil service s...
Looking for some straight talking no nonsense politician to say it how it is? Well, a semi-retired former MHK is pulling no punches when it comes to government’s housing policy. Peter Karran has written to the new Housing Board Chair, David Ashford, with some clear policy ideas to try to find housing solutions for the many Manx workers who contnue to struggle to find affordable homes. Is this a return to front line politics for Mr Karran or a genuinely heartfelt attempt to intervene positively to resolve the housing crisis. Cut through his rhetoric and there are some pretty good policies wh...
Departmental Plans came in for a bit of stick in Tynwald last week but are they the “meaningless drivel” that John Rimmington once described his Department’s plan about twenty years ago? Speaker Watterson didn’t quite go that far but it is fair to say he wasn’t impressed. The Department of Education’s was one of the plans he criticised so what did Minister Edge make of the criticism? We also hear about a rather disturbing case of some one with deep pockets using the legal system to financially ruin one of Stu Peter’s constituents. Are the government’s plans meaningless nonsense or a valiant...
A bit of déjà vu on Agenda this week as the Bishop’s vote is once more called into question this time by the House of Keys who narrowly voted to allow Lawrie Hooper to introduce a private member’s Bill to remove the vote from the Bishop. Mr Hooper was accused of having malevolent purpose and being distracted by trivial matters when he should be getting on with the day job of fixing health services. We consider the latest debate on Agenda. Is the vote of the non elected Bishop any different to the votes of the other eight democratically unaccountable LegCo members? Or is this a necessary ch...
The Isle of Man Government Risks Fanning the Flames of a World on Fire according to the Green Party’s Andrew Langan Newton but is he right? The claim is made as government looks to vary the conditions of Crogga’s gas exploration licence which has received intense scrutiny in recent Keys sittings. There does seem to be a growing chorus of international organisations and governments suggesting that further attempts to find fossil fuels will cause real danger to the future of humanity but is this just scaremongering? More screetchy green washing or a wake up call for our future - you decide?