Episodes
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?
The Cooish drew to a close yesterday after yet another successful week of events associated with the Manx language. So what do those attending this Manx language festival think about the language and its place in Island life. The language has grown in numbers of speakers, learning resources and activities over the past three decades but how relevant is it to modern life in the Isle of Man? Is it as some suggest a waste of time and money, or does it hold an essential place at the heart of Manx culture and identity? No prizes for guessing what Phil Gawne thinks!
Manx Care has been in the news lately more for its troubles than successes. One of Manx Care’s board members expressed concern at what our Health Services would become if doesn’t receive a substantial budgetary increase. Questions have been asked about whether indeed the separation of services from the Health Department to Manx Care is working. The Health Minister had a very public spat with his consultative committee and is planning to change their terms of reference in Tynwald next week. The Minister gives his warts and all assessment on Agenda. £20 - £30 million funding gap and Manx Care...
Some interesting Bills making their way through Keys and LegCo at the moment. An Income Tax Bill and Sanctions Bill which were primarily tidying up existing provision. A Vaping Bill and an Employment Bill introduce more significant changes to existing law and we hear a bit about both. We hear from Alex Allinson about the Assisted Dying Bill and Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston also tells us that there’s “nothing to see here” regarding Government’s plan to mothball work permits legislation. Do you think he’s right or are you convinced by MHKs who refer to the floodgates being opened?
We hear a lot about the threats to the Island’s biodiversity with climate and land mismanagement often held up as the culprits. On Agenda this week Simon Clarke talks to farmers who have been recognised for getting things right and giving a helping hand to the rich Manx biodiversity that so many of us cherish. A fortnight ago the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group held their annual Manx Farm Conservation Challenge ceremony in which farmers were applauded for the very best in wildlife friendly farming. Agenda focussing on happy things, rainbows and butterflies this week - which is nice!
Political commentator Alastair Ramsay is known for his thoughtful assessments of issues which face our Island so what’s got him so wound up lately? Alastair lets rip on this week’s Agenda about his deep concerns over the process which has led to the proposed site in the south for a wind farm development. An episode not to be missed. Is Alastair right to be so concerned? Surely we’ve been talking about wind farms for long enough and now’s the time for action? Is Alastair right in suggesting Tynwald is not up to the job of holding government to account?
Revision to government’s capital procedures and regulations might not sound like the most riveting of subjects and yet tens of millions of taxpayers pounds are spent each year on government’s capital program. From big projects such as the Promenade and Liverpool Sea Terminal down much smaller things like new hospital equipment or a still proposed flight simulator for the airport are all delivered using these procedures, so changes can potentially reduce cost and bureaucracy. On Agenda Andrew Smith MHK tells us what has changed and why. Government is not known for reducing red tape and burea...
Lewis Foster looks back at the highs and lows of 2023 Isle of Man Government Conference.
Tanya August-Hanson MLC is at it again, spearheading new legislation and helping the Manx public lead easier lives. She’s consulting on a private member’s Bill which would allow some bits of legislation to catch up with societal changes surrounding same sex families. She’s also helping the Planning Department steer and amendment Bill through which will help simplify the planning process. And she’s also looking for views on how Charities Registration and Regulations are functioning. In the absence of Keys members driving legislative change do you welcome LegCo picking up the law-making cudgel?
Sarah Maltby is one of the new crop of MHKs elected at the 2021 general election. One of two Manx Labour MHKs Sarah has taken up the Social Security role in Treasury. She’s had a busy summer knocking on doors and finding out what her constituents in Douglas South are thinking. Sarah gives us all the skeet on what she’s been finding out. There is something quite admirable about giving over so much time to canvassing the views of your constituents but is this the best use of limited time? Is there too much talk and not enough action, or do you value spending more time with your MHK?
With all the exam results out now how does Education Minister Julie Edge MHK think Manx students have done? Relations between teachers and the Department have been shakey at best over the past few years. Are there signs of improvement now? And what’s the latest on the QE2 drag queen affair? Were you inspired by your teachers? Is there too much bureaucracy in education these days? So much to talk about, so little time!
Onchan MHK Julie Edge brought two motions to July Tynwald which sought to increase the impartiality of the Tynwald committee that polices the standards and conduct of Tynwald members. In an emotional speech Ms Edge refered to an episode of bullying which she claimed to be the victim of in the previous House of Keys. Is it reasonable that the Speaker who ensures that Keys Members act appropriately in the Keys sittings is also responsible for considering members conduct and issuing punishment in his role on the Tynwald Standards and Members Interest Committee. Some interesting comment on educ...
The Health Services Consultative Committee released its annual report a few weeks back which was mildly critical of the the Health Department. Outgoing Chair Andrew Cole in an interview about his Committee’s report felt that the Health Minister tried to bully his committee. The Minister strongly refutes this allegation and describes the report as riddled with errors. In the meantime the broadcaster who interviewed the outgoing chair claims he’s being threatened with lawyers letters. What is going on? Is the Minister being too robust in defending his Department or is he right to kick back at...
Tanya August Hanson and Bill Henderson MLC gave a strong defence of the role and workload of members of the Legislative Council a few weeks back which incensed Positive Action Group founder and seasoned Tynwald watcher Roger Tomlinson so on Agenda this week he gives a different perspective on the Legislative Council and Tynwald. Should LegCo be directly elected by the people? Should the Chief Minister be voted in by the Manx people? Do we really care provided government and Tynwald are making our lives better?Should Roger be given a medal for dedicating so much of his time to following Tynw...
With the Assisted Dying Bill receiving it’s first reading in the House of Keys last week Agenda speaks to assisted dying advocates Trevor Moore and Paul Weatherall. Trevor is chair of UK campaign group My Death My Decision and Paul is a member of the Manx branch and member of Facebook group Let Me Choose. They paint an eloquent picture in favour of the Bill but are they right? Lots to consider on Agenda. Should politicians be giving power to people to choose when and how their lives should end? Should doctors be given power to be able to end your life if you ask them to help you. Lots to th...
Legislative Council has come in for a fair bit of stick recently for its very short sittings, just twenty one sittings each year outside of Tynwald and the relatively passive if not silent public face of Leg Co members. On Agenda MLCs Tanya August Hanson and Bill Henderson fight back. Is legislative scrutiny more than just passing comment in LegCo. Is the lack of legislation coming through the branches the fault of government and limited availability of legislative drafters? Does government have far more important stuff to be getting on with than creating new law, or is new law essential t...
Ever wondered why our children’s teeth are full of fillings? Did you know that children’s dental health here is among the worst in these Islands? In last month’s Tynwald the Social Affairs Committee presented a report on Children’s Oral Health which the Health Minister felt was a bit weak in its demands. We hear from the Minister and one of the Committee members on Agenda. And yes the ‘f' word is mentioned. Is fluoridation of our water the cure for our children’s bad teeth or is it mass medication and much to be avoided?
Do we need need a Bishop? Some might argue that as we fall into a pit of moral decline their has never been a more important time to have the moral and spiritual guidance the Bishop provides. Others would suggest that changes in society and community mean that organised religion is very much yesterday’s news. With our current Bishop stepping down this year Joney Faragher MHK is hoping to gain Tynwald support to remove the Bishop from Tynwald. Does she have a good case? Does Tynwald still need moral guidance?