Episodes
Chief Constable Gary Roberts has been in post for over a decade but will be stepping back from the role at the end of the year. He talks about the changing nature of policing in the Isle of Man and the vast range of issues covered from petty crime to international money laundering. Financial pressures restrict how effective policing can be and relatively low starting salaries means that recruitment of new officers is becoming increasingly difficult. Do you feel safe in your home and community? The statistics certainly suggest the Isle of Man is one of the safest places to live in these Isla...
The Treasury Minister has had a lot to deal with since taking over from David Ashford three months ago. A flurry of announcements this week demonstrated an understanding of the significant financial difficulties many of us are facing, and short term fixes have been delivered - but are these sustainable? Can the government continue to burn the economic candle at both ends. On Agenda Alex Allinson MHK tells me why we need a radical shift in economic strategy and what the Cannan administration’s brave new world will look like. We’ve got to hope someone knows what they’re talking about.
In this extended Agenda the Chief Minister Alf Cannan MHK explains in some depth his government’s thinking in developing this bold ambition. Is his government all spin and glitzy brochures or is there real substance to what he says? Whatever you think you really should take the opportunity to engage with government if you want your views to help shape the future of our Island.
On Agenda this week Health Minister Lawrie Hooper MHK and Tynwald Petitioner Alison Ritchie consider the health and social care complaints regulations due to be considered this week in Tynwald. In previous debates on this topic have described the process of getting your complaint heard as a bureaucratic minefield and talked about health professionals closing ranks against complainants. So are the regulations independent enough to satisfy the growing number of complainants who feel badly let down by the current process? Hopefully you’ll never need to use the new complaints process but if you...
Last week the Isle of Man welcomed delegates from around the world to the Small Countries Financial Management Programme. Twenty two officials representing finance ministries, central banks and regulatory bodies came to the Island from as far afield as the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean and Africa. So what is the Programme all about and does it represent good value for the tax payers investment. I talk to programme participants and officials about the value of what’s taught, the impact that the programme has for countries that participate and whether it’s worthy of our support.
What is the significance of the outdoor sitting of Tynwald, what’s actually involved in the ceremony and is there any chance we’ll resurrect settling disputes with sword fights? Will you be going to the Tynwald fair? Is it just a good excuse for tea, cakes and a bit of a yarn or does this thousand year old institution hold a significant place in Manx hearts. Maybe both?
Fed up with the inefficiencies of government? Think the planning system is too restrictive? Or maybe not restrictive enough? Well, this week’s Agenda might well have the answer for you. Clerk of Tynwald, Jonathan King talks us through how to present a petition to Tynwald. We also hear from campaigner Bridge Carter who is concerned about the lack of a legislative framework for preventing financial crime against elderly and vulnerable people and holding perpetrators to account.
It is said that the higher you climb, the harder the fall. On Agenda tonight we speak to a politician who still bears the political bruises of his rather dramatic departure from office just three weeks ago. David Ashford MHK had a meteoric political rise to some of the most senior political roles in Manx politics. So how does he feel after his resignation, does he have any weaknesses and where does his future lie? No smoking gun revelations but some very thoughtful insights from the former Treasury Minister. Is there’s life in the old dog yet? Only one way to find out.
Is enough being done for our footpaths, glens and heritage attractions. We consider an MLC’s bid to improve government support and protection of our built heritage. We hear from Marlene Maska MLC - that rare thing a politician who knows what she’s talking about - and Daphne Caine MHK a strong champion for our heritage.
It is one of the biggest challenges in Manx politics and the Minister is not unique in struggling to get to grips with this very large and unwieldy government department. We talk about the ongoing issues on the Promenade, horse trams, problems at the airport and much more with Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK
Alastair Ramsay tries to help Phil cut through the rhetoric and consider the implications of the Chief Minister's statement to May Tynwald on the Ranson case.
Daphne Caine MHK tells us why Keys were so concerned about prayers, we consider whether the Manx political system is fit for purpose and is government serious about addressing Climate Change?
Important complaints regulations moved a step closer in Leg Co last week - Phil speaks to the Health Minister Lawrie Hooper MHK about it and, after Crogga's license was extended to explore our seas for gas, Stu Peters MHK and Paul Craine MLC discuss gas extraction.
Phil and Alistair Ramsay Review how the April 2022 Tynwald sitting went
Ralph Peake tell us how the Energy and Sustainability Centre can deliver a greener future without resorting to government funding.
Chris Thomas tells us about his hard hitting questions in April Tynwald and also Government's stuttering response to the housing crisis and how the Housing Board, which he chairs, is working.
Phil Gawne speaks with DEFA member Michelle Haywood MHK about climate change's impact on the sea around us and how blue carbon could help; he also takes the opportunity to quiz Michelle and fellow Southern MHK Jason Moorhouse about the lack of progress on Castle Rushen High School and the recent debacle over the Southern Swimming Pool
Dark Money and how it influences international finance. Graham Barrow - a man who speaks about international finance, sanctions on Russian oligarchs, and financial secrecy
In this week's programme, Phil talks to Jason Moorhouse MHK about returning graduates and he attempts to get to the bottom of the Income Tax Bill with Treasury Minister David Ashford MHK.
Minister Lawrie Hooper discusses his request for another £10Million for his Health Department, while recently elected MLC Paul Craine talks to Phil about the growing imbalance between the economically active population and those who depend on them.
Phil Gawne talks to Manx TaxPayers' Alliance representative Michael Josem. Who are they, what do they do and what do they want to see happen in the Island's political landscape?
Phil Gawne speaks to Treasury Minister David Ashford, former MHK Peter Karran and Phil Craine from Taxwatch about the unfolding and evolving situation in Ukraine.
Phil Gawne with reaction to the Budget from: Mr Speaker Juan Watterson, on reform to the budget process; Health Minister Lawrie Hooper explaining the £8m a year increases in his Department's budget; Tim Glover MHK with strong words for former DESC Minister Cregeen regarding Castle Rushen High School; and Claire Christian MHK explains why she voted against the Budget.
Phil Gawne in conversation with Chief Minister Alfred Cannan, talking about the final draft of his administration's 5 year strategy - 'Our Island Plan' (extended interview)
This week, we’re talking Rates, tax and budget setting. Everyone knows where to spend more money but nobody wants to pay more Rates or tax. Colin Kniveton held various roles as Chief Executive and finance officer in Government and tried to deliver the decades old political ambition of Rates reform. Phil Gawne has prised him out of retirement to tell all on Agenda. Ever wondered how all these dark and mysterious process work? You’ll wish you hadn’t asked.
This week, Phil Gawne is in conversation with Rob Mercer MLC, who explains why he believes it’s time to update the 2014 Council of Ministers Strategy for Offshore Energy Production - and Stu Peters MHK, who tells us why it’s not.
On Agenda this week we’re considering what’s gone wrong with the Department of Infrastructure. Was it set up to fail by former Chief Minister Tony Brown? Is the DoI unmanageable, unwieldy and just too big to keep under control? Former DoI Chief Executive, Ian Thompson gives us his thoughts.
Controversy and conflict undoubtedly lie ahead for Clare Barber MHK, the new Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture. Phil Gawne talks to her out about her plans for the Department and finds out how she's settling in to her new role.
Out with the old, in with the new. Following on from last week’s programme with former Chief Ministers Allan Bell and Tony Brown, this week, Phil Gawne speaks with new MHKs Andrew Smith and John Wannenburgh, highlighting the contrast between the old and new political opinions.
Phil Gawne speaks with two former Chief Ministers - Allan Bell and Tony Brown. The three of them take a look back at their highlights for 2021 and ahead to 2022 to see what the year might bring. Have they become the Grumpy Old Men of Manx Politics?!