Episodes
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?!
Phil Gawne takes a look back at the year just gone and asks what seasoned journalists Alistair Ramsey and Paul Moulton made of 2021 and will they be prepared to make predictions for the coming year?
An explosive mix on this long Agenda special. Should we extract our gas and profit from it? Phil Gawne speaks to Diccen Sargent CEO of Crogga, gas extraction expert Jon Curtis, Leader of the Green Party Andrew Newton and former MHK and Crogga investor Chris Robertshaw.
Exploring the housing crisis - is it real or perceived? Phil Gawne hosts a robust exchange between retired political warrior Peter Karran and the Manx professor of detail and complicated Chris Thomas. More than just chestnuts roasting on tonight’s show!
Phil Gawne speaks to a Minister with just over two months of experience in the House of Keys. Kate Lord-Brennan though holds a very important role in the heart of government and has several years of parliamentary experience from her days in LegCo. So what’s changed with her Ministerial role, is the brighter and more radical future promised by the new House of Keys likely to be realised or is it just a naive political fantasy?
Phil Gawne speaks with the 41 year old grandfather of the House of Keys. Juan Watterson was reappointed to the role of Speaker following the election but is that the extent of his ambition? Phil scrutinises the island’s most experienced political scrutineer and tries to get answers. Young Mr Watterson is always entertaining and his fascinating insights into Manx politics are not to be missed!
This week, a round table discussion between candidates for this Thursday's bye-election for Ramsey's North Ward
Chair of the Climate Change Transformation Board, Daphne Caine MHK and Rob Mercer MLC join Phil to discuss COP 26, the impacts of climate change and the role the Isle of Man can play.