Episodes
The president of Tynwald has announced he'll retire from politics later this year.Laurence Skelly has confirmed he won't be seeking re-election when his term in office expires in July.He's been in the post since 2021, having previously served as a Member of the House of Keys for 10 years, including seven years as a minister.He says it's been a great privilege to serve the people of Rushen and the Isle of Man, and that he intends to remain active in Island life following his retirement.The election of the next President of Tynwald will take place on 21 July for a term of office extending to ...
The directors of Mannin Music say there's a 'general feeling' in Peel that things don't happen in the town and why that is, is 'unclear'.Business owners Laura and David Rowles say concerns about the proposed beach stage hadn't been raised by Peel Commissioners until this Wednesday (25 March), when the clerk called to pass on comments from the board.The pair suggested the idea to Commissioner Katryna Baptist and the shop is partnering with the local authority for the trial of the stage as well as helping organise acts.They added that meetings with Ms Baptist and Commissioner Stuart Hardingha...
The chief minister says there's 'no guarantee there'll be any support' from government amid the ongoing fuel crisis.The cost of petrol, diesel and home heating oil has shot up as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Alfred Cannan confirmed government is following a number of key principles, including weekly meetings, establishing an industry monitoring body and protecting the supply of fuel to the Island.However, speaking on Manx Radio, he wouldn't commit to providing any help to people struggling with the increases:
A new consultation is inviting residents, property owners, and stakeholders to share their views on how voluntary land registration can be encouraged and made more accessible.The Land Registry, within the Central Registry, is reviewing how residents can be further incentivised do so in an attempt to increase the uptake of registration.The consultation follows a Tynwald approved recommendation from the Tynwald Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee’s First Report on Adverse Possession and Land Registration.Registrar General Ed Clague says they are open to all suggestions:
Hospice Isle of Man has confirmed a number of redundancies and service changes amidst what it describes as 'increasingly unsustainable' financial difficulties.In this edition of Newscast, we speak to Hospice CEO Fiona Hatton about the 'tough decision' the charity has faced.
A new form, which has been trialled successfully on the frailty unit at Noble's Hospital, will soon be getting rolled out further.It has been created by Sonia Blake - Manx Care's Day Centre Services Manager - for use across all clinical settings, particularly those that are 'time poor', like hospital wards.The document is the brainchild of her experience when her mum was in hospital with the later stages of Alzheimer's, and her desire for staff to know what made her mum feel safe when she couldn't be there.It focusses on five things that matter most to the person, to help put them at ease, ...
Alongside their training, the latest recruits to join the Isle of Man Constabulary are organising a charity quiz night in the south of the Island this Friday (27 March) to raise money for Isle Stand Up To Suicide.To find out more about the event, Ben spoke to Student Police Constables Saul Law and Luke Sweetman.
The brand new Integrated Sight Support & Resource Hub was officially opened this morning (20 March) at Noble’s Hospital by Dr Janet Gray MBE.It’s in the former MacMillan Room in the foyer, and encompasses everything someone dealing with sight loss may need, and will also support their families. Siobhán sat down with Manx Care's Eye Care Liaison Officer, Lesley Hankinson, and Chief Executive of Sight Matters, Cathryn Bradley, to find out more.
A mum on the Island has organised a gig with a difference this weekend as local bands will take to the stage to raise money for a cause close to her heart.Known to many here as a competitive skateboarder, and from her work with Gal Skate, Ali Mellor lost her daughter, Belle, nearly 14 years ago after she was stillborn at 36 weeks.Siobhán Fletcher sat down with Ali to find out more about the gig this weekend and why the charity, SANDS, means so much to her.
Tributes are being paid to a campaigner described as an 'integral part of' several of the Island's cancer charities following his death.Chris Barr was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, making him one of only a few hundred men given the diagnosis each year.A lawyer, he readily gave many free legal advice, and helped patients come to terms with their illness, even throughout his own battle with the disease.Siobhán Fletcher sat down with Derek Peters and Carole Male from Mannin Cancers and Chris' husband, John Artil, to hear more about the 'quiet man who did so much for this Island'.
The risk of a meningitis outbreak on the Isle of Man is 'very low indeed'.That's the message from the Island's Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer, Matt Tyrer.It comes following the death of two young people in the UK following an outbreak largely centred around the University of Kent in Canterbury.But with questions around vaccinations prevalent in most news coverage - what is the advice to parents here who may be worried?Siobhán Fletcher asked Dr Tyrer.
Parents on the Isle of Man are being encouraged to make sure their children have received all available meningitis vaccinations.It follows an outbreak in the UK in which two young people have died, and several others are in hospital.Beth Espey spoke to Brett Martin, whose 21-year-old son Lucas died from the disease in 2023.He says his heart goes out to the families affected and is urging parents to do everything they can to ensure young people are as protected as possible:
Doctors on the Isle of Man have claimed a ‘critical shortfall’ in inpatient bed capacity at Noble’s Hospital is posing a direct risk to people’s lives.The Medical Staff Committee is calling for ‘immediate government intervention’ to support the simultaneous demands of emergency admissions and planned surgery.It claims that Manx Care has reduced the number of beds by 46 percent – something the health body disputes.Chief Executive Teresa Cope told Manx Radio it’s been an ‘incredibly difficult’ winter and says efforts to configure wards have come at the ‘worst possible time’:
The Salvation Army says it's assisting clients with a combined total of £2.2m debt. It's an increase of a million pounds from last year; this week marks Debt Awareness Week and year-on-year the charity says it has seen more people seeking assistance on how to manage their money better.
A local mobile catering van says it's 'disappointed' not to be visiting Castletown due to a dispute with the local authority.Filbey's says it offered the commissioners 42 dates for the year, and after a number of emails the local authority returned with six that they could operate on.The board says it was 'happy' for Filbey’s to have their mobile unit in Market Square, but the decision was 'made solely' by the business.Co-Owner Jess Reeder-Katsipis [PRON: KAT-SIPIS] says they have 'no malice' towards the local authority and would love to go back to Castletown.Local Democracy Reporter Emma D...
A teenage 'mental health champion' is set to give a talk later this month about how his snakes and other 'unusual pets' have had a positive effect on his wellbeing.Seventeen-year-old Jessie Quirk has ADHD, autism and severe social anxiety, alongside other mental health issues.On 24 March he will give a talk at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin explaining how his four snakes have been a force for good in his life.
Endometriosis affects around one in ten women - but for many, getting help can be a long and difficult journey.Chloë Love, 31, has been living with severe symptoms for nearly two decades.In this extended interview with Manx Radio’s Christian Jones, she speaks about chronic pain, spending her life savings on private surgery, and why she feels her concerns have not been fully heard.
It's only in relatively recent times that a career in catering has earned the respect it deserves in the UK. That's helped in no short part by the popularity of cookery programmes on TV and much greater awareness of healthy eating and interest in international cuisines.George Harris is a talented young chef from the Isle of Man who trained initially at UCM and is now making waves in a Michelin starred restaurant in the Lake District.Simon Richardson spoke to George and asked him what had inspired him to seek a career in the kitchen...
The chief minister says it's important Isle of Man residents understand the future potential economic impacts as the conflict in the Middle East continues into its 11th day. This afternoon, Alfred Cannan will meet with senior ministers and officials to assess the potential inflationary pressures including increases in energy prices, as well as the potential impact on the economy more generally. Speaking on Manx Radio Breakfast this morning, he says future fuel prices are expected to increase significantly and there are also other shortages which may have an impact.
Later this year, you're invited to take part in a world record for the largest Pilates class ever.The low-impact exercise was created by Joseph Pilates at Knockaloe Internment Camp right here on the Isle of Man.And in July, Ramsey Crookall, in collaboration with 34Moves and Visit Isle of Man, is aiming to break the current world record of 3,486 participants.We speak to Ramsey Crookall CEO Joanna Crookall, Ruby Griffiths, Founder of 34Moves, and CEO of Visit Isle of Man, Deborah Heather.
Douglas Council says its new social housing development in Willaston is 'everything' it wants to achieve in one building. The local authority has spent £11 million on the new apartment block which has 48 flats and will take roughly 88 people of its waiting list. Leader Devon Watson says the development will also make the housing stock more 'efficient' by helping people downsize.Our Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him and the Chair of the Housing Committee Peter Washington.
Manx charity Victim Support has received 85 referrals since the start of the year.January is typically the busiest month for the service, which helps people affected by crime on the Isle of Man.An increase in referrals if often, in part, due to increased publicity of the charity - and towards the end of 2025 there was a campaign to raise awareness about coercive control, financial abuse and elder abuse.CEO Lorna Trevethan says they are looking ahead to similar, targeted campaigns throughout this year.
International data protection authorities - including those in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey - have raised concerns about AI-generated deepfakes.They warn that non-consensual intimate imagery can cause serious emotional harm and damage reputations.Organisations developing AI tools are being urged to prevent misuse, protect personal data and act quickly when harmful content is reported.Information Commissioner Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones to discuss.
We are now entering the fourth day of strike action by the Island's bus drivers as an ongoing row over pay and conditions shows little sign of letting up.For those relying on public transport there is a limited bus service running, while the Department of Infrastructure has worked to reopen the Manx Electric Railway for anyone who is able to commute by tram.DOI Minister Tim Crookall joined the Manx Radio Breakfast team to discuss the strike action and address his decision on the Ramsey sea wall
The leader of Douglas Council believes government needs to be investing the same amount into social housing as it does 'luxury apartments'.Devon Watson has welcomed its plan to put £8.5 million pounds every year for five years into the housing deficiency fund,but says it needs to be 'accelerated'. Local authorities who have social housing development plans use money from rents to pay for the projects and any remaining costs are covered by the deficiency fund. Councillor Watson says the increased funding is a 'step in the right direction'.
Forty-eight hours after he presented this year's Budget to Tynwald, Treasury Minister Chris Thomas joined Ben and Sian on Breakfast for an extended interview about the financial plan, its implications and to consider the reaction it's had so far.
After voting against the 2026/27 Budget, Lawrie Hooper speaks to Manx Radio's Phil Gawne.
The chief executive of Manx Care has welcomed the increase in the health body's budget for the next financial year.It will get £404.2 million, up from £361.8 million last year.In this edition of Newscast, Teresa Cope tells Manx Radio's Lewis Foster what that means for patients on the Isle of Man.
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK has delivered his Budget speech for 2026.You can listen to it in full here.
Tony Thompson is a harbour keeper in Ramsey and back in November 2025 he joined a crew of seven aboard a 45ft yacht taking on a 3,086‑nautical‑mile voyage from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands to St Lucia in the Caribbean.It was part of the world‑famous ARC rally, which sees hundreds of vessels make the transatlantic trip each year, and for Tony - aged 64 and married to Sheila - it was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.He's been telling Lewis Foster all about it.