Episodes
Now that legal matters surrounding the Dr Ranson tribunal are drawing to a close the President of Tynwald gave members a much freer rein to debate the matter. This resulted in a much more open discusion in Tynwald and on Perspective we hear from former Health Minister David Ashford and Chief Minister Alf Cannan. We also hear from Tim Glover MHK who resigned from his departmental roles in disgust at the way in which government has conducted itself. Did the former Health Minister ignore Dr Ranson’s advice? Do the Chief Minister’s proposed actions restore your confidence in his government? Tim...
On Perspective this week we gauge reaction to the Dr Ranson payout and the Chief Minister’s statement to the House of Keys on the matter. Claire Christian MHK demands that the independent assessment suggested by the Chief Minister includes the Attorney General’s Chambers, Politicians, not just the Department of Health and Social Care, Chris Robertshaw calls for radical change and Minister Julie Edge asks for the recommendations of the whistleblowing committee she chaired to be fully implemented. Is government in crisis or is it just a storm in the Tynwald teacup?
Tynwald leftovers for Perspective this week covering a range of issues from parking charges to credit cards, stealth taxes to safer streets. Claire Christian MHK gives us her take on the handling of an appeal into the Ranson affair. What would a consultation on parking charges tell us other than we’d rather not pay? Are credit cards for Manx people a thing of the past? Do you want safer streets or just a quick route in and out of Douglas? So much to talk about, so little time!
On Perspective this week we talk Credit Cards, tax and spend, stealth taxes, threats to teachers and health workers, casino licences and much much more. Grandfather of Tynwald, Bill Henderson MLC is joined by MHKs David Ashford and Tim Glover in a lively discusion on several key political issues. Can we afford to carry on spending so much of our reserves when attempts to boost government’s income have been faltering at best? Despite many months of talking we appear no closer to getting a workable solution on Credit Cards for new Manx applicants. Do you accept Tynwald member’s credit for tal...
Moreblessing Pedhuru has recently arrived in the Island and is supporting a project to assist women in Zambia who find themselves in difficult circumstances. Liz Charter and Tim Earl gave a presentation to a packed audience about Birds of the Gambia last week and they are also raising funds for a project which supports people in the Gambia. It’s really inspiring to hear from Liz, Tim and Moreblessing about their selfless approach to helping people who’s lives are unimaginably difficult compared with our own.
A new service has been launched by Manx Care to help the 350 adults with ME and the 1,000+ with Long Covid. ME or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is a disabling and complex illness and prior to the new service being launched there was minimal support available for people living with the condition. Finally there is some good news for people struggling with this condition.
On Perspective this week we hear from some of the students who took part in the One World Centre’s Charity Challenge. We also hear the heart warming stories of the Ballakermeen High School team all of whom have moved to the Island from countries with different cultures and languages. The Charity Challenge aims to help secondary school students get a better understanding of the many challenges faced by people in developing countries across the world. Even the hardest of perspectives will melt when listening to our young people promoting important global development work.
This month’s Tynwald was perhaps the most emotionally charged sitting for a generation. From Rob Callister’s sacking, drag queens, housing, Road Tax, and a culture of fear in the civil service through to sharing the load in relation to public toilets, it’s fair to say we had the full range of Manx political discourse. What did the Chief Minister make of it all? Was Kerry Sharpe right to raise concerns? Was Mr Speaker content with Chris Thomas’s answers? Should local matters be left to the local authorities? Has Government shot itself in the foot over recent messaging - or lack of it?
How transparent is Manx politics? Manx Tax Payers Alliance spokesman Michael Josem called out unsuccessful LegCo candidate Gary Clueit for not being open about a £250 donation he made to one MHK’s election campaign. In response, Gary Clueit has questioned who are the mystery backers of the Tax Payers Alliance. Does money influence the way we think and vote? Is the Isle of Man too small to be troubled by such things or is big money influencing public debate. Are dark forces really plotting to buy your vote?
Perspective this week is the LegCo hustings part two. Manx Radio recorded the meeting organised by the Liberal Vannin party a few weeks ago and with the LegCo election just days away we hear for the final time the thoughts and views of the MLC hopefuls. There are some cracking questions and one or two surprising answers so well worth a listen. By this time next week hopefully all four available places will be filled in Legislative Council and we can settle back to discussing other weighty political matters. Anything much been happening?
On Perspective this week we hear from the candidates for the forthcoming legislative council election. The LegCo hustings was organised by the Liberal Vannin party and held at the Legion Hall in Douglas. In this first of two parts we find out who the candidates are and how they respond to questions from the public who attended this open event. Some probing questions and fascinating answers from the candidates. The successful four will be making big decisions about your future so worth finding out what they stand for.
Another brace of LegCo candidates on Perspective with Brian Brumby former president of the Manx National Farmers Union up first followed by semi-retired engineer Gary Clueit. Both candidates speak with passion but are they capable of providing the scrutiny, support and leadership the Island needs to solve the problems we’re facing? While you don’t get to choose your LegCo members you can share your opinions with your MHKs and if nothing else it’s good to know who might be making decisions on your behalf.
A Legislative Council special on Perspective this week with Dawn Kinnish presenting her case to become one of our representatives in LegCo and … in a program of two halves we also have young pretender Conor Keenan who’s trying for a second time to win a LegCo place. Two more candidates adding to the four we’ve already heard from in recent weeks and the only thing they agree on is that nobody knows what the House of Keys want from the second chamber. Confused - me too!
Perspective’s menu this week is looking particularly tasty with bread, fish and chips, curries, steaks, some beer and ice cream for pudding. Food and hospitality businesses having been struggling with one crisis after another to deal with over several years. So how are they coping, what support are they getting from government and what are they hoping for in this month’s budget? Are Manx food businesses quick enough to adapt to changing markets? You’ll be well fed with answers on Perspective this week!
As interest in the Legislative Council election begins to hot up, we hear from another wannabe member of LegCo Tanya August Hanson MLC. Ms August Hanson was elected to LegCo 5 years ago so what has she been doing and why does she think her work warrants another five year term? What do you expect from people in our parliament’s second chamber? Should they be seen and not heard, or do you expect your national politicians to be both visible and outspoken? Is being busy the same as being effective? Or are you more interested in what’s for tea?
At the last election the Island’s Housing Crisis was a topic on every politician’s lips, so what’s happen to address this over the past 18 months? Government’s Island Plan outlines a vision of everyone having a ‘suitable and affordable place to call home’ but is that vision even close to being delivered? Housing Minister Chris Thomas will attempt to defend his corner under questioning for MHK David Ashford, Councillor Devon Watson and Commissioner Hayley Fox. Government has certainly talked the talk but is their action sufficient to address the Island’s Housing Crisis?
As the consultation ends on Dr Alex Allinson’s bid to introduce a law to enable terminally ill adults to end their own life, Perspective this week debates the pros and cons of introducing legislation in this very difficult area. Should you have the right to decide how and when your life ends? With such rights come immense responsibilities too - are we ready to accept and indeed cope with the pressures and unforeseen consequences associated with rights to assisted dying. Not often I can say this but Perspective really is a matter of life and death this week!
A bowl of Manx political broth on Perspective this week with a bit of everything thrown in. What looked like a fairly bland Tynwald Order Paper delivered several lively debates, a few mini rebellions and a Ministerial olive branch being snapped in pieces and thrown back in the Ministers faces. Perspective tries to summarise a lively Tynwald from political grandstanding to thoughtful and well considered contributions and everything in between. Tynwald has certainly started the New Year with some fire in its belly - or is it just indigestion from too much Christmas Pud?
Some weighty items on the January Tynwald Order Paper including the highways charter, swimming pools, Department of Infrastructure’s plan, Our Island Plan, and the Economic Strategy. On Perspective this week I’m joined by political rottweiler Claire Christian MHK, deep thinking Minister Chris Thomas, and Arbory Commissioner and Southern Pool member Kirrie Jenkins. Is the government’s primary focus to churn out endless reports or will we start seeing real and meaningful change. With pools on the agenda we’ll certainly be aiming for a big splash!
With our health services really struggling at the moment it may be time to learn some lessons from the past. On Perspective this week we hear from representatives of the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust about its work over the near 135 years since it was established. I imagine the Health Minister would be delighted if a wealthy philanthropist offered to build new facilities and pay for their running costs. Is it time to embrace the past and recognise public funds are no longer enough to pay for our health services?
On Perspective this week we have some Christmas reflections from President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly, Bishop Peter and Chief Minister Alf Cannan. We also hear some of their favourite Christmas music.
This year more than ever there will be many people relying on charitable support as we all face higher bills and financial uncertainty. Perspective this week reflects on the cost of living help day held recently in Castletown, the very generous charitable giving of the Dorricott family and their company AFD Software and the vital work berformed by ioM Foodbank. If you do have more than you need as we approach Christmas will you be giving something to help those struggling to feed their families or heat their homes.
HM Brig of War Racehorse, was wrecked at Langness on the 14th December 1822 with the loss of 9 men. 3 were Castletown men who bravely went out to rescue the crew, and a further 6 were crew from the ship. Some 89 ships personnel survived the wreck. On Perspective this week we hear all about this tragic event and its commemoration. Sir William Hilary witnessed the rescue and the tragedy is credited for the resulting creation by Hilary of an Isle of Man lifeboat service, which later became the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
It’s fair to say that the Manx fishing industry has had its ups and downs and certainly has been struggling in recent years. There does appear to be calmer weather ahead for Manx fishermen though with fish stocks improving, good scientific knowledge and advice now available and renewed political interest in the value and opportunities Manx fisheries offer. Can we expect kipper queenie wars with our neighbours or is the new collaborative inclusive approach to fisheries management likely to land bigger portions on Manx plates?
At the December sitting of Tynwald Enterprise Minister Lawrie Hooper will be looking for support for a new multi-million pound Island Infrastructure Scheme, which is designed to stimulate and accelerate the development of privately owned and unoccupied brownfield sites. Ministerial promises relating to brownfield sites have come and gone almost as frequently as the tide on Douglas shore, so why is this Council of Ministers so sure it will deliver where so many governments have failed in the past.
Thomas the Tank Engine was inspired by our Manx railways, but is Thomas about to lose his friends? The Fat Controller DoI Minister, Chris Thomas, and naughty trucks Daphne Caine and Charles Guard consider a possible move to allow a charitable body to run the heritage railways as well as discussing the “will they won’t they” question on reinstating the horse trams. Hopefully we’ll also find time to review some of the weighty topics discussed in Tynwald this week. So, will Chris Thomas get the better of the naughty trucks or will he be derailed?
Stu Peters MHK joins us this week to talk about his new roles in highways and the post office, but we also discuss Rob Callister’s shock sacking announced on 10th November, and have look at the November Tynwald Order Paper. Stu certainly appears to be warming to his new role but has he become part of the club, or is it possible to effectively challenge and hold government to account without being sharp and aggressive?
For energy security & economic reasons, as well as climate commitments, there is a growing expectation of a relatively rapid transition away from traditional forms of power on the Isle of Man. Last week the Isle of Man’s Energy & Sustainability Centre (ESC) brought together practitioners from Denmark, Faroes and other islands who have developed strategies to achieve 100% renewable energy as early as 2030. Relatively cheap energy and stable prices, a cleaner and protective environment and less dependency on rogue states - sounds too good to be true!
Health Minister Rob Callister talks with Phil Gawne about his role and the challenges he and the department face
Everyone thinks planning is out of date and needs root and branch reform. Ask people to give examples of what’s wrong and what specifically needs to change, and many revert to rather vague recollections but little by way of detail. With government now looking to streamline the planning system and the much-publicised rejection of an application by Kell Properties on the old Newson’s site Perspective talks to architectural historian Peter Kelly, Planning Chair David Ashford MHK and Kell Properties representative Michael Josem. Is there a happy medium between pickling everything in aspic and a...