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Perspective
Phil Gawne takes an in-depth look at a variety of aspects of life on the Isle of Man and further afield. Sometimes political, occasionally controversial, but always an appointment to listen.
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Episodes
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Perspective 27.7.25 - reports on carbon reduction and the police, changes in planning policy and the Isle of Man’s international profile.
Sunday, 27 July 2025
July Tynwald was not only a lengthy affair but also jam packed with interesting debates. On Perspective this week we hear from Ministers Barber, Caine and Poole-Wilson about a lack of success in meeting carbon reduction, possible efficiencies and improvements in education and an A star for the Chief Constable’s report. Chris Thomas gives a D minus to Tynwald for not allowing him to move a debate on a significant change in housing policy and Joney Faragher led a very thoughtful debate on the position the Isle of Man should take on international law. A not to be missed Tynwald super summer sp...
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Perspective 20.7.25 - is government fundamentally dishonest?
Sunday, 20 July 2025
If Lawrie Hooper has read the book “How to win friends and influence people” it would appear he disagrees with its core premise. Indeed he seemed to be itching for a fight including with his own shadow during an at times tetchy Tynwald. You’ve heard the headlines but on Perspective you can hear the full Hooper interview together with responses from some of the Ministers he had his sights on. It would appear that as the election looms the next 12 months could be filled with lively political exchanges. The question we’ll need to answer on election day next year is do we favour rhetoric over a...
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Perspective 13.7.25 - DoI Minister on 20mph speed zones and changes to local government law
Sunday, 13 July 2025
DoI Minister Michelle Haywood certainly seem in a hurry to get things done and bring about significant change to our lives. With government’s record for speed being noteworthy primarily for its absence you’d imagine the Minister’s drive and determination might be welcomed as a breath of fresh air?! She’s certainly succeeded in dividing public opinion but is she out of her depth or boldly taking on the controversial issues that others have feared to tackle.
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Perspective 6.7.25 - Is there a place for national pride in our nations politics?
Sunday, 6 July 2025
With the sad news of the death of Pat Bridson, one of the radical nationalist politicians who helped develop Mec Vannin in the 1960s and 70s to become a credible political force I took the opportunity to catch up with two of her colleagues, Bernard Moffatt and Allan Bell. Pride in the place you live and a desire to develop Manx solutions to Manx problems has become quite a normal part of political discourse these days but sixty years ago this was seen as quite a radical philosophy. Any chance that we’ll hear glowing tributes on previous government’s from Bernard? Well … prepare to be shocked!
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Perspective 29.06.25 - Government’s Our Island Plan had some bold ambition but is it being delivered?
Sunday, 29 June 2025
What message lies at the heart of the Isle of Man Government? Is it a tax and spend government spending all our hard earned savings, or is it a government that takes a more cautious approach to spending and sees income growth as a product of a growing economy? Government’s Our Island Plan had some bold ambition but is it being delivered? There’s one man who should know the answer to these questions and that’s Chief Minister Alf Cannan and he talks to Perspective. Are the promises of jam tomorrow being spread a little too thinly on the Manx political jam butty?
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Perspective 22.6.25 - June Tynwald Highlights
Sunday, 22 June 2025
On first glance June Tynwald’s Order Paper looked to offer little opportunity for political excitement. As it turned out there was plenty to exercise our MHKs, increasingly mindful of the 2026 general election. There were questions about the quality of child care and protection, was political messaging around the TT adequate, should we consider whether things are ethically okay and not just legally sound, securing funding for the family library was discussed as was the law governing employment of children. All this will be summarised in this week’s Perspective. And why does LegCo keep givin...
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Perspective 08.06.25 - what hope is there for peace between Israel and the Palestinians
Sunday, 15 June 2025
After a decade away from home, Palestinian journalist and film-maker, Yousef Alhelou travelled back to Gaza to reconnect with the people and places of his childhood. His intention was to make a documentary film, which would reveal the hidden beauties, joys, and treasures of Gaza. The footage taken during his two months trip would become some of the final records of the cultural, social and recreational life of the besieged and blockaded enclave prior to its destruction by Israel following the Hamas attrocities on 7th October 2023. Yousef’s sister and her seven children were killed on 10th D...
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Perspective 8.6.25 - Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh talks about MUA infrastructure investment and reflects on his time as an MHK.
Sunday, 8 June 2025
Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh is approaching the end of his fourth year as a national politician. He’s Chair of the Manx Utilities Authority which unlike its private sector UK counterparts is pretty good at supplying us with water and, with the exception of Peel and Laxey, has a generally good record of disposing the sewage we produce without polluting the environment. John talks to Perspective about his role at the MUA as well as reflecting on the state of Manx politics. With new sewage treatment works at Peel and Garff in the pipeline is the MUA flushed with success?
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Perspective 01.06.25 - the Destination First Board’s ambition to make the Isle of Man a better place
Sunday, 1 June 2025
Fed up with the shabby state of some parts of the Island? Dismayed by the grot and litter you pass daily? Angered by potholes or the decaying nature of our Island’s infrastructure? Well what are you going to do about it? That’s the challenge set by the Destination First Board whose remit is to significantly improve the look of our Island and to motivate us all to get involved in making the Island a better place. Find out more about the work of the Board on Perspective. Rather than just moaning about the state of the Island why not join the happy band of caped crusaders with a litter picker ...
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Perspective 25.5.25 - some highlights from May Tynwald.
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
May Tynwald was a little shorter than recent sittings but there was a lot packed in. Despite Tynwald and government talking for years about funding solutions for the mobile and family library the threat of its imminent closure was back on the agenda. Members all agreed that something must be done but nobody seemed willing to take responsibility for solving the problem. There was also discussion on immigration policy and a tense debate on the political spat between Lawrie Hooper and the Chief Minister. Tynwald seems to be becoming quite factional as the 2026 election approaches …. I wonder w...
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Perspective 18.5.25 - Manx Wildlife Trust’s rainforest at Glen Auldyn and reflections from the Trust’s departing CEO.
Sunday, 18 May 2025
The Manx Wildlife Trust has announced a new project to restore a Manx rainforest at Glen Auldyn thanks to the Wildlife Trusts’ long-term partnership with Aviva. At 1,124 acres – with 750 acres suitable for rainforest habitat – it is the largest plantable area to enter the Wildlife Trusts’ rainforest recovery programme so far and will be the biggest nature reserve in the Island. Guests on Perspective sometimes struggle to see the wood from the trees ….. which in this case is probably a good thing!
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Perspective 11.5.25 - does the Isle of Man need an Anaerobic Digestor?
Sunday, 11 May 2025
About a month ago Perspective heard from Robert Morrey who explained his plan to build an anaerobic digestor and energy hub at Andreas. Just over a week ago a group of farmers and government officials visited Scotland to see how AD plants work. I joined them as an independent observer and this week’s Perspective gives a fascinating insight into how energy crops could work for the Isle of Man. It certainly seems to be a great opportunity for Manx farmers and for us to create a more sustainable source of energy. And no whiffy smells from this week’s Perspective.
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Perspective 4.5.25 - the Big Band concert for VE Day - eight decades of musical talent
Sunday, 4 May 2025
On Thursday 8th May the Isle of Man will remember the sacrifices made during the second world war with a commemorative concert for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. 80 years after the day the allied forces celebrated victory in Europe a concert reflective of the music of the time will be held at the Villa Marina in Douglas followed by a drumhead service and the lighting of a beacon to join similar beacons being lit in the UK. A scratch band has been pulled together for the event by Andrew Smith MHK and on Perspective we hear from some of the band members for a fascinating reflection on music ...
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Perspective 27.4.25 - Is the Council of Ministers too dominant, and is there a power imbalance?
Sunday, 27 April 2025
April’s Tynwald sitting spilled into a rare third day, largely due to a mammoth debate on Manx Care’s Mandate and Operating Plan.In this episode, Christian Jones reflects on some of the key talking points, offering context and insight along the way.We also take a closer look at concerns over a potential constitutional flaw: is the government too powerful in political sittings, with an automatic majority in certain cases?
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Perspective 20.4.25 - Rev Sean Turner reflects on community, love and faith.
Sunday, 20 April 2025
The Rev Sean Turner has been a Methodist Minister in the south of the Island for the past five years but will be leaving the Island shortly to return to his home in North Carolina. He talks to Perspective about changes in society and community, love and faith. Does faith still have a place in society and if so why has there been such a big shift away from the church in the past few generations. That’s Perspective this Easter Sunday at 12 noon on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne. Has the societal shift away from community towards individualism thrown the baby out with the bath water
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13.4.25 - Is Government getting a grip of public finances?
Sunday, 13 April 2025
The Treasury Minister has a lot on his plate at the moment as the impact of Trumpian economics sends shock waves around the world. An estimated 5% has been knocked off the value of Isle of Man Government reserves in recent days so how will that affect Treasury predictions in this year’s budget? Alex Allinson appears unflappable but is he and his Treasury team doing enough to bring the deficit between government income and expenditure back to more manageable levels. Should we be concerned about public finances? And if they must fiddle while Rome burns could they at least pick a better tune?
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Perspective 6.4.25 - are energy crops a potential saviour to some farm businesses as well as adding to the Island’s energy security?
Sunday, 6 April 2025
It appears that we’re somewhat reluctant to pay enough for our food to make it worthwhile for farmers to produce the food we consume readily. “Cheaper food is best” seems to have been a message we’ve been content to support for eighty years or more but is it time for a rethink? The Agriculture Department has acknowledged that growing energy crops is now an important new area for farmers to consider and this message was well received by an Andreas farmer who has ambitious plans to develop an anaerobic digester plant which could supply 25% of the Island’s energy needs if supported. With a fai...
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Perspective 30.3.25 - Women in Manx Politics
Sunday, 30 March 2025
The Isle of Man often brags about being the first place in the world to grant women the right to vote. So why have we had to wait for nearly a century and a half since that historic decision was taken, for the House of Keys to reflect the fact that half the population are women. This House of Keys has more women MHKs than any house before it so why do we still need to encourage more women to stand? There’s no doubt that representing the people can be quite a gruelling experience but if you really want to make the world a better place it’s certainly worth throwing your hat in the ring.
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Perspective 23.3.25 - some highlights from March Tynwald
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
March Tynwald appeared to hold much promise with both the health overspend and the Manx Care Mandate and Operating Plan looking set to dominate proceedings. In the end neither were discussed due to Tynwald niceties and procedural matters but this allowed members to focus on some of other matters - not least the update to our Island Plan. Chris Thomas likened Ministerial cheerleading for the plan to support given by communist leaders to similar plans from the soviet union but was that fair? Tynwald seemed full of excited talk this week - must be an election on the not too distant horizon.
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Perspective 16.3.25 - mental health and well being charity New View tells Perspective about its work.
Sunday, 16 March 2025
New View is a charity that provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to better their mental health and wellbeing and begin to live a more content and fulfilled life. New View aims to support and aid people who are experiencing difficulties with mental health, addiction and many other complex life challenges. They do this by supporting a journey of positive personal change through recovery, rehabilitation and re-integration into society. Find out more about the charity’s work on Perspective. Building strong and supportive communities feel a bit like rediscovering the good bi...
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Perspective 9.3.25 - the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Safe Access Zones and Protected Public Places Bill 2024
Sunday, 9 March 2025
On Perspective this week we’ve got another LegCo special …. don’t worry …. just kidding! We’re actually hearing from the DEFA Minister about the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill 2024 which among other things expands the definition of “development”, introduces a system of prior approvals and provides for the imposition of charges. We’ll also hear about new protections for Manx bees and honey as well as Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood's Safe Spaces Bill.
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Perspective 2.3.25 - LegCo candidates Andrew Jones and Kirstie Morphet.
Sunday, 2 March 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On a LegCo Perspective special this Sunday at 12 noon on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne we hear from retired engineer Andrew Jones and social worker Kirstie Morphet. That’s a double dose MLC Perspective special. So we’ve heard from some very informed and experienced candidates - who will be chosen by the Keys next week?
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Perspective 23.2.25 - On a LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Matt Gough and Ron Berry.
Sunday, 23 February 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda and Perspective will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians. On a LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Matt Gough and Ron Berry. That’s a double dose MLC Agenda special. I hope you’re enjoying listening to the people standing for LegCo as much as I’m enjoying interviewing them. If not, don’t worry … only another week to go.
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Perspective 16.2.24 - what will be in the 2025 Manx budget, and what should be but probably won’t be?
Sunday, 16 February 2025
Next week the Treasury Minister will deliver this government’s fourth budget and on Perspective we assess the current shape of government’s finances and consider what might be announced in the budget in Tynwald on Tuesday. The Treasury Minister has been dropping broad hints about what could be revealed , particularly in relation to pensions and national insurance, but with the Government’s “Our Island Plan” struggling to get off the starting blocks there’s little slack in the system to deliver much good news. With housing rentals up by nearly 20% last year but sticking plasters significantl...
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Perspective 9.2.25 - the Lieutenant Governor is offering 19-25 year olds the chance to immerse themselves in the work of Government House for a day.
Sunday, 9 February 2025
The Lieutenant Governor is offering 19-25 year olds the chance to immerse themselves in the work of Government House for a day. Participants will experience the breadth of Sir John Lorimer’s work, typically through meetings, visits to Island events, and the day-to-day work of the Government House team. On Perspective this week we hear from Sir John, and his first guest Emily Bridson. So, what has the Lieutenant Governor ever done for us? Apart from wearing a fancy hat and sitting on Tynwald Hill once a year … acting as a conduit between the King, Tynwald and the Isle of Man Government, …. h...
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Perspective 2.2.25 - under fire Health Minister Claire Christian explains what’s been happening while Lawrie Hooper doesn’t hold back.
Sunday, 2 February 2025
Health Minister Claire Christian has been under fire this week for telling Tynwald there’d be no cuts to health services and then cuts being announced. The beleaguered Minister rejects suggestions that she had misled Tynwald and the public, and gives her perspective on why leaking the withdrawn media release announcing health cuts misled the public. What message does the Minister have to those who’ve had treatments cancelled? Will we hear an apology? You might be surprised by the answer.
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Perspective 26.1.25 - a look back at January Tynwald.
Sunday, 26 January 2025
January Tynwald saw some interesting business transacted including Strategic Air Services, a new government recruitment framework mechanism, and an announcement that the Drs industrial action had been averted. It was at times though quite fractious and government almost lost the vote on the removal of MiCard for pension and benefit payments. Several items were withdrawn from the Order Paper including two from Lawrie Hooper, and the local economy strategy came in for some criticism. Real change or more deck-chair rearranging? You’ll have to listen to find out.
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Perspective 19.1.25 - the Doctors explain why they’re planning industrial action
Sunday, 19 January 2025
Doctors employed by Manx Care are planning to take industrial action primarily to achieve a 12.5% pay increase. A ballot last month showed 95% of the 121 doctors who voted supported the move as they feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously enough. They tell Perspective why they are threatening this unprecedented action and they don’t hold back on their views about Manx Care’s leadership. That’s Perspective this Sunday at 12 noon on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne. If an apple a day keeps the Doctor away I expect the Health Minister has been eating lots of apples this week.
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Perspective 12.1.25 - Gate to Plate initiative supporting Manx food and parking in Douglas.
Sunday, 12 January 2025
Normally on Perspective we hear from seasoned voices giving their sage opinions on the affairs of the day. This week at least for the first part of the program we break from the norm and hear from Castle Rushen High School Junior Achievement program entrants Gate 2 plate. They aim to help strengthen the connection between Manx food consumers and those who produce Manx food. We also hear from Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh who is moving the petition of Ms Andrea Krüger in January Tynwald. Will you be inspired by the Gate2Plate team to buy more Manx produced food?
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Perspective 5.1.25 - December Tynwald leftovers
Sunday, 5 January 2025
There was so much discussed in last month’s Tynwald that we couldn’t fit it all in to December coverage. So as we’ve still not reached old Christmas Day it’s not unreasonable to extend December a little so we can cover Crogga, the Minister without portfolio, attempts to change the tax system - both increases and decreases - and an attempt to reform the budget process all crammed into this bumper old style Christmas political special. If you’re fed up with binge watching Christmas telly and are desperate for political inspiration the Perspective is that late Christmas present you were hoping...
