Perspective - Manx Radio

What did the Treasury Minister actually deliver in last Tuesday's Tynwald sitting? Was it a give away pre-election budget through prudent use of reserves to help kick start the economy or a reckless raid on government's hard earned savings. I suspect the answer lies somewhere between the two but what did Tynwald members make of it? What is clear is the vast majority of earners will be better off in the next tax year but is the continued use of reserves sustainable? Hopefully the extra money the government is keen to stuff in our back pockets won't come at a cost after the election.

Government finances have read a little like recent weather forecasts, with a gloomy outlook, risk of budget overtopping particularly in health, and economic storms battering our sparse reserves. One former Treasury Minister who wasn't afraid to grapple with the economic challenges of the day was Eddie Teare. He talks to Perspective about how he went about preparing a budget and considers what next week's Budget might deliver. As if economic circumstances were'nt bad enough the aftermath of last month's sackings has caused some disaffection in Tynwald ranks. Will next week's Budget include brighter spells and sunny uplands?

Manx farmers are being challenged at the moment with several significant issues hitting all at once. As if the debilitating cattle disease Blue-tongue, a change in UK and IoM cattle health status, and ongoing problems with the meatplant weren't bad enough a very wet winter and uncertainly over animal waste charging are adding to farmers woes. Can the Isle of Man Government's stated aim of achieving food security for us be delivered in such trying circumstances. There's no doubt times are hard for Manx farmers who are all hoping things will mooooove in a better direction soon.

Former Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood had the fairly straightforward task of bringing forward a Local Government Bill which was generally supported by local authorities. Along came Lawrie Hooper with an amendment which caused angst and anger among local authorities and was subsequently used as a one of the reasons for the Minister's sacking. Find out what the Bill actually does and why the amendment caused so much consternation on Perspective . With so much they agree how did the Minister and local government become so divided?

What Tynwald lacked in length this week it more than made up for in big announcements and policy changes. The Order Paper soon had the hefty addition of a statement on the Chief Minister's reshuffle with two Ministers either ‘stepping down' or being sacked depending on who you listened to. While Alf Cannan's statement and a cooling in enthusiasm on the living wage grabbed the headlines, homelessness, the Island's cattle health status and a call for a forensic audit of health were also covered. Is that the popular sound of a screeching u-turn I hear?

Blein ny Gaelgey is a year-long, Island-wide celebration of the Manx language. The Year's website claims that it's for everybody – Manx speakers, people who don't know any Manx yet, people who call the Isle of Man home, and visitors to these shores and it will be fun and accessible, and provide ways to engage for everyone! On Perspective this week we hear from two of those hoping we'll all be dusting down our Moghrey Mies and Fastyr Mies and making Blein ny Gaelgey a great occasion for our Manx Language. If you're a little cynical about the language then this week's show might well soften even the hardest of hearts.

Jane Kelly is the Emergency Planning Officer for the Isle of Man Government and leads the Civil Defence team. We've probably all relied on her team's expertise during storm and weather events, and though we might not know it we are all a lot safer because of the plans she and her team have created for the unlikely but possible emergency events we could face. Find out more about her work on Perspective. Are we becoming too reliant on government to solve all our problems and could we perhaps do a bit more to help our selves?

On Perspective this week we hear from local historian John Manley about his research into the history of Ballamona Hospital. Prior to Ballamona life in the Isle of Man for people with mental illness was pretty bleak so the opening of a dedicated hospital to provide care was a major step forward. The hospital closed in the 1990s as it was deemed to be better to support people in the community.

It's probably not unreasonable to say that over the past year Perspective has delivered a fair proportion of political angst and reflected the increasing polarisation of political debate. As it's Christmas and we reflect on Christian messages of hope and peace I thought for the last Perspective of 2025 we should give you a more positive and encouraging program. Michael Manning, the eighth Manx Bard has recently published a collection of his poetry titled Graih. Michael Manning want's to sing some new songs of hope and positivity. Will anyone listen? Let's hope so.

And it came to pass that there came unto Manx Radio's studio three wise men, one formerly from Douglas East, bringing with them gifts of gall, frank insights and mirth. On Perspective we take an irreverent look back over 2025 - the good, the bad and the ugly …. and that's just the guests. Is instability the new political norm and if so what is that doing the frayed nerves of citizens here and across the world? With the hospitality sector struggling to make ends meet is it any wonder that there was no room in the inn! Nollick Ghennal Erriu!

December Tynwald extended into a third day with members keen to milk every minute of debating time as we enter election year. Questions strayed into a lively debate on the state of the Manx economy, with Ministers doing their best to look for positives while questioners being a little less optimistic. There was also a question on support for first time buyers with several members trying to pin the blame for the very slow pace of change on either their predecessors or successors. Plenty of stars rising in the East in this week's Tynwald.

You may have noticed that local authorities have been sharpening their pitchforks and gathering fiery brands as they attempt to oppose a new piece of law which would give government power to impose functions and standards on them. Government's position appears to be that local Commissioners and Councillors shouldn't be able to shirk their statutory responsibilities and Legislative Council has been drafted in to try to broker the peace. Also, a Tynwald committee is gently nudging government to properly register all the land it owns. Does government know what it owns? Pitchforks at dawn on a misty field that may or may not belong to government. A Perspective not to be missed.

With Leigh Morris vacating his leadership role in the Manx Wildlife Trust earlier this year Graham Makepeace-Warne took over as CEO. He tells Perspective why the Isle of Man needs a Wildlife Trust and what his organisation supports. He explains why wildlife needs our help and we enjoy some of the benefits that being out in the wild in the winter time can have for our health and well being. Species and habitat destruction has been incredibly prolific over the passed half century or so with over 70% of the world's wildlife lost. It seem that talking about the Birds and the Bees has never been more necessary!

What some thought would be a quick and relatively pain free Tynwald sitting turned into a two-and-a-half day marathon which saw all manner of unexpected and shock votes.Castle Rushen High School, MONEYVAL, disincentives to maintain empty properties and MiCard are just a few of the biggest talking points.Christian Jones goes through them in a bit more detail in Perspective.

In October Tynwald members agreed to a slightly watered down proposal to tie the minimum wage to the living wage. This led to the Local Economy Forum holding a lively meeting which, while highly critical of government and Tynwald's decision, suggested a change to tax allowances and credits which would see the lowest paid taking home slightly more money and government and the private sector sharing the burden. Lawrie Hooper spoke against the Tynwald compromise and Chris Robertshaw led the private sector charge against. They talk to Perspective. A lively exchange to whet your appetite for Sunday dinner with a surprising outcome for pudding.

Earlier this week the Year of the Manx Language, Blein ny Gaelgey was officially launched at the start of the Cooish Manx language festival. The year has been organised by Jeabin, the Manx language network and there will be loads of events during the year to celebrate the Manx language. The year is primarily supported through existing budgets and a significant amount of voluntary effort, so why does government and the various Manx language agencies, groups and speakers think the language is so important? For a language that appeared to be on it's last legs in the 1960s and 70s it's certainly packing a punch now.

Perspective 2.11.25 - Isle of Man Chamber of CommerceThe Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce represents many Manx businesses and has been pretty vocal of late in expressing concerns over the minimum wage increase. It has at times been accused of being too influential over government but is that really the case? What do we need to change to drive economic growth, how can the Island's housing problems be solved and what impact will artificial intelligence have on the Manx work place? And why is the oft discussed MoneyVal inspection so important? The Chamber's pot seems to be overflowing with ideas but is government taking notice?

October Tynwald highlights this week. Questions pondered how people will cope when the MiCard system is scrapped and whether the Manx economy is in recession. A new Child First Policy was received by Tynwald and there was unanimous support for a call to introduce a comprehensive program of neurodiversity training in Manx schools.

Tynwald's Environment and Infrastructure Committee held an evidence session with officers from the MUA last week and there were several revelations which should be of interest to us all. A thousand Manx households are contributing 7 megawatts of renewable energy to the Manx grid and the MUA is working closely with private sector renewable energy projects in the south and north of the Island. So what does this mean for future energy production for the Isle of Man? Has government been too focussed on renewable energy production and not clear enough in helping the MUA understand future energy usage. The vital sparks at the MUA reveal all.

Liberal Vannin Party leader and former health minister Lawrie Hooper leads a somewhat lonely life as the only Liberal Vannin member in Tynwald. As a party of one he recognises his influence is limited but feels passionately that party politics is the best way to ensure our politicians are held accountable for their actions. Could party politics work for us? I guess Lawrie will need to lead more than just himself to demonstrate that to us.

The fourth and final Isle of Man Government Conference of the Cannan administration brought together ministers, senior officials and business leaders to discuss some of the Island's biggest challenges.We get the lowdown from the ministers about what their intentions are for the next 12 months, and reaction to some of those announcements.

Day One of the Isle of Man Government conference while light on major policy announcements and big reveals was very engaging and well put together. Government sees the conference as a great opportunity to engage with the public and there were plenty of opportunities to do that. Our government, like governments around the world, faces significant economic and demographic challenges but is our government ready to meet these challenges? Is real progress being made or is it just empty promises of jam tomorrow?

There's a consultation happening now on a new strategic plan which, according to Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford, will help build great communities, protect our environment, and promote sustainable development. The new strategic plan will probably be in place until 2041 and will cement the core planning policies which will affect our lives and the appearance of the Island in which we live. If you care about the future of our Island this is probably the most important consultation you'll ever fill in. Whatever you think of our government this is a once in a generation opportunity to have your say on this vital plan.

Former Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw tried and by his own admission failed to bring about the reforms he believes are essential to allow the public to have greater confidence in government and to allow government to actually succeed. He wants us to have a greater say on the major policy proposals government brings forward, he believes government should act as a unified body rather than as separate 'siloed' departments, and he wants an independent political think tank to be formed to help generate policy innovation across government. He explains all on this week's Perspective. There's no doubting his passion but is this just more hot air from Mr Robertshaw?

Chief Minister Alf Cannan has a year left to demonstrate his government can succeed. With global disillusion in conventional politics Mr Cannan and his Ministers have a difficult task in gaining the confidence of a generally doubting Manx public. So what lies in store for the year ahead? Mr Cannan gives some hints on this week's Perspective. If votes were cast on the number of strategies and policies produced, Council of Ministers would be guaranteed a second term. Will we finally see meaningful delivery on the warm words and bold statements?

Being beleaguered goes with the territory at the Department of Infrastructure, but relatively new DoI Minister Michelle Haywood is doing her best to get on the front foot. Government has had limited success in dealing with the housing crisis and Minister Haywood tells Perspective why her department's plan for a Housing Agency will succeed where government has so far collectively failed. Building for success but is this another policy built on sand?

Bashing government handling of public sector pensions used to be top of the list for wannabe MHKs looking for an easy vote winning target so what if anything has changed? The deficit between contributions and payments will be around £48 million this year that's slightly less than the net spend for the Department of Infrastructure so it remains a substantial sum but the Public Sector Pensions Authority argue that the Tynwald approved plan is getting this spending under control. Are gold plated government pensions really a thing of the past? It seems so.

What do MHKs get up to during the summer recess? What work is there for our politicians between the July Tynwald sitting and the political season opener in October? You might be surprised at how much is being done out of the immediate political gaze and MHKs Corlett, Glover and Smith are keen to tell us all about it. Grab a deck chair, don your knotted hanky and settle down to a Perspective political whippy with just the mildest sprinkle of nuts and rasberry sauce!

Junior Tynwald provided some lively debates which we're covering on Agenda as well as some excellent questioning by Junior Tynwald members of Ministers and Department members. Manx Radio was there to record the whole sitting and on Perspective this week we'll hear the first 50 minutes of the hour and eight minute long question time. Questions covered housing, tax, education, health and the environment and the questioners did a great job in pinning down the government. Well worth listening to these promising political prospects for the future.

July Tynwald still has a few treasurers to squeeze out including an impassioned speech from Sarah Maltby in which she called on Tynwald members to stop just singing about our Green Hills by the Sea and actually do something to protect and maintain the public rights of way that allow us access to some of the most beautiful countryside in these islands. We also catch up on some of the questions and answers that began the mammoth four day sitting. Prepare to have your heart stirred by Sarah Maltby's call for action. Will it make the difference that she's hoping for? You know what …. it might!

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 special - well … if you're a political nerd like me at least.

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 actual results?

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.

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!

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?

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 giving the Education Minister a hard time - perhaps cake would win them over?

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 December 2023 by an Israeli strike on their home. They remain buried under rubble.

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?

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 in one hand and a paint brush in the other and make the Island a better place?

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 why that could be?

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!

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.