Legislature of the Isle of Man
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Fed up with all the hype and spin surrounding last week's budget? Still not entirely sure what the budget was supposed to deliver? Agenda caught up with the Treasury Minister before his budget was debated in Tynwald to find out what he hoped it will achieve and why it was formed in the way we eventually saw last Tuesday. To find out what he thought before he had to react to public comment listen to this week's Agenda. It's understandable that Chris Thomas maybe isn't fully behind a budget that was largely constructed before he got there but he puts on a pretty good show of sounding convincing.
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?
Our new Steam Packet vessel, Junara's takeover of manx.net, Bishop's vote in Tynwald, local government allegations, RingGo airport parking app, Island-wide DAB radio & the prevalence of dog-fouling. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Thursday 29th January 2026
The day's main news in under 30 minutes with Beth Espey - and today we hear why it might not be quite over for the Bishop's vote in Tynwald.
Depending on which side of the growing divide in Manx politics you sit, last week was the best of times or the worst of times. As the old Treasury Minister faced the Cannan guillotine a new Treasury Minister rose back up from the political abyss. So what can Chris Thomas really achieve in the relatively short eight months he has as new Treasury Minister? And was departing Treasury Minister Alex Allinson naively persuing his personal ideology or pragmatically implementing what Tynwald thought it wanted? Find out on this evening's extended Agenda. Are we heading to a political winter of despair or is a spring of hope just round the corner?
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?
More about the fall out from the Chief Minister's reshuffle and his urgent statement in Tynwald and the first public reaction from the sacked DOI Minister.
It's Blue Monday - what better time to sack some ministers.The chief minister's carried out a major reshuffle of his Council of Ministers, a day before Tynwald, and a month away from the Budget.
Onchan MHK Rob Callister was in the Falkland Islands last month as part of a Commonwealth Parliametary Association team of election observers. You'll be pleased to know this visit was not funded by the tax payer but you may be interested to know what the Isle of Man can learn from such trips. Mr Callister tells us all about the trip on Agenda. With a 90% turn out in Falklands elections it seems trust in politicians is much higher there than it is here. Unlike here they don't call each other clowns in the Falklands government but is it ok for us to call Tynwald members clowns …. or just think it but don't say it out loud?
Happy New Year !!! Ronaldsway Airport snow closure and assorted woes, Local Government Amendment Bill, benefit payments confusion, government political accountability & Bishop's Tynwald vote latest. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Monday 5th January 2026
Stu Peters tried to persuade Tynwald to ask the public what they think of Tynwald and government's net zero policies. As the overwhelming majority of Tynwald members back the net zero initiatives they rejected the referendum call and suggested this will be better settled at the 2026 election. Chris Thomas narrowly missed out on persuading Tynwald to reopen gas exploration and John Wannenburgh succeeded in persuading Tynwald and government to do more to back Manx produce. Was Tynwald right to reject the referendum call and instead rely on who you choose as your MHK to make the right decision?
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.
Climate Change has dominated proceedings in Tynwald today - we'll wrap up exactly what has been saidThe Department of Home Affairs has responded to online calls for the resignations of its Minister and Prison GovernorAnd are we happy? The latest Social Attitudes Survey results have been published by the Isle of Man Government
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.
rWotD Episode 3130: Office of the Data Protection Supervisor Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Friday, 28 November 2025, is Office of the Data Protection Supervisor.The Isle of Man Information Commissioner (Manx: Oik Oaseir Coadey Fysseree) is the national data protection authority for the Isle of Man under the Data Protection Act 2002 (an Act of Tynwald). The office was originally created as the Isle of Man Data Protection Registrar by the Data Protection Act 1986. The present holder is Mr Iain McDonald, who is in his fourth 5-year term, having been initially appointed in January 2003. The Office is funded by the Treasury, but is independent of the Isle of Man Government.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:20 UTC on Friday, 28 November 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Office of the Data Protection Supervisor on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm generative Ruth.
Bishop's vote in Tynwald latest, Mooir Vannin wind farm objections, Douglas In Gloom for Christmas, Mount Murray road pods, progress on Castle Mona building & the Douglas and Onchan 20mph Traffic Regulation Order. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Wednesday 26th November 2025
The Area Plan for the North and West would have completed the planning picture for the Island but it was defeated in and extraordinary vote in Tynwald with both Keys and LegCo tied - 12 - 12 and 4 - 4 which meant the President of Tynwald had to use his casting vote which by convention means voting against change? So what happened in Tynwald and why did Tynwald vote to defeat this plan which was the result of around five years hard work by officers. On Agenda we hear some of the highlights of this unprecedented debate. Was there some filibustering going on? Was government complacent? Were the Tynwald members who voted against right to demand facts and detail to back up the shaky housing figures?
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.
All the latest from Tynwald in tonight's episode including what's happened to the North and West Area plan.More debate about MiCards, we hear about the Sports Awards nominations opening and we meet a dog who likes to visit cathedrals.
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.
The Bishop's vote in Legislative Council and Tynwald may disappear, hear opinion and views both for and against plus it's Bonfire Night so watch out for hedgehogs tonight. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Wednesday 5th November 2025
The Government's Transport Strategy was considered by Tynwald last month and while there was no request for it to be supported it was merely noted by our politicians. Where does leave the strategy if it's not supported by Tynwald? Also why did Tynwald pick one of the highest year's for green house gas emissions as the base line on which future emissions reductions are referenced? Has Tynwald done a disservice to itself in not acknowledging significant impacts of previous political actions to reduce climate harming emissions? Is our transport strategy on a road to nowhere and should emissions reduction targets be allowed to go up in smoke?
Chamber of Commerce on the economy, non-smart meter reading charge, new living wage reaction, Bishop's vote in Tynwald latest, our pollution figures & possible VAT reductions. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Monday 3rd November 2025
The latest from the Steam Packet after a 'chaotic' sailing from Liverpool to Douglas leaves some passengers injured and vehicles damaged.Reaction from businesses after Tynwald approves a rise in the minimum wage.And the Western Vikings rugby club has issued an urgent appeal for new players.
The Area Plan for the North and West was defeated by three votes in last week's Tynwald sitting and while it remains possible that it could scrape through in the November sitting it will require all of Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford's political guile to make that happen. So why has it failed? On Agenda this week Chris Thomas and Paul Craine explain what their concerns are and even the Treasury Minister acknowledges weaknesses in the process. With no plan B, defeat of the plan means the north and west are relying on plans now several decades old. Is Tynwald playing high stakes poker with our planning system?
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.
Manx Radio's Christian Jones will be reporting live from the Chamber on the third day of questions and debate since Tynwald returned following the summer recessThere are changes to next year's Classic TT programme - Rob Pritchard will be explaining the differencesAnd the Police respond after Manx Radio questioned elderly people yesterday if they feel safe walking the Island's streets at night
The Enterprise Minister's apologised to hoteliers for comments he made during July's sitting of TynwaldMeanwhile,the Health Minister's also saying sorry for inaccuracies in a Tynwald response regarding Ramsey's Minor Injury Unit.And Treasury's being urged to ensure those who use the MiCard system can still obtain their funds once it closes down.It's Update on Manx Radio with Dave Moore for Wednesday, 22 October.
Tynwald returns after a three months recess - we recap the main talking points from the opening day of October's sitting.And Manx.Net e-mail users will no longer be able to use the service for free from next year.All that and more on Update on Manx Radio with Dave Moore.
Internet problems today from AWS, Tynwald back soon, minimum wage v living wage, Axnfell Plantation meeting on Wednesday, 'Pay It Forward' café charity scheme & that Simcocks Area Plan letter. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Monday 20th October 2025
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.
A new women-only running group has been launched to tackle catcalling and harassment.MPs return to Westminster next week, but MHKs aren't back until October - one Tynwald member says Manx politicians are away for too long.The domestic football season kicks off tomorrow - we'll have the teams to look out for.
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.
Junior Tynwald included some searching questions about 20mph zones, health spending and government spending on water and electricity infrastructure. On Agenda we'll hear these questions and those we've not yet squeezed in to previous programs. We also hear from Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson - a former Junior Tynwald member on the importance of this annual sitting and what Tynwald members get up to when sittings stop for the summer recess. Keys members do like to be beside the seaside but they've got plenty of hefty committee reports as their holiday reading.
Junior Tynwald sat last month and as we heard on last week's Agenda it was a very thoughtful and well considered sitting. On Agenda this week we hear the debate on a motion which considered what can be done to counter the dangers of social media. We also hear from some of students who took part and one of their teachers. It's been a real privilege to cover Junior Tynwald and good to know that I've got competition with Olivia and Ellie from QE2 keen to take on my job covering senior Tynwald.
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.
Junior Tynwald sat last month and a very interesting, thoughtful and at times provocative sitting it was too. A motion which considered whether wind turbines should form an essential part of the Island's future energy supply was amended by students who expressed concern that the potential damage to biodiversity and habits should be considered alongside any benefits of using this renewable energy source. Good to know that a new generation of potential politicians clearly have a passion for Manx politics.
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!
Still catching up on July Tynwald highlights we've got questions from Jason Moorhouse, an answer from John Wannenburgh on the delays in getting a planning application submitted for the Earystane windfarm. Also Rob Callister and Michelle Haywood consider how Tynwald members should pay for their parking, agreeing that they should but disagreeing on how the recent request for payment missed out senior civil servants. A parking storm in a teacup and a windfarm answer that appears to be blowin' in the wind.
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.
The North American Manx Association makes annual awards of silver medals for outstanding contributions to Manx culture and community by young people, and the Department of Education makes two awards for the Manx language. We hear this year's ceremony for the presentation of awards with Daphne Caine MHK and President of Tynwald, Laurence Skelly.
Lack of available apprenticeships, Ramsey Swing Bridge neglect, Net Zero targets, cost of green electricity, Ørsted offshore project & Amnesty International IOM on the Tynwald letter. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Wednesday 23rd July 2025
A near eight year campaign by a mum whose son tragically lost his life concluded in last week's Tynwald when a law that makes it easier for people to donate their organs was brought into force. Campaigner Diane Taylor and former MHK Martyn Perkins tell of their pride in finally seeing this through. We also hear Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson's view on the Health overspend and minimum wage and Health Minister Claire Christian explains what her department and Manx Care are doing to turn around the Island's health finances
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?
Three new commissioners, Manx language project grant, abandoned vehicles at Tesco, Little Shop Of Horrors praise, Tynwald's war crimes letter, David's got solar panels & Betty's got Bluetooth. It's Mannin Line with Andy Wint - Friday 18th July 2025
Here's the news roundup for Tuesday, including how Tynwald dealt with Daniel's Law and the latest from the Island Games in Orkney.
There's a saying that if you want a job doing ask a busy man. Well, David Ashford seems to be the man to ask as he's taking the Safeguarding (Amendment) Bill 2025 through Keys, is taking four pieces of legislation through Tynwald relating to the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act 2021, he's got the Cabinet Office Department Plan to move as well as the Council of Ministers Update Report on Inward Migration. So what does all that mean in relation to our lives. Is government so busy being busy that it hasn't got time to get anything done?
Here's your news roundup for Monday - including the very latest from Tynwald and the Island Games in Orkney.