Perspective - Manx Radio

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 and commemoration.

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?

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

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?

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 fair wind this project could be a great boost for farmers - and wind is just what they’re looking for!

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.

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.

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 bits of our island’s past.

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.

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?

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.

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 significantly cheaper, perhaps plastering over the cracks may be the best option?

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, …. hosting dignitaries and the royal family when they visit, … and bringing a range of people together at events at government house …. opening events buildings that sort of thing …

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 for!

Perspective 29.12.24Are you going cold turkey from the absence of Manx politics over the Christmas time? Are you hopeful that the bright star in the east is not a giant meteor heading straight for us? Perhaps you’re full of Christmas love and cheer and looking forward to a bright and prosperous 2025? Well Perspective may have some of the answers as we take a look back over the big stories that shaped the Manx political scene in 2024 as well as making a few predictions for 2025. Will 2025 see the Manx political turkeys actually voting for Christmas?

Perspective 15.12.24December Tynwald proved to be a lively affair with lots of interesting debate and questions and answers. There were questions about food security and the Minister without portfolio and a debate on housing - we may begin to see some being built next year. And spare a thought for Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson who’s still banging on about making the budget process more transparent. The December Tynwald saw one or two stars rising in the east but where were the wise men? Certainly no shortage of donkeys!