Perspective - Manx Radio

Another brace of newbie MHKs on Perspective with Treasury members Sarah Maltby and Andrew Smith talking about the financial support packages government announced this week to try to address the cost of living crisis. Have they been effective in their first year? Is it okay to say one thing at election time and then shift your position after? Do we expect too much of our wannabe politicians or are we right to accept clear policies on which we can hold them to account? That’s Perspective this Sunday at 12 noon with me Phil Gawne on Manx Radio. Is Treasury’s iron grip on government finances slackening and if it is, is that good or bad? Hmmmm?

On Perspective this week MHKs John Wannenburg and Tim Johnston talk about their first year in politics, the challenges they have faced in fulfilling their roles and their successes so far. They also consider the enormous financial pressures facing us all and give an honest assessment of whether government’s actions are sufficiently strong to address the crises we’re facing. Have our newbie MHKs  learned the ropes fast enough to make a real difference in the next four years? Does the evidence you’ve seen so far give you cause from optimism or are we all doomed! 

On Perspective this week we’re considering your human rights. Should we be concerned about UK politics potentially talking us out of being part of the European Convention on Human Rights? Manx QC Stuart Gale certainly thinks so, but Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole Wilson MHK does not believe this will be a problem. The Minister also talks about her move from MLC to MHK and Minister, considers the ailments of government and how to fix them, as well as explaining the priorities of her Department Home Affairs. Political tinkering across the water could have a big impact on your rights so well worth a listen.

On Perspective this week we’re trying a different take on digging up the past. Rather than political muck raking we’re sifting through a rich vein of archaeology. Over the past four years Dr Rachel Crellin has been leading a team which has been uncovering fascinating historical artifacts from a burial mound at Berk just South of Kirk Michael. There’s still a lot of post dig material to investigate but already some exciting new discoveries have been made. Why does all this matter? Do you think more government funds should be invested in this or are these old pots and bones better left in the ground?

Perspective was live from the Southern District Agricultural Show talking food and farming with Ean Parsons and Murray Cringle from the Manx National Farmers Union, Vicky Quirk from Betty's Pies and Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber MHK. We know that we're currently struggling to address the housing crisis and escalating fuel prices. Are we about to see the end of farming in the Isle of Man? Farmers Union believes the food industry is on a cliff edge, clinging on by their finger tips.

Perspective was live from the Southern District Agricultural Show talking food and farming with Ean Parsons and Murray Cringle from the Manx National Farmers Union, Vicky Quirk from Betty's Pies and Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber MHK. We know that we're currently struggling to address the housing crisis and escalating fuel prices. Are we about to see the end of farming in the Isle of Man? Farmers Union believes the food industry is on a cliff edge, clinging on by their finger tips.

A week is a long time in politics so how on earth are we’re going to fit a whole year in? Government has lost two Ministers and countless senior civil servants. The Chief Min exudes confidence and bold ambition but has enough real change actually been delivered? What meaningful action has occurred to deal with the housing crisis which was big on the lips of all the wannabe MHKs at election time? Political heavy weight Juan Watterson SHK and Claire Christian MHK slice through the spin and rhetoric to give you their take on an eventful year in politics. 

The July sitting of Tynwald has fifty two items on the order paper forty seven of which have come from government. That’s more business than the May and June Tynwalds combined and will most likely see a lengthy three day sitting. There are statements on economic strategy, offshore energy, climate change, illicit drugs, the MUA wants an extra 16m on top of the 23.5m already budgeted for sewage treatment, and much more besides.   

Perspective this week considers what it means to be truly sustainable. As “Sustainable” appears to mean all things to all people I ask our guests “what they think it means” and “why do we need sustainable businesses.” With only 36% having yet calculated their carbon footprint are most Manx Businesses yet to be convinced by government’s claim of a climate emergency? And what impact will the the new Biosphere Isle of Man toolkit make? 

On Tuesday we celebrate our national day at Tynwald but what does it mean to be Manx these days. What makes up our character and identity, and indeed does Manxness really matter any more. Also with the Scottish government calling for a second referendum on independence what would an independent Scotland mean for the Isle of Man, and indeed would the Isle of Man be better off as a fully independent nation?    Perspective discuss this with marketing expert Dr Simon Collister, poet Simon Maddrell, Chris Thomas MHK and Paul Craine MLC.  

Isle of Man Government has this week launched a new Manx language strategy which includes an ambitious target of having 5,000 Manx speakers by 2032. Perspective this week talks to puplis, teachers, children, parents, language leaders and politicians about the new strategy, the ambitious target which seeks to double the number of speakers in ten years. So does government investment on our indigenous language represent value for money?

The Health Minister seems to have his work cut out at the moment with Covid cases significantly higher, growing waiting lists in a number of areas and the fall out from the Ranson tribunal. On Agenda Minister Lawrie Hooper joins me live to discuss giving a new three-year Mandate for Manx Care and the Capacity Bill which makes provision for the property, financial affairs, health and welfare of those who lack the capacity to deal with their own affairs. 

Joney Faragher MHK, DEFA Minister Clare Barber MHK and Eric Evenson, Crogga director debate whether Crogga gas will help fund our transition to a brighter greener future. And if not, then where will the money come from to make the change? They also consider whether government is too focussed on regulating everything?

There are many views on our relationship with the Crown and this week Perspective considers whether the monarchy has a future? Would we be better off with an elected head of state or does our constitutional monarchy represent the best chance for continued stable government in the Isle of Man? Advocate Peter Cannell, Commissioner Jane Glover and Councillor Devon Watson wade into this sensitive topic and give us son fascinating insights with just the slightest hint on controversy. 

In this week's Perspective, Dave Moore hears the story of Manx-born Jamie Morgan Kane.

This weeks Perspective heralds what we all hope will be a safe and exciting return to road racing in the Isle of Man we consider the preparations required and talk to life long fans. 

David Ashford has played a very important role in Manx politics but Chris Thomas and Tony Brown explain why he needed to go and consider the implications of his departure. We also hear from the Chief Minister and MHKS Claire Christian, Joney Faragher and Tim Johnston.

Sam Turton, Claire Christian MHK and Joney Faragher MHK speculate over Minister Ashford's future and discuss the reasons why he had to go. Also e-scooters and assisted death. An interesting show but ultimately overtaken by events.

Rob Callister MHK, Ann Corlett MHK and Chris Thomas MHK  review of  May Tynwald and consider whether Minister Ashford should resign

Various experts discuss M.E. and Long Covid with members of M.E. Support IoM - find out about the difficulties faced by people with M.E. and the new service that's planned.