Perspective - Manx Radio Manx Radio

You could be forgiven for thinking that the House of Keys is about to make an historic decision to introduce assisted dying, but is that really the case? Also as we approach the end of the third year of the current House of Keys, June Tynwald will be asked to consider three motions on housing but will any of these make any meaningful impact on the housing crisis that the Keys members were elected to address? And will the horse trams ever been seen trotting along the full length of the promenade. Tynwald certainly revving up the political debate in its post TT sitting.

The Manx Labour Party held it’s AGM a few weeks ago so a good excuse to find out what it’s all about. Do we still need a Labour movement in the Isle of Man or has it’s time past? The Labour Party was formed in 1918 to fight against the social injustice of the time and over the century that followed it achieved much of it’s initial objectives, so what’s left to fight for? Does party politics work in the Isle of Man? Manx Labour is not affiliated to UK Labour but could it be strong enough to form a government at the 2026 general election?

May Tynwald was a relatively brief an uncontroversial affair but even with a light Order Paper there were still a few items of interest. Some members expressing righteous indignation over Tynwald’s unwillingness to suspend its standing orders while others dismissing this as a storm in a tea cup. And what’s really happening in Peel with apparent contradictions between submissions to the North West Plan and public statements by the Commissioners. Is Council Ministers trying to keep secret, information which should be in the public domain or is the new Policy Alliance just making political mischief? 
Here's Peel's response to comments made by their MHK Kate Lord-Brennan -
Draft-Area-Plan-for-the-North-and-West-Statement.docx (live.com)

Political think tank - Reayrtys - and Prof Peter Edge from Oxford Brookes University want to talk about reform of Legislative Council. Perspective this week asks them why? How does tinkering with our parliamentary structures help address the housing crisis, cost of living crisis and the difficulties faced by the hospitality sector. Seasoned political commentator Alastair Ramsay has seen it all before and publicly active LegCo member Tanya August-Hanson just wants to get on with the job. More political navel gazing or an essential reform to make politics work better for the people?

Stressed, tearing your hair out, feeling overwhelmed by the pace of the world we live in? Well the Isle of Man Praying the Keeills week may just be the answer. It runs all through next week and organisers Rev Canon Janice Ward, Phil Craine and Andrew Foxon tell you all about it on Perspective on Sunday at 12 noon on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne. Explore the Island’s Christian heritage, immerse yourself in the peace and tranquillity of the Manx countryside, and engage with other good hearted, loving people. Perhaps that should be one of Government’s new strategic objectives?

What’s happening at Onchan District Commissioners? Prompted by comments made at the recent AGM Onchan MHK Julie Edge doesn’t hold back on her thoughts over the behaviour of some of the Commissioners. One of the Commissioners attracting Ms Edge’s ire responds to the criticism. So can all sides work together in the future for the best interests of the people of Onchan? Should they be burying their differences or are they right to air these matters publicly?  If you’re looking for something to put fire in your political belly, this week’s Perspective may well be just what you’re looking for.