Agenda - Manx Radio
234 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago -A weekly look at the Manx political scene in which Phil Gawne talks to the politicians who are raising the issues and asking the questions in Tynwald and the House of Keys, ex-politicians about their time in power and exploring the wider world of politics and the workings of Government.
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Episodes
Agenda 8.7.24 - who cares about carers?
July 08, 2024 17:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBLawrie Hooper’s homework was marked by June Tynwald and he passed with flying colours. The waiting list initiative supported by Tynwald last year appears to have had a significant impact in reducing numbers of people waiting for treatment. Minister Hooper tells us about that initiative and new adoption law changes before moving on to the Carer’s Strategy. Julie Edge gave an impassioned speech in support of carers which we’ll hear too in this week’s Agenda. Good news about waiting lists but d...
Agenda 1.7.24 - the 41st Summit of the British-Irish Council and sharing the spoils of off-shore wind.
July 01, 2024 17:00 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MBThe 41st Summit of the British-Irish Council took place here just over a week ago with senior politicians focussing on unlocking the economic and social opportunities of renewables across these islands. The Irish Taoiseach was here as was the Scottish Government First Minister but do these summits actually deliver anything meaningful? And has any progress been made to give the Isle of Man a share of the spoils extracted from windfarm licences that would be ours if we were independent?
Agenda 17.6.24 - Rob Callister tells us why we need another housing committee.
June 17, 2024 17:30 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBIf we had a house for every report, review, investigation, and new policy and recommendation then we probably wouldn’t have a housing crisis. So why does Rob Callister want to set up another committee investigation on housing? Should public sector housing be more accessible for people on low incomes and if so how do we pay for the new houses required to satisfy demand? Surely it’s time for more obvious action rather than endless words, excuses and “jam tomorrow”?
Agenda 10.6.24 - the Manx Development Corporation - what is it for and is it delivering?
June 10, 2024 17:30 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBThe Manx Development Corporation has its supporters and critics but what is it for and how was it formed? It aims to be a catalyst for the positive transformation of the Island’s urban landscape for the benefit of all Manx Citizens and has a vision to create an urban landscape which will be perceived as vibrant, safe, of high design quality and environmentally efficient. So how is that working? Well, Dane Harrop, Managing Director of the Manx Development Corporation is keen to tell us on Age...
Agenda 3.6.24 - a tribute to long serving Tynwald Member Eddie Lowey from his political friend Peter Karran
June 03, 2024 17:30 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBLong serving political figure Eddie Lowey passed away recently and on Agenda long term friend and occasional political ally Peter Karran pays tribute to a towering Manx statesman. Mr Lowey was first elected to the House of Keys in the old Rushen constituency. He went on to serve in many position in both government and Tynwald stepping down from Legislative Council about ten years ago. But it was his dedication to the Manx people through the Labour Party which defines him as one of the most i...
Agenda 20.5.24 - The Island’s first set of Biodiversity Action Plans mark a significant step in the Island’s commitment to nature conservation.
May 20, 2024 17:30 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBThe Island’s first set of Biodiversity Action Plans mark a significant step in the Island’s commitment to nature conservation. Agenda asks the experts what are they and why do they matter? There certainly seems to be a greater focus on protecting the Island’s biodiversity but will these plans make a difference? Is there any budget to help deliver the plans? We live in a beautiful part of the world with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Are you pleased that government is looking after the ...
Agenda 13.5.24 - Julie Edge on the new political alliance.
May 14, 2024 09:59 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBMore from the new political alliance on this week’s Agenda. Julie Edge MHK gives her warts and all assessment of government and what needs to change. So what did she do as Minister to solve these problems? Is this just sour grapes on the recently replaced education Minister? Ms Edge certainly has some interesting thoughts and ideas for the future which she shares with you on Agenda. Will the Chief Minister live to regret losing so many Ministers? Do you find it refreshing to hear the unbridl...
Agenda 22.4.24 - should MLCs make decisions on government policy bearing in mind their at best tenuous mandate from the people?
April 18, 2024 15:48 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBIn Tynwald last week Onchan MHK Rob Callister asked his colleagues to reaffirm a 2017 Tynwald decision relating to the role LegCo members should fulfil and in particular that they should not be a member of more than one government department. The government website tells us that one MLC is a member of two departments and since last month’s reshuffle there may be two, but does any of this really matter? As is often the case there were mixed views in Tynwald and we hear some of them on Agenda....
Agenda 29.4.24 - is government support for household insulation and green living “a joke?”
April 11, 2024 11:09 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBJohn Sheppard is a Sustainability Consultant and Technical director of Wren Sustainable Limited. He believes that government initiatives to help households become more sustainable are “a joke” and he tells us why on Agenda. While government has legislation requiring it to deliver on carbon reduction targets, it seems that legislation is limited on requiring government agencies to help people reduce their energy needs. It certainly makes financial sense for us all to better insulate our homes...
Agenda 15.4.24 - Tynwald Youth Select Committee members talk about their political aspirations and run rings round Phil Gawne in a discussion about the perils and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence.
April 11, 2024 11:05 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBOn Agenda last week Tynwald Youth Select Committee members Zara Molnova, Aidan Clarke and Alex Cowley told us about the work of their Committee. This week these sixth form students talk about their political aspirations and run rings round me in a discussion about the perils and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence. As someone who’s political thinking inhabits the margins of the Tynwald/CoMin bubble I found it encouraging to be challenged by their fresh ideas and inciteful comm...
Agenda 8.4.24 - the Tynwald Youth Select Committee - part 1
April 07, 2024 15:18 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBVery occasionally when conducting interviews Phil Gawne is particularly impressed by the refreshing honestly and clarity of my guests. The Youth Select Committee was established by Tynwald to give a voice to students and Castle Rushen High School students Zara Molnova and Aidan Clarke, and Chair of the Select Committee Alex Cowley from St Ninians High School join Phil Gawne on Agenda. In the first of what will be a two part interview they tell me about their role and how they intend to help ...
Agenda 25.3.24 - the latest population figures and when is it okay for a toilet break?
March 24, 2024 17:39 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBAn Agenda of two halves this week with Paul Craine MLC assessing the latest population figures and MLC and Children’s Champion Kerry Sharp assessing the recently announced Ballakermeen toilet policy and how children’s rights have changed over the decades. Government has set its sights on growing the economically active population and the latest figures seem to suggest they are beginning to succeed. And the toilet policy has certainly attracted a lot of interest with vociferous argument for a...
Agenda 18.3.24 - lessons from Canada on Assisted Dying
March 17, 2024 14:58 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBAt a meeting last week more than a hundred people heard from Canadian campaigner, Alex Schadenberg, Chair of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and Dr Duncan Gerry consultant geriatrician. Both spoke with passion and expressed deep concern about Alex Allinson’s attempt to introduce Assisted Dying in the Isle of Man. So are the safeguards in the Assisted Dying Bill strong enough? We hear the views of those concerned about the new Bill on Agenda. There’s no doubt that the Bill will have a dramati...
Agenda 11.3.24 - the UK Post Office Scandal and how to avoid it.
February 28, 2024 17:37 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThe scandal surrounding the actions of the UK Post Office in connection with wrongful persecution of sub postmasters is rarely off the news lately, thanks in part to the significant campaign for justice led by Alan Bates. Looking at the fact as we now know them it seems remarkable that a common sense test hadn’t been applied by Post Office Chiefs. Corporate investigator Rob Kinrade explains how properly trained staff should be able spot such situations and avoid the huge stress and embarrass...
Agenda 26.2.24 - Julie Edge reacts to her Ministerial departure.
February 28, 2024 17:27 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBJulie Edge has been replaced as education minister in what the Chief Minister has termed a strategic change. All parties are at pains to mention that this was not a sacking but Ms Edge responded to news of her departure by saying that as the “difficult woman” who regularly challenges decisions and offers the public perspective, I am not surprised. So what’s going on? We hear the departing Minister’s view on Agenda. Is this the start of a much needed reshuffle of the Council of Ministers? Wil...
Agenda 19.2.24 - Should MHKs make decisions about the size of their constituencies? With just under half the voting age population not bothering to vote should we be looking at much bolder steps in relation to Keys elections?
February 16, 2024 15:24 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThe Isle of Man Electoral Commission recently published its report which makes recommendations to Tynwald in relation to House of Keys constituency boundaries. The report is due to be debated in March and on Agenda Commission members Sally Bolton and Nigel Davis explain the Commission’s findings and recommendations. Should MHKs make decisions about the future shape and size of their constituencies? Should they follow international standards? With just under half the voting age population not...
Agenda 12.2.24 - the Chief Minister defends his government’s progress half way through his term in office.
February 11, 2024 14:56 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBWe’re half way through the Cannan administration and the Chief Minister is facing growing pressure to deliver on the promises contained in the glitzy strategy documents and plans. So how does Alf Cannan think he’s doing? Is the housing crisis solved? Find out on Agenda with Amy Griffiths who caught up with the Chief Minister earlier this month. Are the recent green shoots of economic growth a sign that all is well in the government garden or merely the expected bounce that follows the forced...
Agenda 5.2.24 - the Cannan administration - a bold revolution or rearranging deckchairs?
February 04, 2024 15:36 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThe Cannan administration has had bold ambition to radically change the government and the prospects for our economic future but half way through this government’s term in office what meaningful change can they point to. Is the Cannan government’s ambition one you share or are their aspects of it that you’re not signed up to? On Agenda political commentator Alistair Ramsay joins me Phil Gawne to pick through the policies and ponder what meaningful change will be delivered prior to the 2026 e...
Agenda 29.1.24 - a lively debate on government’s refugee policy.
January 26, 2024 15:42 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThere was quite a heated exchange in Tynwald this month about government’s policy relating to accepting refugees. Minister Kate Lord Brennan was surprisingly robust in defending the Cabinet Office’s approach and this led to several members including the mover of the motion Joney Faragher giving as good as they got. On Agenda this week we hear from both protagonists and get seasoned politician Juan Watterson’s take on how the apparent misunderstandings may have occurred. A heated debate to wa...
Agenda 22.1.24 - The Energy Strategy, lower speed limits in residential areas, and proposed boundary changes in the north?
January 21, 2024 17:01 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThe Energy Strategy was debated in Tynwald last week and Minister Clare Barber didn’t have it all her own way. Ann Corlett again questioned the Infrastructure Minister about when his Department will lower speed limits in residential areas. Also Lawrie Hooper talks about proposed changes to constituency boundaries. Clare Barber on Energy Strategy, Ann Corlett on Speed Limits and Lawrie Hooper on the Boundary review. Buckle up for another high octane Agenda.
Agenda 18.12.23 - good news good for the homeless and for vulnerable children, as well as encouragement for campaigners seeking new laws to protect puppies and kittens.
December 17, 2023 15:58 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThere was no room in the Perspective inn yesterday for the Homlessness Strategy and Children’s Champion’s Report. So in the Agenda before Christmas all through the House (of Keys) we have a Minister stirring and even some cows. No wise men but Tynwald stars David Ashford, Claire Barber and Kerry Sharpe are with us to give some good news good for the homeless and for vulnerable children, as well as encouragement for campaigners seeking new laws to protect puppies and kittens. Loads to stuff i...
Agenda 8.1.24 - DEFA Minister Clare Barber tells us about proposed changes to planning a new Fisheries Management Agreement.
December 08, 2023 14:56 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBWe’ve got a new Fisheries Management Agreement and there’s more tweaking of the planning system being proposed. Planning and Fisheries Minister Clare Barber tells us about both including the usual proposal to increase fees - well Government needs the money I suppose! But tucked in the planning consultation there’s a proposal that the planning committee should be allowed to consider applications linked to DEFA, which of course is the Department which provides the policy and legislation which ...
Agenda 15.1.23 - Rob Callister and Kerry Sharp consider the damning Ofsted report into children’s social care services
December 07, 2023 15:38 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBA damning report into children’s social care services was debated in November Tynwald, painting a very bleak picture for children in care or leaving care at 16. The report found that a lack of adequate support systems to promote the safety and well-being of these children is significantly failing them, the impact of substance misuse on children is of significant concern, and too many children do not have access to appropriate education, training or employment. We consider these findings on A...
Agenda 11.12.23 - should we be getting benefits out to the median line between the IoM and UK?
December 07, 2023 15:32 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBAnyone fancy some free money this Christmas? That appears to be what’s on offer from Paul Craine MLC as he asks Tynwald to support his motion which calls for the Isle of Man to benefit from the revenue generated on the seabed out to the median line between the Isle of Man and the UK. Scotland was granted similar benefits just prior to the independence referendum so surely the Isle of Man has a strong case. All the angles are explored on Agenda. Mr Craine does describe this as a David and Gol...
Agenda 4.12.23 - Peter Karran calls for housing for Manx workers
December 03, 2023 14:56 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBLooking for some straight talking no nonsense politician to say it how it is? Well, a semi-retired former MHK is pulling no punches when it comes to government’s housing policy. Peter Karran has written to the new Housing Board Chair, David Ashford, with some clear policy ideas to try to find housing solutions for the many Manx workers who contnue to struggle to find affordable homes. Is this a return to front line politics for Mr Karran or a genuinely heartfelt attempt to intervene positive...
Agenda 27.11.23 - Government’s plans meaningless nonsense or a valiant attempt to keep Department’s accountable?
November 26, 2023 16:59 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBDepartmental Plans came in for a bit of stick in Tynwald last week but are they the “meaningless drivel” that John Rimmington once described his Department’s plan about twenty years ago? Speaker Watterson didn’t quite go that far but it is fair to say he wasn’t impressed. The Department of Education’s was one of the plans he criticised so what did Minister Edge make of the criticism? We also hear about a rather disturbing case of some one with deep pockets using the legal system to financial...
Agenda 20.11.23 - should the Bishop have a vote in Tynwald? The saga continues.
November 19, 2023 17:05 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBA bit of déjà vu on Agenda this week as the Bishop’s vote is once more called into question this time by the House of Keys who narrowly voted to allow Lawrie Hooper to introduce a private member’s Bill to remove the vote from the Bishop. Mr Hooper was accused of having malevolent purpose and being distracted by trivial matters when he should be getting on with the day job of fixing health services. We consider the latest debate on Agenda. Is the vote of the non elected Bishop any different ...
Agenda 13.11.23 - is the Isle of Man Government "Fanning the Flames of a World on Fire?"
November 16, 2023 14:34 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBThe Isle of Man Government Risks Fanning the Flames of a World on Fire according to the Green Party’s Andrew Langan Newton but is he right? The claim is made as government looks to vary the conditions of Crogga’s gas exploration licence which has received intense scrutiny in recent Keys sittings. There does seem to be a growing chorus of international organisations and governments suggesting that further attempts to find fossil fuels will cause real danger to the future of humanity but is th...
Agenda 6.11.23 - what do those attending the Manx language festival think about the language and its place in Island life.
November 05, 2023 15:49 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThe Cooish drew to a close yesterday after yet another successful week of events associated with the Manx language. So what do those attending this Manx language festival think about the language and its place in Island life. The language has grown in numbers of speakers, learning resources and activities over the past three decades but how relevant is it to modern life in the Isle of Man? Is it as some suggest a waste of time and money, or does it hold an essential place at the heart of Man...
Agenda 9.10.23 - Is the DHSC Manx Care working as planned and why has the Health Minister fallen out with his Consultative Committee?
November 02, 2023 12:44 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBManx Care has been in the news lately more for its troubles than successes. One of Manx Care’s board members expressed concern at what our Health Services would become if doesn’t receive a substantial budgetary increase. Questions have been asked about whether indeed the separation of services from the Health Department to Manx Care is working. The Health Minister had a very public spat with his consultative committee and is planning to change their terms of reference in Tynwald next week. T...
Agenda 30.10.29 - a bit of a Bills special this week with a bit of work permit mothballing thrown in for good measure.
October 29, 2023 14:56 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBSome interesting Bills making their way through Keys and LegCo at the moment. An Income Tax Bill and Sanctions Bill which were primarily tidying up existing provision. A Vaping Bill and an Employment Bill introduce more significant changes to existing law and we hear a bit about both. We hear from Alex Allinson about the Assisted Dying Bill and Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston also tells us that there’s “nothing to see here” regarding Government’s plan to mothball work permits legislation. D...
Agenda 23.10.23 - the Manx Farm Conservation Challenge - farmers recognised for giving a helping hand to the Island's rich Manx biodiversity
October 22, 2023 15:24 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBWe hear a lot about the threats to the Island’s biodiversity with climate and land mismanagement often held up as the culprits. On Agenda this week Simon Clarke talks to farmers who have been recognised for getting things right and giving a helping hand to the rich Manx biodiversity that so many of us cherish. A fortnight ago the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group held their annual Manx Farm Conservation Challenge ceremony in which farmers were applauded for the very best in wildlife friend...
Agenda 16.10.23 - Political commentator Alastair Ramsay lets rip on his deep concerns over the lack of due process being followed by government.
October 15, 2023 15:48 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBPolitical commentator Alastair Ramsay is known for his thoughtful assessments of issues which face our Island so what’s got him so wound up lately? Alastair lets rip on this week’s Agenda about his deep concerns over the process which has led to the proposed site in the south for a wind farm development. An episode not to be missed. Is Alastair right to be so concerned? Surely we’ve been talking about wind farms for long enough and now’s the time for action? Is Alastair right in suggesting T...
Agenda 2.10.23 - will changes to government’s capital procedures reduce cost and bureaucracy?
October 02, 2023 10:34 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBRevision to government’s capital procedures and regulations might not sound like the most riveting of subjects and yet tens of millions of taxpayers pounds are spent each year on government’s capital program. From big projects such as the Promenade and Liverpool Sea Terminal down much smaller things like new hospital equipment or a still proposed flight simulator for the airport are all delivered using these procedures, so changes can potentially reduce cost and bureaucracy. On Agenda Andrew...
Agenda 25.09.2023 - The Isle of Man Government Conference 2023
September 25, 2023 09:38 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBLewis Foster looks back at the highs and lows of 2023 Isle of Man Government Conference.
Agenda 18.9.23 - Tanya August-Hanson MLC talks about legislation to support same sex families, changes to planning and concern over charity law.
September 13, 2023 14:18 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBTanya August-Hanson MLC is at it again, spearheading new legislation and helping the Manx public lead easier lives. She’s consulting on a private member’s Bill which would allow some bits of legislation to catch up with societal changes surrounding same sex families. She’s also helping the Planning Department steer and amendment Bill through which will help simplify the planning process. And she’s also looking for views on how Charities Registration and Regulations are functioning. In the...
Agenda 11.9.23 - Sarah Maltby tells us what her constituents are thinking
September 05, 2023 14:13 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBSarah Maltby is one of the new crop of MHKs elected at the 2021 general election. One of two Manx Labour MHKs Sarah has taken up the Social Security role in Treasury. She’s had a busy summer knocking on doors and finding out what her constituents in Douglas South are thinking. Sarah gives us all the skeet on what she’s been finding out. There is something quite admirable about giving over so much time to canvassing the views of your constituents but is this the best use of limited time? Is t...
Agenda 4.9.23 - Julie Edge talks exam results, industrial relations and drag queens.
September 05, 2023 14:10 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBWith all the exam results out now how does Education Minister Julie Edge MHK think Manx students have done? Relations between teachers and the Department have been shakey at best over the past few years. Are there signs of improvement now? And what’s the latest on the QE2 drag queen affair? Were you inspired by your teachers? Is there too much bureaucracy in education these days? So much to talk about, so little time!
Agenda 31.7.23 - Julie Edge MHK on the impartiality of the Tynwald committee that polices the standards and conduct of Tynwald members.
July 30, 2023 16:06 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBOnchan MHK Julie Edge brought two motions to July Tynwald which sought to increase the impartiality of the Tynwald committee that polices the standards and conduct of Tynwald members. In an emotional speech Ms Edge refered to an episode of bullying which she claimed to be the victim of in the previous House of Keys. Is it reasonable that the Speaker who ensures that Keys Members act appropriately in the Keys sittings is also responsible for considering members conduct and issuing punishment ...
Agenda 24.7.23 - Is Minister Hooper being too robust in defending his Department or is he right to kick back at criticism? Is public debate being stifled by dark government forces?
July 23, 2023 14:42 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBThe Health Services Consultative Committee released its annual report a few weeks back which was mildly critical of the the Health Department. Outgoing Chair Andrew Cole in an interview about his Committee’s report felt that the Health Minister tried to bully his committee. The Minister strongly refutes this allegation and describes the report as riddled with errors. In the meantime the broadcaster who interviewed the outgoing chair claims he’s being threatened with lawyers letters. What is ...
Agenda 17.7.23 - Positive Action Group founder and seasoned Tynwald watcher Roger Tomlinson gives a different perspective on the Legislative Council and Tynwald.
July 16, 2023 14:06 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBTanya August Hanson and Bill Henderson MLC gave a strong defence of the role and workload of members of the Legislative Council a few weeks back which incensed Positive Action Group founder and seasoned Tynwald watcher Roger Tomlinson so on Agenda this week he gives a different perspective on the Legislative Council and Tynwald. Should LegCo be directly elected by the people? Should the Chief Minister be voted in by the Manx people? Do we really care provided government and Tynwald are makin...
Agenda 3.7.23 - with the Assisted Dying Bill receiving it’s first reading in the House of Keys last week Agenda speaks to assisted dying advocates Trevor Moore and Paul Weatherall.
June 29, 2023 15:04 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBWith the Assisted Dying Bill receiving it’s first reading in the House of Keys last week Agenda speaks to assisted dying advocates Trevor Moore and Paul Weatherall. Trevor is chair of UK campaign group My Death My Decision and Paul is a member of the Manx branch and member of Facebook group Let Me Choose. They paint an eloquent picture in favour of the Bill but are they right? Lots to consider on Agenda. Should politicians be giving power to people to choose when and how their lives should e...
Agenda 26.6.23 - Legislative Council has come in for a fair bit of stick recently so MLCs Tanya August Hanson and Bill Henderson are fighting back.
June 25, 2023 13:37 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBLegislative Council has come in for a fair bit of stick recently for its very short sittings, just twenty one sittings each year outside of Tynwald and the relatively passive if not silent public face of Leg Co members. On Agenda MLCs Tanya August Hanson and Bill Henderson fight back. Is legislative scrutiny more than just passing comment in LegCo. Is the lack of legislation coming through the branches the fault of government and limited availability of legislative drafters? Does government...
Agenda 19.6.23 - Ever wondered why our children’s teeth are full of fillings? Is fluoridation of our water the cure for our children’s bad teeth?
June 18, 2023 16:01 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBEver wondered why our children’s teeth are full of fillings? Did you know that children’s dental health here is among the worst in these Islands? In last month’s Tynwald the Social Affairs Committee presented a report on Children’s Oral Health which the Health Minister felt was a bit weak in its demands. We hear from the Minister and one of the Committee members on Agenda. And yes the ‘f' word is mentioned. Is fluoridation of our water the cure for our children’s bad teeth or is it mass medi...
Agenda 12.6.23 - Do we need need a Bishop?
June 11, 2023 16:06 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBDo we need need a Bishop? Some might argue that as we fall into a pit of moral decline their has never been a more important time to have the moral and spiritual guidance the Bishop provides. Others would suggest that changes in society and community mean that organised religion is very much yesterday’s news. With our current Bishop stepping down this year Joney Faragher MHK is hoping to gain Tynwald support to remove the Bishop from Tynwald. Does she have a good case? Does Tynwald still nee...
Agenda 5.6.23 - the Sanctions Bill and the Income Tax Bill are progressing through Keys and LegCo. Does such legislation matter?
May 25, 2023 14:44 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBLooking for some adrenaline fuelled excitement? The motor bikes just not thrilling enough for you? Well Agenda might be just what you’re looking for as we considered two Bills which are currently making their way through Keys and LegCo. The Sanctions Bill aims to provide a modern and flexible framework to allow Manx authorities to implement United Kingdom sanctions, and the Income Tax Bill clarifies a possible technical flaw in Manx tax law. Yes, two fascinating Bills on this week’s show - t...
Agenda 22.5.23 - everything you ever wanted to know about revitalising indigenous languages but didn't like to ask.
May 21, 2023 15:59 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBOne of the speakers at the recent conference on Language and Society in the Isle of Man was Ben Ó Ceallaigh, a Lecturer in the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies at Aberystwyth University. His talk on language policies and neoliberal retrenchment in Ireland, Scotland and Man was certainly thought provoking and on Agenda this week he tells us why lesser used languages are important and how global financial turmoil is impacting on language support and development. Are solutions to environ...
Agenda 15.5.23 - the electoral commission explains its review into the processes used to elect the house of keys.
May 21, 2023 13:14 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBAre the constituencies too big, or too small. Are two seat constituencies better than three seat, one seat or all Island elections. Is our electoral system fit for purpose and if it is why do only half the electorate turn out to vote? These questions and many more are being asked by Electoral Commission Chair, Sally Bolton and her colleagues on the Commission. The House of Keys is elected just once in five years, so what would encourage you to vote or indeed make it easier for you to vote. A...
Agenda 24.04.23 - is the constitution holding us back or do you think "if it ain’t broke don’t fix it"?
April 23, 2023 16:30 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBCo-Founders of Reayrtys, Dr Simon Collister and Nick Hawkes, gave evidence to Tynwald’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee last week. What is Reayrtys I hear you ask? Well they are a group that wants to start an open and honest discussion about the kind of country we can be, now and in the future. They’re keen on constitutional reform claiming it to be a solution to the cost of living crisis, the ageing population, climate change, low election turnout and creaking public ...
Agenda 17.4.23 - the Paris Agreement, Road Tax and electricity price hikes.
April 16, 2023 16:41 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBAs the Isle of Man finally signs up to the Paris Agreement Agenda asks is it worth the paper it’s written on, the Infrastructure Minister gives us some insights in to Road Tax and looks forward to its future reform and former Chair of the MUA explains the electricity price hikes. The talk on tackling climate change is good but are we really seeing anything other than a promise of things to come. Is vehicle duty really a tax to pay for road improvements or just another stealth tax, and are th...