Is Government Conference 'detached from reality'?

Mannin Line callers give their take on upcoming event

The Council of Ministers is completely 'detached from reality' when it comes to its upcoming Isle of Man Government Conference.

That's the view of several callers to Manx Radio's Mannin Line programme today (10 September).

They were responding to comments made by the cabinet office minister on Manx Radio Breakfast this morning.

Kate Lord-Brennan defended the decision not to host the event in the evenings, or over the weekend, saying there are other opportunities to speak to the Island's highest-ranking politicians:

But that view was not met well by the general public:

Issues raised included the timing of the conference, its location at the Comis Hotel and accessibility for those using public transport.

Ms Lord-Brennan stated that this year's event will be 'more focussed' and is targeting the business community.

However, listeners have also rebuffed that argument.

Some comments on our social media pages include:

"Wish I could go, but unfortunately I have to run my business on a weekday."

"Comis? Private hotel as opposed to the Villa which is owned by government. Freedom to flourish? It seems some are able to flourish more than others."

"Ridiculous to hold conference at Comis. The Villa much better placed for local businesses. Anyway - what about the hours for the conference. Day time only. Many business owners/workers/normal people can't go during the day - at work, baby-sitting, hospital appts, etc. It's just a nonsense. The civil servants can go - they are clearly unaccountable for their actions and will still get paid. They might even get mileage costs of having to drive out to The Comis."

"Just goes to show the disconnect from locals knowing the ‘speak’ will be just a load of waffle!"

Government says more roadshows, like those held back in April, will be put on early next year. 

You can hear the full interview with the cabinet office minister in our latest Newscast: