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Agenda
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
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Agenda 10.3.25 - are amendments to the Local Government Amendment Bill about to pick a fight with local authorities?
Monday, 10 March 2025
The Local Government Amendment Bill appeared to be a largely uncontroversial piece of legislation providing updates and improvements to the Acts which allow the Commissioners and Councillors to deliver services to us the Rate payers. Uncontroversial until Lawrie Hooper tried to introduce three new clauses which significantly alter the relationship between central and local government. Local authorities are far from happy but is this a much needed reform to drive forward better local services? Expect fiery brands and pitch forks at dawn.
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Agenda 3.3.25 - LegCo candidate Claire Newall.
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Tomorrow the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. On Agenda and Perspective we’ve spoken to 14 of the candidates with the 15th being unavailable for interview. This evening we hear from our final candidate, civil servant, Claire Newall who while new to politics has a good understanding of how the system works. Tomorrow the House of Keys has a big job to do in sifting through the excellent field of candidates. Will they go for comfortable fits or rough diamonds?
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Perspective 2.3.25 - Part 2 - we speak to LegCo candidate Kirstie Morphet
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
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. We hear from social worker Kirstie Morphet. So we’ve heard from some very informed and experienced candidates - who will be chosen by the Keys next week?
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Perspective 2.3.25 - Part 1 - we speak to LegCo candidate Andrew Jones
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
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. We hear from retired engineer Andrew Jones. So we’ve heard from some very informed and experienced candidates - who will be chosen by the Keys next week?
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Agenda 24.2.25 - Part 2 - we speak to LegCo candidate Mark Cleator
Monday, 24 February 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. On part 2 of our LegCo special we hear from businessman Mark Cleator. Some very people standing for LegCo so worth a listen just for the skeet!
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Agenda 24.2.25 - Part 1 - we speak to LegCo candidate Barry Duncan
Monday, 24 February 2025
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 Agenda this evening we hear from businessman Barry Duncan. There are some very interesting people standing for LegCo so worth a listen just for the skeet!
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Perspective 23.2.25 - Part 2 - we speak to LegCo candidate Ron Berry
Thursday, 20 February 2025
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 this LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Ron Berry I hope you’re enjoying listening to the people standing for LegCo as much as I’m enjoying interviewing them.
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Perspective 23.2.25 - Part 1 - We speak to LegCo candidate Matt Gough.
Thursday, 20 February 2025
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 this LegCo Perspective special we hear from businessmen Matt Gough I hope you’re enjoying listening to the people standing for LegCo as much as I’m enjoying interviewing them.
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Agenda 18.2.25 - we hear from LegCo candidate Gary Clueit
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from businessman Gary Clueit who is hoping to get elected to LegCo at his second attempt. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s Agenda.
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Agenda 17.2.25 - we hear from LegCo candidate Peter Reid
Monday, 17 February 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from businessman Peter Reid who is hoping to get elected to LegCo at his second attempt. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s Agenda.
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Agenda 17.2.25 - we hear from LegCo candidate Rob Mercer MLC
Monday, 17 February 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from MLC Rob Mercer who is hoping to get elected to LegCo for a second term. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s Agenda.
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Agenda 10.2.25 - LegCo Candidate Martyn Perkins
Monday, 10 February 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from former Garff MHK Martyn Perkins who is hoping to get elected to LegCo. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s show.
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Agenda 3.2.25 - LegCo Candidate Julia Bell explains why she’s standing.
Monday, 3 February 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from dyslexia campaigner Julia Bell who is hoping to grab one of the LegCo seats. LegCo can have a big impact on your life so it’s well worth a listen to tonight’s Agenda.
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Agenda 27.1.25 - outgoing MLC Peter Greenhill tells us about his time in the Legislative Council..
Monday, 27 January 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council, one of which will replace Peter Greenhill MLC, who has decided to step down at the end of February when his 5 year term ends. He tells Agenda about his experiences over the past five years and gives some advice to prospective LegCo candidates. If you are hoping to be nominated for one of the LegCo seats please get in touch so we can arrange an interview. Candidate or not though, it’s interesting to hear Peter Greenhill’s thoughts on the role he’s about to leave.
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Agenda 20.1.25 - Kerry Sharpe MLC is seeking to retain her seat in LegCo.
Monday, 20 January 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from Kerry Sharpe MLC, who is hoping to retain her LegCo seat. LegCo members have a big say on how our island is run so it’s important to know who they are!
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Agenda 13.1.25 - Legislative Council candidate Bill Henderson
Monday, 13 January 2025
On the 4th March the House of Keys will choose four people to become members of the Legislative Council. Prior to that vote, Agenda will be speaking with all the candidates so that you can find out more about the people that hope to become national politicians, voting in Tynwald on policy and finance and playing a significant role in shaping the laws of our Island. We hear this week from the longest serving Tynwald Member, Bill Henderson MLC, who is hoping to retain his seat. LegCo members have a big say on how our Island is run so it’s important to know who they are!
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Agenda 6.1.25 - Legislative Council's second Evidence Stage on the Assisted Dying Bill
Monday, 6 January 2025
Agenda 6.1.25 In the final November sitting of Legislative Council members held their second Evidence Stage on the Assisted Dying Bill and MLCs heard from two expert witnesses Bridget Carter and Dr Claud Regnard as well as the Bill’s promoter Alex Allinson. Ms Carter works to prevent coercive behaviour towards vulnerable elderly people and Dr Regnard is a life long Palliative Care expert. As the Assisted Dying Bill approaches the end of its consideration by LegCo, Agenda extracts some of the highlights from the evidence session including the advice given by the Attorney General on the Bill.
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Agenda 23.12.24 - a Christmassy David Ashford on his new role as Cabinet Office Minister
Monday, 23 December 2024
As an early Christmas present we’ve got a yuletide topped and tailed Agenda, stuffed with an interview with newly appointed Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford. What does Mr Ashford hope to achieve in his return to Ministerial politics and does his appointment herald the start of a program of delivery of the much trumpted headline grabbing targets which government has been so good at talking about over the past three years. Government appears to be nibbling through the last of the financial leftovers at an alarming rate so can we expect some more ample portions in the year to come? A mess...
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Agenda 16.12.24 - December Tynwald leftovers
Thursday, 19 December 2024
Some December Tynwald leftovers to dig into on Agenda. We hear from the new and former chairs of the Public Services Commission as Tynwald considered why the Commission hadn’t published its annual reports. The Commission is the employer of around four thousand civil servants so it’s kind of important that we get to find out what they’re up to. We also hear opposing views on Stu Peters’ attempt to persuade government to review its Net Zero targets and budgets. Is it just virtue signalling from Tynwald or will we actually see our energy bills reducing? I’d buy a big coat if I were you.
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Agenda 9.12.24 - does prison work?
Monday, 9 December 2024
Does prison work? Clearly it protects us from people who’ve shown a willingness to harm fellow citizens; and it acts as a deterrent to people who might be thinking about committing a crime. It’s less successful in rehabilitation of offenders though and Andrew Neilson from the Howard League for Penal Reform believes that in some cases more effective and lower cost alternatives are available. Surely half an hour listening to Agenda would be enough to soften the hardest of criminal hearts?
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Agenda 2.12.24 - reproductive rights and tax changes.
Monday, 2 December 2024
The Reproductive Rights Bill seeks to bring up to date our somewhat archaic legislation . This private members Bill has been brought forward by Tanya August Philips MLC and addresses matters relating to fertilization, embryology and surrogacy. We’ve also had some important international tax orders in Tynwald and an Income Tax Bill going through Keys. On Agenda we attempt to explain why these pieces of legislation matter. Encouragingly a Tax Bill in Keys tends to mean more money to pay for essential services and this time we won’t be paying?
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Agenda 25.11.24 - some more highlights from November Tynwald
Monday, 25 November 2024
Getting withdrawal symptoms from last week’s bumper Tynwald sitting? Well this evenings Agenda is just the answer. All the Tynwald highlights we couldn’t squeeze in to Sunday’s Perspective, including education, the post office, a bit more on the NI Fund and a few bonus questions thrown in too. There are certainly some big issues being discussed at the moment by Tynwald members but are they getting any closer to the answers? Spoiler alert - no, not really - but I guess you’d probably worked that out.
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Agenda 18.11.24 - the Energy Strategy, Food Security Strategy and Agriculture Strategy.
Monday, 18 November 2024
You wait around for an environment, food or agriculture strategy and then suddenly three appear all at once. DEFA Minister Clare Barber tells Agenda all about the energy strategy, the food security strategy and the agriculture strategy. There's no new money to help deliver the food security and agriculture strategies which may leave farmers feeling they’ve heard warm words before, but the Minister puts some convincing arguments that things will get better. The Department suggests just 6% of food consumed in the Island is Manx, is government moooooving quick enough to help the Manx food sector?
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Agenda 11.11.24 - Chris Robertshaw on the Chief Minister no confidence vote and why Keys should be focussed on higher matters.
Monday, 11 November 2024
The debate that preceded the vote of no confidence into the Chief Minister raised a number of interesting points about the importance of the role. Some MHKs suggested that the policies of government would not change regardless of the person leading the Council of Ministers. Others felt that a change of Chief Minister was needed but seemed somewhat vague on why and indeed what a replacement might do differently. On Agenda this week former Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw considers the debate and explains what they should be talking about. Yes - more from Chairman Robertshaw’s little Green B...
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Agenda 4.11.24 - a couple of Bills … well, three if you include Bill Henderson.
Monday, 4 November 2024
We’ve had some high octane politics over the past few weeks so Agenda takes a look at some of the less headline grabbing, calmer issues going through Keys and LegCo. Bill Henderson tells us about the Public Sector Payments Bill which “tidies up” some outdates legislation particularly relating to members expenses and Alex Allinson reveals what’s behind the Treasury (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. From the relatively obscure clause amending the 1928 Allotments Act to making it easier to increase fees its all considered on Agenda. And is the Treasury Minister really trying to pinch our pennies?
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Agenda 28.10.24 - the Chief Minister on Lawrie Hooper’s resignation and what to do about Health and Joney Faragher on her resignation and what to do about Health.
Monday, 28 October 2024
There’s been so much happening in Manx politics lately and with the vote of confidence in the Chief Minister taking place in the Keys tomorrow we have two interviews from October Tynwald on Agenda this week. One from the Chief Minister which explains his position on health and what he proposes to do about it. We also hear from Joney Faragher on why she resigned at the same time as the former health Minister. Better late than never on Agenda this week. Will the Chief Minister survive tomorrow’s vote? Who would you replace him with. Lots to consider.
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Agenda 21.10.24 - Treasury Minister’s autumn statement - the temporary tax rise, removal of pension triple lock and health spending.
Monday, 21 October 2024
In what appeared to be a relatively uninspiring Tynwald Order Paper one of the expected highlights was the Treasury Minister’s statement. As things turned out, Lawrie Hoopers resignation overshadowed everything else but Alex Allinson’s statement explained a lot, both in what he did and didn’t say. The temporary rise in the higher rate of income tax is looking more permanent than we’d been led to believe and the pension triple lock is likely to be removed, but there was some good news hinted at in the statement too. No give aways from Treasury but perhaps some jam tomorrow?
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Agenda 14.10.24 - parking in Castletown and saving our town centres.
Monday, 14 October 2024
Agenda 14.10.24 - parking in Castletown and saving our town centres.You’d wonder what all the fuss is about over closing off a few parking spaces in Castletown but it’s seen a couple of former town MHKs breaking cover on the subject. The latest of these is Richard Ronan who led the regeneration work in Castletown during his time as MHK. What was the thinking behind these regeneration schemes, have they worked, is government and Tynwald doing enough to try to bring vibrancy back to our struggling town centres. All this and more on Agenda - assuming I can find somewhere to park of course!
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Agenda 12.8.24 - waste, local government, rates and reform.
Monday, 12 August 2024
How do we manage waste across the Island, who’s responsible for recycling and why do some local authorities pay substantially more for their regional recycling centres than others? Is the current Rates system fair and if not why has Rates reform never been tackled? And while we’re discussing reform why do we still have such a disparate range of local authorities from very large to tiny? All these questions and more will be answered on this week’s Agenda. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about local government … and probably a bit more!
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Agenda 5.8.24 - what has local democracy ever done for us?
Monday, 5 August 2024
Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been in post for just under two years now so what has she learned about local government in the Isle of Man? What is a local democracy reporter and why do we need one? Why does it take so long to get an answer from government, how does central government interact with local government and why do so few people vote in local elections given the important role played by your Commissioners and Councillors in making your community a great place to live and work. So what has local democracy ever done for us?
