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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 14.4.25 - with recorded deaths significantly exceeding births what is the implication for the Isle of Man?
Monday, 14 April 2025
Paul Craine has been researching our population for well over 40 years and he’s concerned about the Manx birth rate falling to it’s lowest since 1920. Births in the Isle of Man are now 43.9% lower than in 2010 with just 574 babies born last year. What’s causing this trend and how concerned should we be about it? Paul Craine joins me on this evening’s Agenda at 5.30pm on Manx Radio to consider these weighty issues. Demographer Paul Morland outlines the extent of the global decline in births and concludes that: “…governments can have no higher priority than addressing the demographic question...
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Agenda 7.4.25 - the Department for Enterprise is progressing a new Employment (Amendment) Bill
Monday, 7 April 2025
The Department for Enterprise is progressing a new Employment (Amendment) Bill which will feature new rights for rest breaks, neonatal care leave and carer’s leave with the Bill being framed round feedback from a series of public consultations held in 2024. The Department will also be undertaking further research on a number of other areas including statutory annual leave provision, the maximum awards available at the Employment and Equality Tribunal, and reforms to the licensing of Employment Agencies and Businesses.We’ll also hear about the local economy strategy. Yes they’re busy bees at...
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Agenda 31.3.25 - Retired law lecturer Peter Murcott expresses his deep concerns about Michelle Haywood’s Safe Access Zones Bill
Monday, 31 March 2025
Retired law lecturer Peter Murcott is concerned about Michelle Haywood’s private member’s Bill which provides for Safe Access Zones and Protected Public Places. He believes that if enacted this law would lead to a significant erosion of free speech and could criminalise people merely for living in their own homes. If his interpretation of the Bill is correct than this should be a concern for us all, but is he right? He presents his case to Agenda this evening at 5.30pm on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne. Is it reasonable to expect to be able to go about your business without being harangued b...
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Agenda 24.3.25 - the Isle of Man Medical Society give their take on the Manx Care Mandate 2025
Monday, 24 March 2025
Manx Care’s Mandate was supposed to be on Tynwald’s Agenda last week but despite the Minister’s best endeavours the debate didn’t happen. The Minister remains eager to hear the views of politicians, patients and medical professionals so she’s in for a treat on this episode of Agenda. The Isle of Man Medical Society had plenty to say about the Mandate and Drs Crerand and Prakash explain why. This is the second time in as many months I’ve interviewed the Drs - maybe I need to eat more apples?
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Agenda 17.3.25 - should there be reform of the Legislative Council and has there been some game playing on cancer care?
Monday, 17 March 2025
It’s been a few weeks now since we talked about LegCo but Onchan MHK Julie Edge has prompted Agenda back to the topic as she has a motion in Tynwald calling for the role of Members of the Legislative Council and the method of their election to be reformed. So what is this all about and what’s provoked Ms Edge to seek such reforms? Has Julie Edge been playing politics with her questions on cancer care and is she right to suggest UK government health reforms should see an end to Manx Care being independent from the Health Department?
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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?
