Agenda - Manx Radio

On this episode we take a deep dive into how the first ‘closed area’ of sea bed on the Island, and possibly Europe was set up. We speak to the man who was instrumental in setting up the Port Erin closed Area in 1989, including gradually winning over the Island’s fishermen. We also hear from one of the divers who surveyed the bottom of the bay.

The first of Manx Radio's General Election Focus Group discussions.

We consider the impact of Covid-19 on workers’ rights, changing perceptions of unions and what challenges there are facing employees across the Isle of Man. We also touch on the subjects of zero-hour contracts, government relations and looking after the social welfare of members. 

The man who was governor at Strangeways during the longest prison riot in British history has written an account of his career. Brendan O'Friel has published 'Prison Governor's Journal' exclusively on the Isle of Man. It charts his thirty-year career working in the Prison Service of England and Wales, and considers the impact of cell overcrowding, and offender rehabilitation. 

Chief Minister Howard Quayle has announced he won't be seeking re-election this September after ten years in politics, representing his consituency of Middle. In this special edition, Alex Wotton speaks to Mr Quayle in an extended interview about his time as both MHK and chief minister. 

With the third sector facing challenges like new regulations, bank charges and the impact of Covid, this week on Agenda we find out where the Council of Voluntary Organisations see the future for charities on the Island. As well as that, we find out what links are being made with Manx Care, and about a conference on the third sector due late this year.

Three new heritage sites look set to join the Island's registered buildings list, but is government doing enough to keep it updated? Campaigners say no, but DEFA says its improving. And in the second half of the show, the Manx Labour Party leader explains why she’s hoping more progressive politicians are elected this year. 

Leaders of the Green Party and Liberal Vannin react to the latest budget, along with Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson MHK.

There's been a rise in suicide verdicts delivered at inquests. A former politician who led a committee investigation into the issue wants to see government take action to address the troubling increase. Meanwhile, there’s been a decade-long decline in the Island’s birth rate according to a local statistician. Paul Craine, the author of the Isle of Man ‘Populati...

The Brexit deal could bring the Manx fishing industry the chance to catch more, and have more control over management of its waters. That’s the hope of some, with more quota to become available in the next five years as EU relinquishes some of its catch. 

A medicalised approach to mental health is failing those who’ve suffered trauma in their lives, according to the director of a local charity.  And the Post Office has recorded a £500k loss, but the chair of the board says finances are improving.

Will the tourism and hospitality sector recover from the cancellation of another TT? Much of the impact will depend on the type, size and location of businesses, and how finances have been managed. A Douglas hotelier explains how the loss of bookings will hit some more than others. Self-catered accommodation providers accept the decision, and say it’s a ‘mixed bag’ in terms of im...

Those campaigning for a specialist ME service are growing frustrated with a lack of government progress on the issue. Meanwhile, similarities between illness and Long Covid have been identified, leading some to hope any new support will be able to help those with both post-viral conditions. 

There’s growing interest in renewable energy installations for the home. Manx Solar Electrical talks through what’s available, improvements in battery storage, and the future for green power. Meanwhile, Manx Gas is a step closer to a new deal with government. CEO David Cruddace explains what the agreement means for customers, and about the company’s plans to offset its carbon.

Super-fast internet is going to be available for 99% of premises by the end of 2024, as Manx Telecom rolls out fibre broadband. CEO Gary Lamb explains more, and we find out why it’s led to the sudden erection of polls in a Colby estate. And a new way to help those without a job find one, and to boost business growth, has been announced.

A journalist who spent his childhood on the Isle of Man stood in a race to join local government in Washington DC last week. Peter Bolton, who ran as a member of the DC Statehood Green Party, got more than 500 votes in the election for Ward 2, losing out to the Democrats. He's described his politics as 'radical and progressive'. In an interview recorded before the results were announce...

‘Like a tortoise on a zimmer frame’ is how an MHK described government’s progress on cannabis regulation. The minister behind it has promised movement soon though, as a consultation is launched on exporting the plant. But campaigners, though happy the issue has been taken forward, say this won’t benefit citizens who want access to cannabis for medicinal reasons.

Drug debt collection has played a role in an increase in violent crime on the Isle of Man. We find out how youngsters are being manipulated, county lines-style, by gangs in Merseyside. The Chief Constable talks about that, speed, a border force, and mental health.

We speak to the 'Save Camlork' campaigners who made sure Strang and Union Mills weren’t connected by new estates, and get reflections on the final Eastern Area plan, which goes to Tynwald this week. As well as that, politicians’ pay is up for debate. We find out why members say this ‘restructure’ won't the taxpayer more.

The Manx Solidarity Fund has paid out around £170,000 to support hundreds of people and businesses through the pandemic. Director Peter Washington explains how the charity got started. Graih gives a cautious welcome to work on establishing new emergency housing for the homeless.

A document which paves the way for hundreds of new homes to be built in the east will go to Tynwald this month. Policy and Reform Minister Ray Harmer says he’s not worried about population size as he brings forward the adopted Eastern Area Plan. The Salvation Army has opened a new debt advice centre, and the infrastructure minister stands by his department's bid to leave silt buried off...

The infrastructure minister says misinformation has been spread about the landlord registration bill, which he’s promised won’t be kicked into the long grass. And should the Cabinet Office be in charge of new emergency powers legislation? Law professor Peter Edge gives his view on plans for a Civil Contingencies Bill. 

The people of Castletown and Peel have been left angry and disappointed with the decision to shut Isle of Man Bank branches in the two towns. Two protest were held at the weekend, with current and former politicians outraged at the decision, which has come as part of a push towards digital banking. We hear from protesters, and constituency politicians, as well as whether the post office could step...

What if government and unions spoke to each other before dispute emerge? That’s the purpose of a new industrial relations forum, designed to bring about more harmonious communication between the state and workers’ representatives. 

There was no joy to be found for two of the Island’s political parties in the Douglas South by-election, with LibVan and the Isle of Man Green finishing in third and fourth respectively. Michael Josem came within a whisker of finishing second, with Andrew Jessopp behind the top three but still with 300 votes. So what do the leader of these parties think of this showing by their candidates? W...