Instruments of Democracy

MLC and Demographer Paul Craine outlines the flatlining trend in population growth, with a musical demonstration of the complexity of the issue provided by his muted trumpet plunge

TT Great John McGuinness cheers himself up after a miserable lap by playing Grieg's "Hall of the Mountain King" on his bassoon whilst chatting to Manx Radio about how rubbish the weather has been.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Hayward hoists her trusty cello atop a DOI generator on Douglas Promenade to tell us about the new sea wall in Douglas, whilst illustrating the building process in musical form with a short snatch of Johann Strauss' "Pizzicato Polka"

Chris Thomas MHK puts down his trusty bass for a few moments and travels light, with a stirring rendition of "The Locomotion" on recorder, adding delicate colour to some thoughts on the work of the Select Committee on the role of the Legislature in the Budget Process.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan discusses the seemingly intractable situation regarding Manx Care funding and overspend, whilst keeping spirits high with a cheery rendition of "What shall we do with a drunken sailor" on his ocarina.

Former Onchan MHK Peter Karran, puts forward his thoughts on a lack of government action to address the housing crisis, whilst practising his solo version of "Duelling Banjos"

Leader of Douglas Council, Claire Wells, discusses a slightly controversial name change to Henry Bloom Noble Library, whilst defusing potential tensions with a rendition of "Baby Shark" on her sousaphone.

Bishop-designate The Venerable Patricia Hillas discusses her likely informal title of "Trish the Bish" whilst accompanying herself on a sacred crumhorn

The great John McGuinness talks about high speed dicing on the track, whilst illustrating his adrenaline-fueled life by simultaneously playing "The flight of the bumblebee" on his Honda trumpet

Central Douglas MHK, Chris Thomas, discusses questions he has about the FOI Act and the IOM Steam Packet company and reference to collective bargaining with unions contained within the Sea Services Agreement, whilst playing the theme to Captain Pugwash on his piano accordion.

The Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan, discusses the need to re-instil financial discipline within the Isle of Man Government, whilst attempting to muster up some magic via a shaky rendition of the Harry Potter theme on his old recorder #HOK #Tynwald #IOM #government #harrypotter

Douglas North MHK David Ashford discusses the issue of residents who own video doorbells being forced to pay to register with the Information Commissioner or face a £10K fine, whilst practising "Silent Night" ahead of Christmas 2024 on his favourite set of old fashioned hand bells

Ramsey MHK and Liberal Vannin leader Lawrie Hooper explains the rationale behind his public consultation into the Bishop's vote in Tynwald, whilst trying to make his kazoo sound like a saxophone

Racer Dean Harrison talks about his delight at a podium place in the  Superbikes, whilst being accompanied by his mechanic playing an excerpt from "Riding in the TT Races" on ukelele-banjo

MLC Tanya August-Hanson discusses her plans to update the Island's fertilisation, embryology and surrogacy laws, whilst practising her castanets

Former Health Minister Rob Callister MHK discusses his frank views and thoughts on moving forward after his apology to Tynwald, whilst accompanying himself on the panpipes.  

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson jazzes up an analytical review of the pertinent index points of his 2023 Budget, with skilled single and double tonguing and smoothly executed valve work on some of his favourite bop licks

Political member of the Department of Infrastructure, Middle MHK Stuart Peters, discusses his frustration at the state of the island's roads and his inability to make immediate improvements to their maintenance, interspersing his rhetoric with some of his infamous beatboxing.

Speaker of the House of Keys and Rushen MHK Juan Watterson discusses his hopes for net fiscal benefits in government spending through the new office of Auditor General, stressing key elements with musical emojis on his trombone

Political member for Treasury, Sarah Maltby MHK, explains how government is trying to support residents affected by massive rises in the cost of living, whilst practising her trumpet embouchure

As this summer's hosepipe ban comes into place, Chair of Manx Utilites Rob Callister MHK talks about the Island's water supplies in the light of government plans to grow the population, while practising his whistling

Castletown, Arbory and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse outlines his concerns about the affordability of internet provision across the community, colouring the more salient points with favourite classical licks on his piccolo and flute . . 

Mr Ashford discusses the intricacies of capital project management, contrasting the complexities of large-scale government projects with the simple rhythmic drone patterns of his didgeridoo 

The Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan MHK, discusses recent departures and government reform, highlighting the most cogent aspects with his favourite blues guitar licks . . 

In this TT special, TT legend John McGuinness talks about his love of the TT, whilst playing "Riding at the TT races" by George Formby on his trusty nose flute.