Manx Newscast

It was Budget month for Tynwald in February so that naturally dominated the sitting. For the rundown on that and what else happened - here's Political Correspondent Phil Gawne.

Trade unions are calling for 'joined up thinking' ahead of a new tax strategy, which is expected to go before Tynwald next month. Union leaders are insisting that the 'door is always open' for government to have open conversations.

A parent has formed a group to support other parents whose children have dyslexia and other literacy difficulties.  In 2019 one of Julia Bell's children was diagnosed with dyslexia which lead to her petitioning the following year for improved provision for pupils at Island schools. While it was picked up by the education department - she says she hasn't received any update in writing...

Conversations are starting to be had about whether the Island's senior politicians are up to the task. There have been a number of calls for the chief minister to resign, with some MHKs even discussing the prospect of a 'vote of no confidence' in his leadership. It would require a motion in the House of Keys gaining a majority of at least 13 votes. Should that happen, expert on Ma...

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan joins Ben Hartley and Lewis Foster live on Manx Radio's Breakfast programme to respond to calls for a no confidence vote that have been made over the past few days, as well as questions about the decision to replace the education minister.

In this edition of Newscast, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan explains to Manx Radio's Lewis Foster why Onchan MHK Julie Edge is being replaced as Education Minister by Garff MHK Daphne Caine. So, why now? Has Julie Edge done anything wrong? Or, after two and a half years, is it time for a change? And should other ministers be worried? Listen and find out...

In this episode of Newscast Michael Josem of the Manx Taxpayers' Alliance gives his view on the 2024-25 Pink Book, his fears for working families, and what affect it will have on the Island's attractiveness to new workers.

The treasury minister has unveiled his plans for the next financial year. Dr Alex Allinson delivered his speech in Tynwald yesterday. Eighteen members of the House of Keys voted for the Budget with six voting against.  All eight members of the Legislative Council voted in favour of it. You can listen to Dr Allinson's speech in full here.

More needs to be done to educate people on the Isle of Man about the importance of having healthy relationships. That’s the view of the Department of Home Affairs a year after new legislation – designed to protect against domestic abuse – was brought into force. On  4 January 2023  the Domestic Abuse Act 2020 was introduced after many years in the making. It meant, for...

Around 30 Manx charities attended a Collaboration Day with the Manx Care Advice and Liaison Service in February.  Manx Radio was there to find out more about MCALs .

The first rebranded Tesco store is about to open its doors in Castletown (Thursday 15 February). In October last year, the supermarket chain announced it was taking over all nine Shoprites on the Island. While many are excited about the move, a number of concerns have been raised - particularly about how many local producers and suppliers will be seen on the shelves. But Store Director Andy Sander...

The Isle of Man Society of Architects is relaunching on Thursday 15 February and there's a free event featuring award winning architect Richard Murphy OBE. It's at the Santander Work Cafe on Thursday 15 February from 5pm- 8pm and you can find more details here.

Proposed changes being made to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) are being praised, although they seem to have been delayed. Currently, those experiencing a miscarriage or other early pregnancy complications are often placed with other pregnant women while they wait for treatment. Now though, there are plans to move them to a separate ward, with a discreet entrance and a quiet room, howev...

The politician behind proposals to allow assisted dying on the Isle of Man says if legislation is passed it cannot be changed or challenged by any constitutional court.  That's from MHK Alex Allinson who is seeking to give people, who are terminally ill, the right to choose. This week Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, a former Paralympian and crossbench peer in Westminster, and Dr Gordon Macd...

Proactively helping children with their mental health is "essential". That's according to a Manx business which provides free accredited mental health awareness courses for students in the Isle of Man. This year's programme has just been launched. Ali Vondy is from Manx Minds and has been speaking to Amy Griffiths:

When plans were announced last month for a new sculpture at Niarbyl, images of the proposed artwork caused quite the stir... So, what's it all about? Is it 'respectful to the coastline' or 'a blot on the landscape'? The relatives of Bryan Kneale - renowned Manx artist and MBE - are on the Island for a consultation event at Dalby Schoolrooms (8 February). In this episode of Newscast Kate Kneale and...

Granting a variation to Crogga's licence to drill for oil in Manx waters would go against the will of Tynwald, according to the Isle of Man Green Party. Crogga has asked to begin drilling before completing a 3D seismic survey. The Department of Infrastructure says it's continuing to consider the company's request and will issue a response to the political party's latest letter in d...

The Isle of Man is playing host to over 50 travel writers from the British Guild of Travel Writers this week (5 - 9 February). Founded in 1960, the Guild is a community of over 250 accredited writers, photographers, authors, podcasters, bloggers and broadcasters. On Monday (5 February) they attended the launch of government's 'Manx Menu' campaign and a new Island cookboo...

A painter and decorator wants to give back to the Manx community by helping a family facing hardship. John Skelton of John Skelton Painting and Decorations Limited is asking people to nominate a child that's been confined to their room due to illness. He is also fundraising for furniture and whatever other sources he may need.

Ahead of the 2021 General Election, housing was one of the main topics people wanted to be addressed by the incoming politicians. When Alf Cannan first laid out his Island Plan upon being elected chief minister, housing was listed as one of his top priorities. But, halfway through his administration, does he feel enough is being done to tackle the housing crisis? Mr Cannan's been speaking to A...

Getting young people to stay on our Island is a topic that's often discussed here, and it's an even harder feat while in the midst of a housing crisis. But what can be done to help tackle it? Tynwald regularly holds select committees to scrutinise various elements of government, but they also have Youth Committees doing the same thing. In fact, the Youth Housing Select Committee has just h...

A Garff MHK says she hopes to 'bring some positivity' to help deliver on government's 'ambitious' tourism strategy. Daphne Caine has been appointed to the Department for Enterprise as a political member with responsibility for Visit Isle of Man and Motorsport. She's also chair of the Climate Change Transformation Board, member of the Social Affairs Policy Review C...

Almost £47 million has been overspent by four government departments in the last financial year. Tynwald members will be asked to approve supplementary votes at next month’s sitting of the court in order for them to be brought in on, or just under, budget by 31 March. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture is responsible for £8,900,000 of that overspend. Education Minister Julie Edge sits...

Manx Care would need a ‘substantial’ amount of additional funding to staff and run a new residential home in Douglas. Summerhill View, on Victoria Road, is due to be handed over to the government in the spring. The 60-bed facility, built on the site of the former Glenside Home, will house some residents who are currently living at Reayrt ny Baie. But the health body says it’...

Tynwald met for the first time this year earlier this month. If you weren't able to listen to the whole thing - what did you miss? Siobhán Fletcher has the highlights...