Agenda 16.2.26 - Chris Robertshaw and Future IoM

Former Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw has a new political vision for the Isle of Man. Describing itself as a movement towards good governance, Future Isle of Man has three core pillars to its thinking. ‘The Democratic Process’, which introduces the concept of holding Referenda into our existing system; ‘A Unified Government’ which bring government operations together under a single legal entity; and the introduction of high level cross-departmental strategic thinking. Is the Manx political system fundamentally broken or have we just been the really, really unlucky victim of events over the past few decades?

The Isle of Man’s native language and status as the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere Reserve were highlighted at the Celtic Forum in Scotland this month. It was the first time the Isle of Man has attended the forum, which brings together Celtic regions to collaborate on shared interests. Education Minister Daphne Caine tells Agenda all about this relatively new Forum and how the Isle of Man could benefit from it. The Forum appears to offer some big opportunities for Manx musicians and linguists but could it provide invaluable links for Manx business. Oh yes, … and how’s the new Castle Rushen High School progressing

Legislative Council sittings are generally quite brief affairs but lately they have been stretching out as Keys and Council of Ministers have finally realised that part of their role is making good laws to assist society. In last week’s LegCo sitting the Extradition Bill, the Safeguarding (Amendment) Bill and the City of Douglas Bill completed their passage through Council, the Public Records (Amendment) Bill was read for a first time and the Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) (Amendment) Bill almost made it through its Clause Stage. Find out how these Bills will impact on you on this week's Agenda. And why have the Captains of the Parish been sharpening their pitchforks and raising the militia?