What did the Treasury Minister actually deliver in last Tuesday’s Tynwald sitting? Was it a give away pre-election budget through prudent use of reserves to help kick start the economy or a reckless raid on government’s hard earned savings. I suspect the answer lies somewhere between the two but what did Tynwald members make of it? What is clear is the vast majority of earners will be better off in the next tax year but is the continued use of reserves sustainable? Hopefully the extra money the government is keen to stuff in our back pockets won’t come at a cost after the election.

Government finances have read a little like recent weather forecasts, with a gloomy outlook, risk of budget overtopping particularly in health, and economic storms battering our sparse reserves. One former Treasury Minister who wasn’t afraid to grapple with the economic challenges of the day was Eddie Teare. He talks to Perspective about how he went about preparing a budget and considers what next week’s Budget might deliver. As if economic circumstances were’nt bad enough the aftermath of last month’s sackings has caused some disaffection in Tynwald ranks. Will next week’s Budget include brighter spells and sunny uplands?

Manx farmers are being challenged at the moment with several significant issues hitting all at once. As if the debilitating cattle disease Blue-tongue, a change in UK and IoM cattle health status, and ongoing problems with the meatplant weren’t bad enough a very wet winter and uncertainly over animal waste charging are adding to farmers woes. Can the Isle of Man Government’s stated aim of achieving food security for us be delivered in such trying circumstances. There’s no doubt times are hard for Manx farmers who are all hoping things will mooooove in a better direction soon.