Steve_Christian

My understanding is a lift to floor one wasn’t in the the original spec. They went back to the builder and asked him to add one. Same guy did the work but could have added it at initial build if they’d spec’d it properly.

I’ve mentioned this before. In the elections at Uni there was always a vote for RON (re-open nominations). I don’t think it would be a stretch for a private members bill to add this to the ballot. And then of course there’s Churchill. ‘Democracy is the worst type of government. Until you compare it to all the others… ‘

Different racing. Mass start as opposed to time trial. But I wouldn’t say better. But different- yes. I enjoy both. I prefer the TT. And I don’t poo in hedges. That is to say, I haven’t poo’d in a hedge yet.

I agree - I think she was in Treasury, and is now in DFE and DESC - I don’t think she’s been a member of DEFA?

Only in Keys - not a majority in Tynwald.

Apparently 1° hotter earth means 7% more water in the atmosphere.

Every sitting I’ve listened to, someone (usually Ashford) asks for a vote to continue questions. Can’t remember one that hasn’t been approved in this administration. So they all seem to get asked.

Like Bus Vannin… (I’ll just lob that little grenade and grab my popcorn)

FYI - going rate for a project manager with experience in AI is £700 a day in London. About £160k taking holidays into account. And that’s just a project manager. £100k seems like a bargain (or we won’t be able to recruit the right person).

Even if we have to pile money into it, I’d rather it be owned by IOM gov rather than a Private Equity fund who would squeeze it for profit and then sell it leaving the island in a mess.

Because many of those they represent expect it and rather than educate them as to what arms length means, they interfere. It’s a lose lose for the MHKs and the SPCo

Pesky.

Where did you hear that? A shame if it’s true they offer a great convenient service particular if you’re off island for a while.

Or a genuine mistake rectified once notification of death was provided. don’t shout at me. Just balancing the argument. (I don’t really care. It’s a small number in the grand scheme of government pensions)

Most of it to people who have died but they weren’t informed it seems. Hardly a massive problem and totally understandable.

Probably less choice for eateries and local produce and more people on benefits - but I do see your point. However they don’t need to get money they perhaps just need to pay less NI or rates or something to offset the additional costs. So not a handout, a discount on tax. I guess a business sometimes need time and support to grow and build.

IMHO if they raise the minimum raise they need to do it in parallel with some kind of relief/support to SMEs otherwise it will be unaffordable for many. Interestingly Alf was a supporter of this approach previously and voted against raising the minimum wage in the last administration (or the one before) for this exact reason. I completely agree the minimum raise should rise - but in parallel with support to the small businesses that need it.

https://www.facebook.com/share/hewL7DuZVihmgovx/?mibextid=WC7FNe so the TTMA has a new logo and it hasn’t gone down very will with the orange army based on the comments on Facebook…

What did Churchill say? Democracy is the worst type of government… until you compare it to all the others. could be worse…

I think they are probably of benefit - but only if they can learn, come back, use what they learns to adapt/change policy for the better. But I don’t really see any of that behaviour represented . I’m a great believer of learning from other people’s mistakes and successes - but unless politicians are willing to actually use this to change policy for the better, I don’t see the justification. Hopefully some of the attendees to these conferences will learn and apply said learning for the good of the island.

I mentioned how policy was changed by the previous UK PM and French president in another thread (or this one - I can’t remember). Wouldn’t it be nice if the minister stood up and said ‘we’re going to reduce taxes for the lowest earners - and those with families and those struggling to pay for childcare and still go to work, and we’re going to tax higher earners a bit more more to make up for it.’ Ok CS - earn your money and figure out how we do that. I’d like a minister/government that did things like that. Make policy that properly represents what (I believe) the general public would like and deserve. It can’t be that hard can it?

Weren’t you going to never post on here again and leave the forum if Alf didn’t get banged up or something? Anyway I’m glad you’re here. Entertainment from the petty squabbles between anonymous members makes me laugh. Often. Thanks guys .

Agreed. Imagine if there was 2 MHK posts (as per the general election) and RON came second (or first) - one candidate could get in and the rest do not - or even a rule if RON wins- no-one gets in. It would be interesting to see if more people voted if there was this option.

The role is gapped or the past incumbent remained in post until a democratically elected candidate is voted in. What would you expect to happen?

This is an interesting point. Blair made a policy change to get involved in the EU defence initiative - driven by Germany and France, to establish a deterrent that didn’t involved the US. All of the UK MOD and FCO CS said the policy was NATO for war - EU for economic gain and collaboration. Blair turned that in his head by making a statement - that statement became policy. He did it to become a better European and curry favour in Europe. Our ministers could do this. Would be interesting. Incidentally when I worked in MOD policy, the French president decided to re-integrate into the military arm of NATO - against the long standing French policy (which I think came about due to the use of nuclear weapons but I need to re-educate myself on that). Again this sent shock-waves through the French civil service and military - but the president declared it and it became policy. So maybe if we had a CM with vision and courage (and ministers with the same values) we could do the same and things could actually change?