Former Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw has been called a lot of things over his time in business and politics but ’shrinking violet’ was never one of them. Chris has lots to say about the current state of Manx politics and the biggest challenge is how we’ll fit it all in on this week’s Perspective. How many of Chris’s catch phrases will we get? I…

Into The Mystic Episode 12: Jaws: The Revenge (1987) - Casting - Michael Caine (Hoagie Newcombe) Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss a Michael Caine interview in which he shared why he starred in Jaws: The Revenge. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 08-16-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon …

Fear of mass immigration has fuelled unrest and political change across Europe and the solution usually offered is bigger walls or stronger borders. Less attention seems to be paid to what is driving this mass migration and what might encourage migrants to stay in their home countries. Former Chief Constable, Gary Roberts, has taken up a new role a…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 11: Jaws 2 (1978) - Trailer Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the Jaws 2 trailer and how the sequel holds up over time. “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.” Jaws 2 (1978) Synopsis: Police chief Brody must protect the citizens of Amity after a second monstrous shark begins terrorizing the water…

Three years ago Keys candidates were expressing concern and committing to resolving what was popularly believed to be a housing crisis. Government’s flagship solution to the lack of funds to deliver high quality comprehensive public services is to grow the economically active part of the population so generating more tax income. To do that we need …

Ørsted want to build a 1.4 gigawatt wind farm six nautical miles off the north east coast of the Isle of Man. Up to 100 turbines are proposed and these could be as high as 389 metres above low tides. So what’s in it for us? Sea bed rental income, tax on the energy production, a community fund and potentially cheaper electricity are all mentioned bu…

July Tynwald saw several debates about housing and development with reassurances given about “lots of work going on behind the scenes”. An entertaining exchange saw the Housing Minister attempting to woo Jason Moorhouse but he was playing hard to get. We also hear from the Home Affairs Minister about the cost of the new sexual assault referral cent…

Despite food prices having been higher in recent years Manx agriculture continues to face significant challenges. Closures of Ramsey Bakery and Shoprite have impacted on Manx food sales in the Isle of Man, the meat plant continues to face significant problems and recently the Department of Infrastructure has imposed huge increases in charges to rem…

Perspective 21.7.24 - we’re three years in to the Cannan administration but has much changed? The Chief Minister is very upbeat about the progress his government is making. We’re pretty much three years in to the Cannan administration but has much changed. There certainly seem to be a few glimmers of progress but is the change that was promised bei…

Controversial climate scientist Paul Burgess has made several claims based on his interpretation of climate science which conflict significantly from the general consensus reached by climate scientists who say we need to act swiftly if we are to avoid our climate becoming so extreme that we will be unable to live in it. Mr Burgess refutes this cons…

While a significant majority of climate scientists are increasingly alarmed by the rapid pace of climate change, a growing proportion of voters across Europe are voting to stop climate action. That pleases Perspective's guest this week, Paul Burgess, who describes himself as a climate scientist and friend of four times gaoled, far right politician …

They say a week is a long time in politics but I hope not too long as this week’s Perspective looks at some of the June Tynwald highlights. The Chief Minister explains why belts need tightening even further if health funding is to continue to grow, Tim Glover is concerned about DoI anouncing big increases in costs for farmers - so is the Agricultur…

Garff MHK Daphne Caine has certainly not been short of challenges since she took up the reins at the Department of Education. Do you save £7m a year by closing primary schools and other ‘efficiencies’ or acknowledge that the backlash from those affected will be to big a political price to pay for a government which struggles to find popularity? As …

Into The Mystic Episode 10: Interview - Carl Gottlieb (Screenwriter - Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D) Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez have well-known screenwriter, director, and actor Carl Gottlieb (Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D) on the show. They discuss his legendary screenplays, his directorial debut, and his famous book The Jaws Log. Official Sponsor: Narraga…

You could be forgiven for thinking that the House of Keys is about to make an historic decision to introduce assisted dying, but is that really the case? Also as we approach the end of the third year of the current House of Keys, June Tynwald will be asked to consider three motions on housing but will any of these make any meaningful impact on the …

The Manx Labour Party held it’s AGM a few weeks ago so a good excuse to find out what it’s all about. Do we still need a Labour movement in the Isle of Man or has it’s time past? The Labour Party was formed in 1918 to fight against the social injustice of the time and over the century that followed it achieved much of it’s initial objectives, so wh…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 09: Martha’s Vineyard (Amity Island) - Jaws Tour Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss Jason's recent visit to Martha’s Vineyard (Amity Island) and his captivating Jaws Tour. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 05-29-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeartRadi…

May Tynwald was a relatively brief an uncontroversial affair but even with a light Order Paper there were still a few items of interest. Some members expressing righteous indignation over Tynwald’s unwillingness to suspend its standing orders while others dismissing this as a storm in a tea cup. And what’s really happening in Peel with apparent con…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 08: Tribute - Susan Backlinie (Chrissie Watkins) - Jaws "First Victim" Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez pay tribute to the late well-known stuntwoman and actor Susan Backlinie who played Chrissie Watkins, the first victim, in the iconic opening scene of Jaws. Susan Backlinie Born: September 1, 1946 Died: May 11, 2024 (77) O…

Political think tank - Reayrtys - and Prof Peter Edge from Oxford Brookes University want to talk about reform of Legislative Council. Perspective this week asks them why? How does tinkering with our parliamentary structures help address the housing crisis, cost of living crisis and the difficulties faced by the hospitality sector. Seasoned politic…

Stressed, tearing your hair out, feeling overwhelmed by the pace of the world we live in? Well the Isle of Man Praying the Keeills week may just be the answer. It runs all through next week and organisers Rev Canon Janice Ward, Phil Craine and Andrew Foxon tell you all about it on Perspective on Sunday at 12 noon on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne. E…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 07: Universal Studios Hollywood - Jaws Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss Sal's recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood and his captivating Jaws experience. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 05-01-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeartRadio Hosts: Ja…

What’s happening at Onchan District Commissioners? Prompted by comments made at the recent AGM Onchan MHK Julie Edge doesn’t hold back on her thoughts over the behaviour of some of the Commissioners. One of the Commissioners attracting Ms Edge’s ire responds to the criticism. So can all sides work together in the future for the best interests of th…

A new political force has been slowly emerging in Tynwald and this week’s Perspective tries to discover what it’s all about. Definitely not a political party, possibly a loose political alliance but certainly made up of MHKs Claire Christian, Julie Edge and Chris Thomas. What do they stand for, how will they deliver change, are their ideas relevant…

Council of Ministers met the people this week and after a few teething problems with the first session the initiative was generally considered a positive one. So what did they learn? Did they listen? Will policies and strategies change following the feedback received, or will the same story be repackaged to better reflect public concerns? Perspecti…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 06: Narragansett Beer - "Crush It Like Quint" Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss Narragansett Beer becoming an official sponsor of the show and their memorable role in Jaws as Quint's beverage of choice. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 03-26-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts…

Housing, NHS dentistry, government handling of Covid and the Dr Ranson appeal, cheaper internet services, and greater fiscal responsibility were just a few of the items discussed in Tynwald this week. Perspective tries to squeeze all this and more into the program. There was some quite heated debate and political rifts becoming more evident but one…

Manx Care’s ambition is to become the best small Island health and social care system in the world and Manx Care’s Chief Executive certainly has the passion and commitment to try to deliver that very worthy aspiration. So why have we not seen that ambition being delivered so far? What obstacles lie in the way of Manx Care delivering health and soci…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 05: Jaws "Franchise" - Vol. 02 Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez revisit the classic movie franchise again and talk about all things in the Jaws universe. The discussion was on Let's Talk - Movies and was the launching point for Let's Talk - JAWS. “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.” Jaws (1…

Are you happy with your energy bills? Do you like the uncertainty of how much your next fuel purchase is going to cost? Are you a gardener or farmer concerned about the past four months’ above average rainfall? Is it possible to mitigate against the problems climate change will bring or has that boat already sailed? Energy and Sustainability Centre…

Great opportunity to represent the Island both here and abroad, good people skills required, must be able to please all the people all the time, while taking the really tough and difficult decisions. You’ll be working with a great team, many of whom want your job, and all of your 86,000 stakeholders expect you to be instantly available to answer th…

On last week’s Perspective the Treasury Minister made a valiant attempt to defend the Isle of Man Government’s Tax Strategy. The Strategy was presented to Tynwald this week, not for approval but merely to be received, but even that modest objective came close to being derailed by an amendment from David Ashford. On Perspective we hear from several …

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 04: Jaws "Franchise" - Vol. 01 Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez revisit the classic movie franchise and talk about all things in the Jaws universe. The discussion was on Let's Talk - Movies and was the launching point for Let's Talk - JAWS. “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.” Jaws (1975) S…

On Perspective last week economist John Webster identified significant areas for improvement in the Island’s economic policies. He marked the Treasury Minister’s card with - could do better - see me after the lesson. Members of the Chamber of Commerce were particularly concerned in their assessment of February’s budget and its impact on their busin…

John Webster is an economist, business owner and Chairman of the Manx Technology Group as well as an independent adviser to various investment funds and involved with the UN as an economic adviser to small islands. He was also economic adviser to the Isle of Man Government back in the 1980s so he’s well qualified to talk about the economic situatio…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 03: The Shark Is Still Working - The Impact & Legacy of Jaws (2007) Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the famous documentary, The Shark Is Still Working - The Impact & Legacy of Jaws, and share their connection to the project. Recorded: 11-16-23 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Ama…

A new exhibition exploring the Isle of Man’s remarkable maritime heritage and honouring the 200th anniversary of the RNLI opened recently at the House of Manannan in Peel. ‘All at Sea’ uncovers some of the tragic events in Manx waters which motivated Manx resident, Sir William Hillary to establish a national maritime lifesaving institution. On Pers…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 02: Jaws (1975) - Opening Scene Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the terrifying opening scene from Jaws which sets the tone for the rest of the classic movie. “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.” Jaws (1975) Synopsis: When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape…

The Budget has been met with mixed reviews since it was announced on Tuesday. Perspective unpicks some of the thinking behind it, with help from the Treasury Minister and some of his Tynwald colleagues. We are promised improved services and certainly the significant budgetary increases in health and education would indicate that, but we’re also pay…

If you’ve visited the hospital lately you may well have seen Braddan Parish Commissioners’ magnificent new community hub has emerged in all its glory. Close followers of Manx politics may also have noticed the rather large 37% increase in Braddan’s rates part of which will be used to cover the costs of the new hub. As if this wasn’t enough to encou…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 01: Jaws (1975) - Trailer Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the original Jaws trailer and how the classic movie was about to change the film industry forever. “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.” Jaws (1975) Synopsis: When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape …

Just over 23 years ago Tynwald agreed that government should defend vigorously the Island's internal governing autonomy and seek to extend the Isle of Man's influence over relevant external issues. While there were some modest gains made in the early 2000s, little or no work has been done to reform our constitutional relationship with the UK over t…

New schools, underfunded departmental budgets better roads and a new bus station are on the wish lists of MHKs Joney Faragher and Michelle Haywood. The government is struggling to control a substantial financial deficit so where is the money coming from? Hopefully we’ll know more when this year’s Manx budget is delivered in just over a week’s time …

The southern swimming pool has been making a splash in the turbulent Tynwald political waters leaving some political commentators to suggest that the Minister is out of her depth. In contrast the Minister has suggested that some members are floundering in the political whirlpool and the whole pool debate has allowed a range of thorny administrative…

The economic strategy annual update was debated in Tynwald this week with the Chief Minister painting a very rosy Manx economic picture which seemed to avoid discussion of the pitfalls and obstacles to economic success. This led to criticism from some members that perhaps government wasn’t living in the real world or indeed that the Chief Minister …

Perspective looks at the forthcoming January Tynwald, Systra's report into Heritage railways and guests MHKs Daphne Caine, Sarah Maltby and Chris Thomas give their initial reaction to the Covid Review.Manx Radio

Tynwald gave Government two modest defeats this week as well as pointing out that Government is missing a number of its own targets. Statistics show that the population is growing by 230 people a year but the Chief Minister is convinced that his government’s flagship target of an extra ten thousand people. The Treasury Minister announced that he wi…

The Financial Services Authority is a body whose influence we only tend to come across when we’re trying to open a bank account and having to prove in triplicate who we are. The FSA has, though, a significant influence on the financial services sector which generates over a third of our economic output so we probably do need to know a bit more abou…

Crogga wants to give the Isle of Man Government a multibillion pound Christmas present but needs government to agree a variation to their gas exploration licence. The Chief Minister apparently sacked Chris Thomas for not assisting Crogga so the decision is now in Tim Crookall’s hands. Several Tynwald members and a growing international chorus sugge…

You wait around for twenty years for some renewable energy projects and then suddenly several of them arrive at the same time. Tynwald seems very nervous about accepting private sector support for renewable power generation in the Isle of Man, but perhaps they might be persuaded by a project which gives a significant boost to Manx farmers, ticks al…