The People vs Illiam Dhone The next big

The Developers: Commemoration: religion in Who will win? The Orations Mannin Page 5 Page 12 Page 14

EARROO / ISSUE 54 | JERREY GEUREE / JANUARY 2016 THE FREE MANX NEWSPAPER BY A Sign of the Times

Why did this image resonate with the ? Page 9

www.mecvannin.im Y Clou Shoh / This Edition

Failt erriu gys clou elley jeh Yn Pabyr ny h-oraidyn Ghaelgagh as Baarlagh Myr dy kinjagh, cur shiu coo- Seyr, yn pabyr-naight lieh- son y laa eh hene chammah as artyn inaght er cur shilley er ny duillagyn vleeanagh ta goll er cur magh ec veih Allen Moore erreish turrys gys Facebook as Twitter ain cour tanna- Mec Vannin. Shoh yn nah chlou Catalonia, Peddyr Mac Phaayl shas- ghtyn heose rish as goaill ayrn jeh'n jeh'n cummey noa ain as te ny chlou soo ass lieh deynlaght as yn sleih naight as ny jannooyn ain. er lheh prentit ayns traa mie son y Valley ny Croshey, as ta shin freayll Peddyr Mac Niallan Sharmanys Cooinaght Illiam Dhone spohthoilshey cadjin er jannooyn ny Fembleyder 2016. Reiltys jannoo ymmyd jeh tuarastyl, Ta'n clou shoh goaill stiagh smooinaghtyn, as aittys. Post-l: [email protected]

Welcome to another issue of Yn and English orations for day itself as As always, remember to visit Pabyr Seyr, the biannual newspaper well as articles from Allen Moore our Facebook and Twitter pages to released by Mec Vannin. This is the following a trip to Catalonia, Peter keep up-to-date with and take part second of our new format and a Quayle standing up for democracy in our news and other activities. special issue printed in time for the and the people of Crosby, and we Peter Crellin 2016 Illiam Dhone Commemoration keep a general spotlight on Govern- Editor Ceremony. ment activity through report, This issue contains the Manx thought, and humour. Email: [email protected] Red Beg dy Chultoor / A Litte Bit of Culture Dobberan Çhengey ny Mayrey Ellan Vannin Illiam Kennish

Myr va mee my lomarcan troailt harrish Sniaul, Va my chree er ny ghleayshaghey ayns my cheu sthie, Tra va'n coleayrtys y hayrn; Tra honnick mee stayd yn cretoor; E choamrey harrish cheu Vannin jeh’n theihll, Son ec y chied hilley jee honnick mee mie, As dooghys cur biallys da'n Çhiarn; Dy row ee er dhuittym veih pooar.

Dy choodaghey‘n seihll lesh cloagey yn oie, Tra haink ee ny sniessey dou, cheayll mee ee gra: As aash y chur lesh gys sheelnaue, "Ogh! ogh! ta my heaghyn dy trome, Veih boiraghyn seihltagh as laboraght creoi, Myr shoh dy ve scart veih sheelnaue son dy braa, Son ooilley cretooryn e laue. Gys diunid shenn Traa dy gholl roym!"

Myr shoh va mee faagit dou hene er y clieau, Va yn ushag veg ruy goll roee gys yn crouw; Fegooish nhee dy heshiaght erbee, Va ny eayin gys nyn moiraghyn roie; Dy ghobberan harrish dagh voirey as streeu, Va yn oie er yn ‘aarkey, lesh cochaslys grouw, Ta seaghney Mannin my chree; Dy gastey cheet veih yn niar hwoaie;

Tra honnick mee ben voght ayns coamrey glass, Va fainagh ny ghrianey er n’eiyrt harrish oirr, Çheet my whail ny mastey yn freoagh, Ny farkiaght dowin yn sheear ass; Lesh ooilley mygeayrt y mooee frytlagh as rast, Va yn eayst ayns yn shiar er n’irree ayns gloyr; Roie myr dy beagh ee er keoiagh! Va yn sheear ayns e coamrey glass.

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Tra hoie shin sheese cooidjagh er lhuss glass ny faaie, Son va’n aigney oc gyn y Ellan dy stroie, As dooyrt ee rhym, "Vanninagh, eaisht, Ny chur ayns y joarree treishteil. As neem dhyt ass ny screeunyn shoh lhaih My hrimshey fo soilshey yn eayst." O! Dy jinnagh adsyn ta sthill er y çheu, My Ellan veg nish çhaglym cooidjagh, Eisht ren ee goaill toshiaght, as lhaih ee myr shoh: Dy chloh veih my hraieyn lesh siyr yn toyrt-mow, "Ayns laghyn ta er ny gholl shaghey, Ta megeayrt-y-moom nish er n'ghoaill toshiaght; Cha row mee rieau laccal my coamrey noa, Dy reayll mee veih feayraght as fliaghey. As çhyndaa nyn gleayshyn veih ooilley yn chiaull, Ta jeant mygeayrt Mannin Veg Veen, Son mish, bee fys ayd er, ta scaan y çhenn ghlare, Lesh deiney ta gys dy chooilley nhee doal, Ec cloan Vannin er my hregeil; Er-lhimmey son berçhys daue hene! Agh s’beg fys ta ocsyn dy beagh eh ny share, Daue mish dy ve harroo dy reill. Agh quoi ta ad hene ta geamagh myr shoh, Agh adsyn ta laccal pooar dy reill, Son mish ta er reayll yn fer joarree ersooyl, Harrish Manninee dooie, lesh lorg reill noa, Son keeadyn dy vleintyn dy hraa; My yiow ad sleih doue dy chur-geill? As va mee er reill veih yn traie gys Barool, Da Manninee dooie son dy braa. O! Gow shiu my choyrle shiuish sthill ta er-mayrn, Jeh cummaltee dooie Vannin voght; Agh nish ta yn voyrn oc er chur lesh yn Vaarle, As ny chur shiu geill da nyn raaidyn shenn vraane, Eer seose yn glione mooar Tolt-y-Will, Mygeayrt-y-mysh liggar as jough. As mastey ny reeastyn er lhiattee Wooar Cardle, As creggyn yn Creg-Willy-Sill. O! Dy jinnagh cummaltee Vannin cordail, Ny shenn leighyn oc keillit dy reayll, Myr ta’n croaghan ‘sy tourey yn maase cur er ouyl, As gyn sodjey nyn draa dy stroie ayns fardail, Ta’n voyrn er ny chur orroo roie, Dy eaishtagh rish deiney gyn keeayl! Lesh y ghah, veih kione heear yn Niarhyl gys Groudle, As veih Colloo as ny Ein gys y twoaie; Agh son aym pene, neem çhelleeragh goll roym, Dy 'ollagh mee hene ayns y joan," Dy lhiattee veih raaidyn nyn ayraghyn dooie, Dooyrt yn red trimshagh, lesh osney dy trome, Nagh ren rieau myr shoh m’y hregeil; "Son jeeagh cre cha lheeah ta my chione."

Mec Vannin Official

Mec Vannin @Mec_Vannin

3 Naight / News The Manx and the Catalans – Different People, the Same Struggle Allen Moore, Mec Vannin International Relations Officer What is the difference between the constitutionally indivisible such that allegiance to the UK Crown. The Manx and the Catalans? Lots, of if there is a “threat” to the unity of existence of the oath of allegiance course, but we are not so different, Spain, the military has the obligation means that nobody who wants in- you know. We both have histories of to act. dependence from the UK is in all being conquered and having consti- In the we do not honestly able to stand for the House tutions imposed on us which bene- have anything like that hanging over of Keys. Is this democracy? fits the conquerors, not ourselves as us, do we? Well, our constitutional Returning to the subject of the subject people. relationship with the United King- Catalunya, for years after his victory The last time that Catalunya dom also works against our com- in the Spanish Civil War (helped by (called Catalonia in the English lan- plete independence. is con- Hitler and Mussolini) Franco took guage) was conquered was in the stituted in the image of the UK's revenge by torturing and murdering late 1930s during the Spanish Civil parliament, with upper and lower those who had opposed him and War. Catalunya had enjoyed a spell chambers. Having recently gone had stayed in Spain or returned. This of autonomy before then, but in through the by-elections in Peel and included many Catalans. After 1939 it became part of a fascist as well as the events which World War 2 Spain was welcomed state. That would have happened to sparked them, it is clear what a as part of NATO because of Franco's us, too, if the Nazis and the other waste of time the upper house in the anti-Communist policies. Axis Powers had won the World Isle of Man is. A majority of the Many thousands of Catalans War that followed if the Allies, our- MLCs voted out a scheme for politi- fled their country at the start of selves included, had not succeeded cians and senior civil servants to pay 1939 ahead of the advance of in the end. for their parking. Yes, they gave the Franco's forces. The majority of Franco, Spain's fascist dicta- excuse that the scheme was flawed. them went to France and were ac- tor, died in 1975, and Spain began Over there in the UK, too, their up- commodated in what were effec- its long transition to a more democ- per house has just caused chaos by tively concentration camps out in ratic form of government. Of course, not knowing what they are sup- the open in mid winter. Despite that, fascism did not die with Franco. The posed to do in a vote. Voting against Catalans were very much on our constitution decided on for Spain something that the elected members side in WW2. They'd already had was drafted partly to placate the far voted for? Shocking! What is the their hopes dashed by fascism, right. One clause which hangs to point of an unelected upper cham- which was emboldened by its suc- this day over the aspirations of Cata- ber? cess in the Spanish Civil War. We lunya and, also, Euskadi (the Basque What stands against democ- were on the fascists' hit list. Many Country) is that the Spanish state is racy in the Isle of Man is the oath of Catalans worked on France's Magi- not Line and, when France surren- dered to Hitler, many were either sent back to Spain for execution or were imprisoned in the Nazi con- centration camps. One of the pris- oners in Mauthausen was Francesc Boix i Campo, who was from Barce- lona. A photographer by trade, his skills were used when he was im- prisoned in Mauthausen to develop photographs taken by the camp guards to document for the Reich what they did to the prisoners, eve- rything from forced labour to their methods of killing them. Boix and an accomplice copied the photo- graphs and an Austrian lady hid

4 them in a wall where she lived. large proportion of the population held in November 2014 and a large These photographs were used as who can speak Catalan. People in majority of those who voted an- evidence at the Nuremburg trials. Catalunya are more supportive of swered yes to the questions "Do you They provided proof that senior the language than for very many want Catalonia to become a State?" Nazi officials, such as Ernst Kalten- years and they participate in their and "Do you want this State to be brunner, visited Mauthausen de- local traditions with great enthusi- independent?" spite their claims that they hadn't. asm. The Spanish government Other Catalans fought in the Ma- I have visited Catalunya regard the holding of this referen- quis, while Doctor Josep Tueta i Ras- many times, most recently in late dum as an illegal act. The elections pall, who was chief of Trauma Ser- September. Amongst other places, I to the Generalitat, the Catalan re- vices in Barcelona during the Civil was in Tarragona during the Santa gional parliament, were held when I War, escaped to the UK and worked Tecla festival. As with a lot of Cata- was there in September, and a coali- in to help organise emer- lan festivals, Santa Tecla includes a tion of pro-independence parties gency services there. Hitler used the lot of fireworks and noise, but also won. After the election results were Spanish Civil War as a training many more peaceful things, bag- out Artus Mas, the leader of the ground for his forces for the air- pipes, for example. The Catalans Generalitat, and his supporters borne bombing of civilians in the have had bagpipes since the 12th spoke about declaring independ- war that followed, including in the century. The musicians have also ence in 18 months. However, also UK. Tueta's experience of treating mastered the art of playing a whistle after the election, the government in the types of injuries suffered be- and a little drum at the same time. Madrid announced that Artus Mas is cause of aerial bombing raids saved The Catalan festivals were banned to be charged with an act of dis- many lives. As an aside, Tueta also during the early years of Francoism, obeying a Spanish Supreme Court joined the team in Oxford which but some were allowed back in later ruling that the referendum was un- took penicillin from a discovery to a years. Now that democracy has re- constitutional. Cynically, the Span- product that could be used for treat- turned, the festivals are flourishing ish Justice Minister admitted that ing patients. such that Santa Tecla makes Guy the court had waited to bring Even before the Spanish Civil Fawkes Night seem like a teddy charges so as not to influence the War, many people from outside bears’ picnic! outcome of this autumn's election. Catalunya moved there for work, Perhaps all these festivities As a nationalist, going to but Franco encouraged the move- can be called Nationalism Good. Catalunya is a great inspiration. ment of people there with the inten- The central government in Madrid They have gained so much since the tion of diluting Catalan aspirations. seems to tolerate them, but what it death of Franco, but the momentum However, descendants of the people doesn't like are calls by the Catalans continues, despite the personal risk from Galicia, Andalucia and other and Basques for independence, Na- to the leaders of the independence poor regions of Spain who now live tionalism Bad. A referendum about movement. in Catalunya are included in the independence for Catalunya was Crosby Residents Against Development Peter Quayle Most of you will be aware of plans In the 1980s, 1.75 acres of an estate that is more than twice the to build a new housing estate and land next to Crosby crossroads was size of the original zoned area. One shops in Crosby. The developers zoned for residential development. of the reasons for the increase is the have applied for planning permis- In the early 1990s the then planning developer saying that when they sion to build 28 houses, 4500 sq. ft. department recommended that the photocopied and enlarged the map of retail space and nearly 100 park- land should be de-zoned due to the boundary lines zoomed to 10 ing spaces in a field just across the flooding and access problems. In metres wide. Being good capitalists stream from the playing fields. The maps from the time the 1.75 acre they of course based their plans on field forms part of Ballaglonney plot was removed. In a recent plan- the outside of the enlarged lines not farm. If you are against this develop- ning officer’s email the removal of the inside. This would be funny if it ment or perhaps just want to know the 1.75 acres from the 1990s map wasn’t so sad and didn’t show the more facts about it and the develop- was described as a ‘typo’. arrogance of the developers assum- ers behind it then please read on. The developers want to build ing that they can get what they

5 want. though they were submitted at the want to fell should have stopped The architect of this scheme same, by the same architect and this in its tracks. Instead the plan- is the original architect of the using the same traffic survey shows ning officer has skirted around the Poacher’s Pocket development in how joined the IOM planning is (or issue. It seems that the 10 or so . The aggressive nature of isn’t!). pieces of legislation that protect bats those developers, their multi- The developers have been and their habitats are no match for a ple applications and the toxic rela- working on this project for the past determined developer – or an ac- tionship with locals was a low point 18 months in secret. They have had quiescent planning officer. in IOM planning. It resulted in a all the time in the world to hire their I knew very little about plan- Tynwald select committee report so-called experts, commission re- ning before this application. What it being published and the phrase ‘not ports, speak to various government says to me is that planning in the another Poacher’s Pocket’ coming departments and then when they IOM is a two tier affair. If you are a into use in Tynwald. are ready put their application in. normal working person you might The same architect has put in Compare this with the 3 weeks that put in an application to erect a shed, plans for another housing estate on local residents get to read, compre- convert a garage into a bedroom or the other side of the road in Crosby. hend and possibly object to plans at a push build your own house. If This time he has gone even further. and you see the disparity and inher- you are a greedy developer then you He has drawn up plans to build an ent unfairness of the current can apply, apply and apply estate on that has never been zoned. planning process. again. You only need to get ap- The fact that the two planning appli- The area has been shown to proval once. Planning should be for cations are being treated in isolation flood, and the fact that there are the many, not just those with by the IOM planning office even bats in the trees that the developers means. Political Representation Survey (First published on Facebook on 22nd November 2015)

The results of our Political Represen- volved. Our view of democracy is commas are a bit of a giveaway as tation survey are in! First of all, a that it is based on public consulta- it's not looking good for our MHKs! huge thanks to all those who took tion and absolute representation. We've attached a couple of charts, part. We had 258 responses and it So, how did our one that shows overall results and was great to see people getting in- "representatives" do? The inverted another that shows results by con- 6 stituency. What does this mean for us? Kate Beecroft): 0.41 - Not at all rep- Overall, 58% of our respon- It means we need to keep active in resented dents said they did not feel repre- taking back our democracy. It means Douglas West (Chris Thomas & sented at all. Another 21% only felt we need to make sure our voices are ): 1.44 - Just a little a little represented. If we're being continuously heard and that we represented kind and putting the absolute mini- don't just accept whatever they send (): 1.67 - Moder- mum level of representation we our way! It means that often we will ately represented would expect at a moderate amount need to take direct action to make Glenfaba (Geoff Boot): 0.70 - Just a this is still an epic failure for our our message heard! little represented politicians! To conclude, here's a re- and (Graham Cre- Overall, 79% of people fall minder of who sits for each constitu- geen): 0.43 - Not at all represented below our generous minimum level. ency and how they did in terms of Michael (Alf Cannan): 1.13 - Just a In short, the has lost average representation (results are little represented touch with the people it's supposed rounded up or down as appropriate (): 0.91 - to be listening to, championing, and and do not include the winner of the Just a little represented safeguarding. We can already hear recent election, Jon (David Quirk, , some people saying "Well, that was Joughin). & ): 0.73 - Just a little repre- obvious already!", it's just nice to (): 0.86 - Just a little sented have figures to back things up some- represented Peel (): 0.26 Not at all times! Castletown (): 0.13 - represented So, how many felt repre- Not at all represented Ramsey ( & Allan sented quite a lot or a great deal? Douglas East (): Bell): 0.44 - Not at all represented Combined, 10%, that's 5% for each 0.52 - Just a little represented (, Laurence respectively. Another 10% felt only (George Peake & Skelly, & ): 1.47 - Just a moderately represented. John Houghton): 1.21 - Just a little little represented The three least represented represented constituencies were Castletown (Bill Malarkey & (Richard Ronan), Peel (Ray Harmer), and Douglas North (George Ralph & John Ramsey). The three most represented constituencies were Garff (Steve Rodan), Rushen (Juan Watterson, , & Phil Gawne), and Douglas West (Chris Thomas & John Shimmin). Although we say they were the "most represented" their scores were still well below what we'd expect and hope for. Hopefully this has opened some political eyes if they were in- deed naive before this! Wales Office Respond on Destruction of Tryweryn Bernard Moffatt (First published on Facebook on 17h November 2015) “Tryweryn and other actions since behalf of the Prime Minister, David create a reservoir for Liverpool. have clearly demonstrated to the Cameron, to the call by the Presi- The act destroyed a unique people of the Celtic countries that dent of Mec Vannin for a full apol- close knit Welsh speaking commu- what England needs England ogy and compensation for the peo- nity and caused great anger across takes...” ple of the Tryweryn Valley in Wales Wales. The Welsh Office has responded on which was flooded fifty years ago to Bernard Moffatt had written 7 to Mr Cameron saying: “18th October 2015 Dear Prime Minister, When the iconic British film documentary maker, Humphrey Jennings, was tasked in World War 2 to make a film that drove home the iniquity of the destruction of the Czechoslovakian village of Lidice he came up with a novel idea. Jennings decided to set his documentary in a Welsh village. His film was set in the village of Cwngiedd and dramati- cally portrayed the destruction of the community. It's ironic therefore that a little over twenty years after the Tryweryn residents protest the deliberate destruction of their homes documentary was made the British carpet. cently put on record in Parliament government should allow the de- 'They can keep their apology the Government’s view that what struction of a village and community and start doing what's right for the happened to Capel Celyn was a in Wales. people who are left.' shameful chapter in Wales’ history Of course unlike Lidice no The govern- and should not be forgotten. In the one in the village of Capel Celyn and ment was responsible at the time interests of historical accuracy, how- its surrounding farmsteads was Capel Celyn was destroyed for good ever, it should be noted that the Bill physically hurt as they were evicted governance in Wales and after fifty was a Private Bill and was intro- from their homes and a Welsh years an apology from that govern- duced by Liverpool Council, not the speaking community that had ex- ment and reparations to those dis- Government. They rightly apolo- isted for centuries was destroyed to possessed or their dependants is gised for their actions in 2005. create a reservoir to provide water long overdue. While the impact on the lives for Liverpool. Will you and the British gov- of so many people is utterly heart- However the physiological ernment finally do the decent thing rending, these events arguably led harm was profound and the injus- and acknowledge this wrong? to the call for Wales to have more tice was felt throughout Wales at the Yours sincerely control over its own future. Now we time and to this day. Bernard Moffatt have a National Assembly for Wales This year marks the fiftieth President with full law-making powers, in- anniversary of that injustice and it Mec Vannin” cluding in areas such as water, plan- will be commemorated in Wales in The text of the response from ning, the Welsh language and cul- the same way as earlier anniversa- the Wales Office clearly indicates ture, so that the decisions made in ries have been remembered. that even after all the years the these areas are now firmly attuned There can be no stronger United Kingdom Government do to Welsh public opinion, and those indication of the deep scar this event not recognise the enormity of what who make them are accountable for caused than the reaction ten years they did and the deep seated resent- them. ago when Liverpool Council tried to ment in Wales that still exists: Donna Whitcombe make amends by offering an apol- “12th November 2015 Social Policy Team” ogy for what happened at the time. Capel Celyn Tryweryn and other actions While some politicians in Wales Thank you for your letter of 22 Oc- since have clearly demonstrated to accepted the apology others were tober to the Prime Minister regard- the people of the Celtic countries less forgiving. ing the Welsh village of Capel Celyn. that what England needs England Betty Watkin-Hughes, whose Your letter has been passed to the takes – there is no ‘equivalence of family was forcibly moved from Wales Office and I have been asked nations’ in the United Kingdom and Capel Celyn, said at the time: "I think to reply. . nothing of it, it is just away to say The Parliamentary Under- goodbye and sweep it all under the Secretary of State for Wales has re- 8

Thinking of Escaping Fuel Poverty? Think Again! (First published on Facebook on 22nd November 2015) We've been crunching some num- earn more than 9.99% of what's higher. Equally, as inflation in- bers here at Mec Vannin to bring called their Return on Capital Em- creases so does ROCE. What this you a detailed explanation of the ployed (ROCE). ROCE is a calcula- means in real terms for Manx Gas is Manx Gas situation. Our hope is to tion that takes into account certain that if their assets become lower in aid you in understanding what to risk factors alongside the amount of value through lack of maintenance expect in the coming months and to money spent in acquiring and main- their allowed profit margin will get demonstrate exactly why our reac- taining assets (for Manx gas, things higher. Equally, as our money loses tion to Manx Gas' proposals has such as pipe networks and storage value Manx Gas will be justified been so strong. There's a lot to con- containers). The theory is that cap- charging us more. There's a double sider in what is a complicated situa- ping Manx Gas at 9.99% profit whammy for inflation here too since tion, but hopefully we can tease it means the Manx people will get a the agreement with Manx Gas uses apart for you! fair deal. That's the theory, anyway! a Cost of Capital Model that in- To start, let's briefly mention The flip side is that the same cludes inflation as a risk factor to the changes Manx Gas have intro- agreement guarantees Manx Gas a calculate ROCE. So, Manx Gas are duced and how they've come about. return on investment no matter compensated for inflation whilst Manx Gas is the only provider of gas what. That is to say, they are guaran- being allowed to profit from it sepa- in the Isle of Man and as such has a teed a 9.99% profit even if people rately due to a flaw in the way ROCE monopoly. Their monopoly status aren't using their services. It sounds is calculated. means that, in theory, they could less fair now! The reason for this The promise of profit to abuse their position and charge ri- guarantee is that the Government Manx Gas by those appointed to diculous tariffs since they have no views Manx Gas' services as vital safeguard our trading rights is the threat of direct competition and envisages disaster if the com- reason for the increase in standing (although competition from other pany were to fail. For this reason the charges. The agreement says that types of similar services, such as oil free-market, or allowing consumers should Manx Gas fall short of their and electricity, does exist). In an to "vote with their wallet", takes a profit target they can compensate by effort to prevent Manx Gas from back seat. The other flip side to the raising standing charges. The way abusing their position the Office of agreement is that ROCE does not Manx Gas has chosen to do this is Fair Trading (OFT) has arranged a account for depreciation of assets or arguably one of the most controver- formal agreement with Manx Gas inflation. If assets depreciate (i.e., sial aspects of the whole thing: they that states they will not be able to lose value over time) ROCE gets have opted for a banded system.

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The banded system looks at your use the most gas. Those people are you're paying more or nearly the gas usage for up to five years histori- also, presumably, the wealthiest in same for something you've used less cally (depending on how old your society. If you're using 50,000kWh of! This would be like Shoprite property is and how long you've of gas for a year then you can expect charging you the cost of six carrots been using gas there) and allocates to save £262.21. If you exceed for buying a single carrot because - you to a particular standing charge 50,000kWh then your bill won't to an undisclosed degree - they based on that whilst lowering the change at all from last year. We maintained the means by which you amount you pay for actual gas us- should note, however, that if you fall could obtain the carrot. "You've age. The problem is this: if you fall on the wrong side of Band H you bought six carrots previously" they'd on the wrong side of the boundary can expect to lose £129.77 and miss say, "so you're in Carrot Band C now, of a band you end up losing out. out on a saving of £262.21, alto- but don't worry, we've lowered the This is what Manx Gas boss, Tony gether missing out on £391.91 for a cost of individual carrots!" Simply Nicholls, was referring to when he single kWh of gas! We should also put, it means you cannot act eco- said "some will see a small increase note that the higher bands have nomically even if you want to, and and others a small decrease". If you wider boundaries such that high alongside increased stealth taxes look at the chart we've prepared you users (i.e., wealthier people) get that is a real problem. Even ignoring can see where the problem of fair- more gas before they are forced to stealth taxes, we can build a case for ness (or unfairness) lies. People us- pay more, although their band does unfairness and potentially danger- ing 7,500kWh of gas a year save have a higher standing charge incre- ous practice by considering fuel £24.68, but people using 7,501kWh ment. Band B, for example, spans poverty. of gas lose £23.47. A single kWh of 2,500kWh before moving into Band For people who were hoping gas can mean you are missing out C whereas Band G spans to escape fuel poverty by being en- on a saving and, in fact, are paying 10,000kWh before moving into ergy efficient this year, you have a more - a combined loss equalling Band H. Band H spans 20,000kWh. significantly reduced chance of £48.15 (our second chart shows the We've prepared some other achieving that! The standard defini- band boundary price differences in figures to give the full picture since tion of fuel poverty (although cur- pence per kWh of gas used). this story is not just about changes rently under revision by academics) The biggest winners of the in gas bills. We must not get dis- marks 10% of total income spent on banded system are the people who tracted from the principle here: fuel as the critical point for being 10 considered fuel poor. The banded 5,000kWh users are likely not cen- The main point is that whilst system locks you above the critical tral heating users. The most vulner- the bill may not be changing much, point for fuel poverty such that if able in society are really those who the burden of Manx Gas' guarantee you implement means of being en- earn under £9,500 a year (the Gov- to meet profit has been offloaded to ergy efficient (e.g., installing insula- ernment's own tax allowance point), the most vulnerable in society. tion) you will see relatively little but still need to heat a house. Ac- Some of the wealthiest get huge difference in your bill and return on cording to industry figures a me- reductions whilst the poorest get investment. Whilst Manx Gas in- dium sized house uses on average pittance if they're not paying a bit vestments are being protected, your 12,500kWh gas a year. That means more. Considering we've shown the investments as an individual are not! our vulnerable people are at real, annual deficit the lowest 25% of Our third chart illustrates the critical perhaps imminent risk of fuel pov- earners are accruing each year it's point for fuel poverty and where erty. Those people include single clear that that's not going to change people of different socio-economic parents and the elderly, and as the for them courtesy of Manx Gas or status will fall using Manx Gas' bill- bands do not preclude you from our OFT. So, will this put lives at ing system (NB. The green group going over the band boundary in risk? Yes, because relatively speak- should read "Lower 50% SES"). Tony reality these individuals - given a ing in terms of overall income and Nicholls said "We have recognised particularly cold winter - can accrue outgoings the poorest people are the need to protect the most vulner- more than the charts show if they go taking the biggest hit. able in society and given that many over their average use. Additionally, will be low volume users, we have since a review of usage will be un- not changed the tariff for those us- dertaken three months from January ing under 5,000kWh". Manx Gas' 2016, these people could feasibly be own marketing material, however, put into a higher band if it's a cold acknowledges that less than start to the year. Red Beg dy Chultoor / A Little Bit of Culture Poddash Pishyragh Shenn Skeeal Manninagh (jeshit veih’n skeeal inshit ec Annie Kneale ayns Skeealyn Vannin, 1948) Keayrt dy row va daa ven aegey as Laa ny vairagh tra va'n doo- "Aw! Chiarn! Aw, my Yee, y Pheggee! daa ghooinney aegey as v’ad sooree, inney ersooyl as lurg da'n Venain- T’ou er check ‘sy lhiabbee!" "Aw as va accrys çheet er nane jeh ny shter doostey v'ee gra "Juan, she yn Çhiarn, ta!" dooyrt ee, "Cha jeanym deiney aegey, as myr shen ren eh moghree t'ayn, t’eh traa geddyn dy bragh, ny dy bragh gee poddash goll dy gheddyn red beg dy vee, agh seose. Irree boy! Irree boy!" Well, pishyragh reesht son t’ee goll my ooilley oddagh eh geddyn va shen dirree Juan seose as dyllee eh magh hrooid myr dy beagh ee yn gheay!" pot dy phoddash pishyragh. V’eh gee ee gollrish jyst yn ’amman, as eisht v’eh goaill jyst lane da’n fer elley, agh yarrood eh yn raad, as hie eh da’n boayl raad va’n Mainshter as yn Benainshter nyn gadley. "Shoh boy, gow shoh" v’eh gra, agh cha row veg çheet, "Shoh, gow shoh!" Hrog eh yn curlead as hilg eh yn poddash pishyragh er y Venainshter.

11

Illiam Dhone Commemoration Yn Arrane Ashoonagh -reihys elley ayns Mean Fouyir, as bee yn pooar ayns laueyn y theay. O Halloo nyn dooie, Lhig dooin jannoo ymmyd jeh dy O Chliejeen ny s' bwaaie, creeney. Ry gheddyn er ooir aalin Yee, Ta’n slattys poosey noa, slat- Ta dt' Ardstoyl Reill-Thie, tys hig stiagh ‘sy tourey, ny Myr Baarool er ny hoie, hampleyr mie jeh shen oddys yn Dy reayll shin ayns seyrsnys as shee. reiltys ain jannoo as ee seyr veih laue ard-whaiyl Hostyn. Ta’n slattys Lhig dooin boggoil bee, ain anchasley rish fer Hostyn as t’eh Lesh annym as cree, dy firrinagh cair, ghoaill stiagh As croghey er gialdyn y Çhiarn, poosey kientys cheddin as neu- Dy vodmayd dagh oor, cheddin fo’n un slattys. Ga dy row Treishteil er e phooar, yn slattys shoh anmagh dy liooar, Dagh olk ass nyn anmeenyn 'hayrn. she kesmayd er y raad kiart shoh, Illiam Dhone agh ta foast raad foddey dy hroailt. The National Anthem Hie shoh er soilshaghey Ta feme ain er leighyn ta aahoil- magh ayns daa housane as nane- shaghey magh barellyn y theay t’ayn O land of our birth, jeig, tra chaill Mannin daeed ‘sy jiu, as ta feme ain er olteyryn jeh’n O gem of God's earth, cheead jeh’n çheet stiagh eck kin- Chiare as Feed ta taishbyney y phob- O Island so strong and so fair, dagh rish ny caghlaaghyn da’n ble. Ga dy vel lieh jeh y phobble nyn Built firm as Barrule, cheesh tooilley feeuid. Myr eiyrtys, mraane, cha nel agh daa ven nyn Thy throne of Home Rule, ta'n ellan er duittym stiagh ayns olteyr jeh’n Chiare as Feed. Kys ta Makes us free as thy sweet moun- çhennid vooar as an-shickyrys as, shoh tuarystallys braew jeh’n phob- tain air. erskyn ooilley, she yn sleih ble? s'boghtey shoh bentyn da. Shoh myr Cre mychione y Ghaelg? T’ee Then let us rejoice t’eh ayns Sostyn, agh shegin da'n gaase dy niartal, son y chooid smoo, With heart, soul and voice reiltys ain ve daaney as lajer dy lesh bwooise da’n obbyr chreoi ta And in the Lord's promise confide liooar dy ve er-lheh jee hene. jeant ec sleih cadjin mygeayrt yn That each single hour Ayns yn ard-reihys shoh ellan, sleih ta ny mast’ain jiu hene. We trust in His power chaie, cha ren agh mysh lieh jeh’n Gura mie eu ooilley. No evil our souls can betide teiyderaght votal as s’baghtal nagh Ayns Mee Houney, haink ——— vel shen dy liooar. Shegin da ny h- dooinney enmyssit Seumaidh voish Oraid Ghaelgagh Olteyryn Kiare as Feed ain jannoo ‘Gaelic Giftbox’ gys Mannin dy yan- Isla Callister tooilley marish yn theay: cur shilley noo ronsaght er y Ghaelg. Tra hie eh er scoillyn mygeayrt yn ellan dy dys Creneash shirrey fysereee my-e- Ta fys mie ain cre'n fa ta shin nyn vreeaghey yn aeglagh dy votal, as kione, dooyrt ny smoo na un ob- shassoo aynshoh jiu, ‘sy voayl ched- prowal dy chur er sleih goaill rish yn bragh Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin dy din va Illiam Dhone currit gy baase. aght oddys politickaght ve bentyn row yn Ghaelg ny jummal-hraa, as T'eh lesh bwooise da Illiam , dy row rish y vea oc. Agh, dy chooilleeney ny jummal-argid eeckeyder-keesh. aignaghyn as credjueyn ny Man- shoh, shegin da reayrtys ve ec ny She “Isle of Man Children’s Univer- ninee ry chlashtyn tra nagh row politickeyryn ain, reayrtys ta soil- sity Accredited Learning Destina- coraa oc. Ren eh fendeil yn ellan as shaghey magh da’n phobble cre tion”, ta Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin. yn theay veih’n vaggyrt jeh forseyn oddagh ve cosnit dy beagh Reiltys Dy aa-ghra ny va grait ec Seumaidh: ard-whaiylagh Sostynagh. Ny Vannin dy firrinagh seyr veih Sostyn. “Cre'n aght ta shoh jeeaghyn da laghyn t’ayn jiu, cha nel shin jerkyl Ny smoo na shen, shegin dooin tan- paitçhyn tra t’ad gynsaghey my- rish yn atçhim jeh caggey as naghtyn dy hionney er yn reiltys dy chione yn çheer, eiraght, çhengey, deayrtey-folley myr v’adsyn, agh ta yannoo shickyr dy vel eh livrey. cultoor as ny cliaghtaghyn oc?”. shin foast gennaghtyn baggyrt ard- Shoh jeh scansh vooar y vlein shoh Tra va mee ec y Vunscoill whaiyl Hostyn. er yn oyr dy vel shin cur oaie rish ard Ghaelgagh, ren UNESCO fockley

12 magh dy row yn Ghaelg ny çhengey me. when times are hard. Contrarily, a varoo, myr shen, hug shin screeunyn These are strange and diffi- country must nurture those people. daue, briaght jeu dy beagh yn cult times in Mannin. Almost every If our country is our mother, and if çhengey ain maroo eisht cre’n week we hear of a new charge to be we are our country, then as our çhengey va shin screeu ayns? Ta passed on to us, the people. We hear country we must look after all of our mee skee agglagh jeh clashtyn sleih lies about schemes to "grow the children. A country cannot be run by cur y drogh er çhengey nyn mayrey economy" when all that grows are a board without consulting all peo- as ta mee skee agglagh jeh cur the accounts of those who dreamt ple throughout the hierarchy. A resoon ny leshtal son loayrt ee. the schemes up. The heads and in- country cannot have a hierarchy Neayr’s shoh, ta daa vrastyl oikan- vestors of certain businesses get with a few at the top and many at agh Vooinjey Veggey er n’gholl er richer, while many more get poorer. the bottom: it must have the oppo- dooney kyndagh rish caghlaaghyn Mannin is unique, but these issues site. A prosperous country puts the syn aght va’n reiltys cur argid daue. are not unique to Mannin. The many at the top and has few at the S’baghtal nagh ren yn reiltys world over the wealthy have bought bottom. jannoo ooilley dod eh dy chumrail politicians and are using them to Our present system is one ny brastylyn shoh veih dooney as cipher resources way from the peo- built on the fallacy of trickle-down s’baghtal dy vel feyshtyn ayn bentyn ple. People have been encouraged economics. It elevates a few to the da traenal obbreeyn Eiraght to pursue greed, and to look out for top in the hope that their wealth will Ashoonagh Vannin. C’raad ta’n en- themselves, yet that greed allows seep down into the rest of society. It naghtyn jeh ard-voyrn as jarroo- the greediest to take everything. In does not. The wealthy people we're enney cultooroil? our hearts we know that something hoping to attain scraps from are Cha nee Sostyn shoh, she is not right, we can feel it. An empty, themselves shrewd business people. Mannin t’ayn, myrshen c’ren fa ta’n shallowness that plays on our minds Business people do not like giving reiltys ain cho mennick jeeaghyn every day we wake. A sadness that money away for nothing. The inves- gys, as geiyrt er, Sostyn? Nagh vel remembers when things were better tors who come here do so to avoid çheeraghyn elley sy teihll ta nyn than they are now, despite what giving out money, and to take more. sampleyr share ayns cooishyn ben- we're told. These problems may not They are not noted for their gener- tyn da edjaghys, reiltys, as tar- be unique to Mannin, but there are osity. Some may invest in local maynys? She çheer er-leh ta Man- aspects that are ours alone. charities and local causes, but this is nin, lesh yn eiraght, yn çhengey as Our ancestors believed in a distraction technique. What they yn cultoor ec hene. Ayns aeraght jeh charity, kindness, sharing, and in pay to such causes is pittance to çhionnid, cha lhisagh ad shoh ve truly standing together. They did not what they should pay. In many ceauit magh. She yn cultoor ain ta have much, but they were happy. cases, if these business people paid cur orrin shassoo magh as fegooish They were not self-proclaimed busi- their fair share, many of the charities shoh, cha nel yn chreeaght ain dy ness "experts", many called them and causes would have no need to hassoo seose 'sy teihll mooar. Ta’n backwards because of the way they exist. Since these people do not pay, reiltys ain ayns boayl er lheh dy yan- spoke and behaved, yet in truth they it is hard for us all, and by "us all" I noo ymmyd mie jeh’n towse dy were shrewd and managed to sur- mean us all. Do not let them point heyrsnys t’echey as dy ymmyrkey vive the hardest of times with good your attention to those who are hurt lesh yn reayrtys as creeaght v’ec spirits. These day, part of our issue like you: to poor migrants, to those Illiam Dhone. stems from the fact that we have with foreign names and foreign ac- Gura mie mooar eu. allowed others to tell us we're no cents. Do not let them push the mid- ——— good. We have appointed the self- dle classes against the working peo- English Oration declared business "experts" as our ple, because at any time those in the Peter Crellin leaders. These people only think in middle can become like those who business terms, and for them, busi- have less, and those who have less I'd like to say thank you for the op- ness is the only aspect of society can become like family to those in portunity to speak at this com- that needs to be addressed. They the middle. Look upward and know memoration. Last year I was watch- give breaks to business and they your real opponents, those at the ing the ceremony on my computer attempt to run our country like a top who want more and more and never thought at that time that I business. But, a country is not a wealth. Homeless, working class, or would be delivering the speech this business. A country cannot cut peo- in the middle, your lives mean noth- year. It really is a great honour for ple, its residents, from its payroll ing to them at the top, your happi- 13 ness does not get given a single all else , I am member of Manx soci- Mann. Friends from Ireland, Scot- thought, and prosperity is just a ety like all of you here today and land, Cornwall, Wales, England, and game that has been rigged in their watching at home. Opinions differ elsewhere, we embrace you as favour. among people here in our country, brothers and sisters. We are brothers But, who am I to talk of these and that is good. Thought and de- and sisters in our shared love of things? What authority do I have? bate are essential to progress. Yet Mannin, her culture, and her people. Am I just some fool who woke up useful, meaningful discussion has Those who wish to rule do not share and decided that I know all about been stifled by our government. our view. They believe that they are these things? Well, perhaps I am a They will say that this is not true, better than us. Let's show those liv- fool, but I am a fool who has em- that many opportunities have been ing in the clouds of privilege that braced an idea that was said in vain. presented for our opinions to be put their ivory towers were built and are They told me I had freedom flourish. forth. Distraction again. The Big De- able to stand up because of us. We They encouraged me to think criti- bates were not designed for input, are the ones who pay for them. We cally. I am the fool who took what just the illusion of input. Objections are the ones who do the work that they said literally. I am the fool who to planning can be voiced, but will keeps them. Let us see that true has studied the human side of busi- stay unheard. power rests in our hands. Together ness and society. I am the fool who This is a government that we grant power, and together we believes that there is something so wants to rule, not to serve. This is a can bring the powerful down. much better that belongs to us but government that considers itself As the Mec Vannin motto that has been stolen from under our above us all, not for us all. These are says, "Irree seose Vannin", rise up noses. I am the "backward" Manx- politicians and businesses against Mannin! man who believes in social equality the people, not of the people. Stand and true social progression. Above with me as sons and daughters of Smooinaghtyn / Thoughts

The Rise of the Church of Business was real, like a person, but perhaps better. As more people believed in the Business entity the Church of Business became more and more powerful gaining many followers. The Church of Business now has a multitude of grand cathedrals built to honour Business. These ca- thedrals are among the biggest ever built by humans and tower above all other things. Many people attend the cathedrals every day to ensure that the ways of Business are up- held. All who work in the name of London, England with its many cathedrals for the worship of Business Business must wear the appointed Religion is dying, or is it? Traditional ultimate power. Nothing else comes clothing so as not to offend Business forms of religion may be struggling close to the Glory of Business and all - usually trousers, shirts, plain skirts, to survive these days, but a new, must fall in service to Business. For and ties. The leaders of the Church dangerous religion is rising to fill the its followers, Business is the only of Business remunerate the Workers void. That religion is the religion of route to salvation. with a small share of the resources Business and, like any organised The Church of Business has collected by the Church. religion, it has a church and mass its roots in the United States of But, who leads the Church of following all of its own. America where people first started Business? There is no one leader of Members of the Church of to feel that they should pay offerings the Church of Business, for they are Business believe that Business is the to an entity they were convinced many. They are known as Business 14

Elites, and they organise themselves best kept separate, but the Church given prosperity to the Elites” they into Boards and Committees. The of Business has infiltrated every preach. Any person, they say, could official title of each member of the state to its core. This is because the be an elite one day, but no person Boards is Directors. They are the Church of Business has placed its may stray from the teachings of cardinals. They have a direct line to Directors in positions of political Business lest they be ridiculed and the a mysterious determining force power. Where no Director is in left for dead. For those who say produced by Business, a collective - place, the Church of Business uses there is more to life and society than often unseen - consciousness its vast resources and influence to business, “Heresy!” and “Madness!” known as the Shareholders. The pay servants they call Politicians. the Directors and Politicians will cry. Business Elites have many who wish Sometimes they are paid through Regular financial sacrifices to emulate them across the world. legal bribery, sometimes illegally, with names like “tax alleviation” and Those who emulate are called Busi- although the Church of Business is “development funds” must be made ness Professionals. Many Business above all laws of men. to appease Business. If such sacri- Professionals hope that one day The Church of Business is fices are not made, the true power of Business, although often mysterious aggressive in its ambitions for world Business will be made known and in its ways, will smile on them and domination. All other cultures, prac- all will suffer. make them Elite. However, the Elites tices, and beliefs are barbaric, back- Faith is strong in the Church are more often old and usually male. wards, and savage in its eyes. It ad- of Business and membership thrives They are very resistant to the idea of vocates an evangelical approach despite little visible evidence for the allowing women to be leading fig- such that the Good Word of Busi- claims of shared prosperity made by ures in the Church. ness be spread to every corner of its members. Church and State are often the world. “Look how Business has The Tynwald Party A festive poem by James Corrin And so they all flocked to the Tyn- Quirk complained the room was Cannan arrived wearing a soaking wald party, quite chilly, wet coat, Dressed to the nines some looked Peter replied “We can’t afford the He said he’d been saving the Mi- quite arty, gas you ninny!”, chael village coast, Speaker Rodan wore his sporran “Err err” said Quirk “phone them at “Here we go!” said Phil “our resident and kilt, Manx Gas”, tree hugger, The Bishop a vivid red cassock of Peter replied “Stick Manx Gas up “He thinks he’s King Canute, the silk. your arse”. stupid bugger!”.

The President came in a gothic dark Someone said “Is Teare coming? I After the party they all walked down dress, thought he would”, through the street, Looking quite the vampire, Drac- Kate said “He is checking the till at Stepping over the homeless begging ula’s princess, Pinewood”, at their feet, Kate was in crutches but looked Houghton replied “That should not Thomas said “Should we do some- rather fit, take long, thing to help these poor folk?”, Walking very well after her replace- “Because half the takings and profits Corkish replied loudly saying “What ment hip. have gone”. a bloody good joke!”.

Robertshaw came sooner rather Bell arrived in a horse and carriage, And so Tynwald wound up for yet than later, But with no partner to ask for his another year, True to his character dressed like hand in marriage, With lots of booze and plenty of Sith Lord Darth Vader, The bishop sniggered “What a big cheer, Shimmin wore a nice suit impecca- wuss”, Another year is coming with doubt- bly brilliant, Juan said “What? Sorry am sozzled! less more bad luck, Hiding the fact he is the perfect id- Where’s the bus?”. But most of these well paid mem- iot. bers don’t give a flying f**k.

15

‘PERMITS IN OUR TIME’

BUSINESS COMMUNITY APPEASED AS WORK PERMIT LAWS RELAXED EMPLOYERS HAVE ‘NO FURTHER DEMANDS’ SAYS BELL Kerron Clague (September 1949 – November 2015)

We were sad to learn of the death of mental and social consequences. He Kerron Clague, past Chair of Mec Van- joined Mec Vannin to add his voice nin. He was born in Andreas. He loved to the outrage he and a growing his native land, was a true son of the number of people were feeling. Ker- soil who appreciated the Island for its ron was a sensitive and talented beauty and what it provided. He spent artist and poet. He won second prize most of his working life in the Manx in the prestigious Singer and Fried- countryside as a skilful livestock lander Art Competition for a granite fencer, and builder of stone walls. He sculpture. was an intelligent, deeply thinking Kerron became a Mec Van- man with a strong sense of justice, nin candidate in the 1976 General who in his daily work was witnessing Election. Not a lightly considered the degradation of the Island as a re- undertaking. He had always taken sult of the government’s New Resi- an interest in politics, recognising dent Policy that was causing uncon- how government policies would trolled development with its environ- have a deep and lasting effect on the

16

Island and its population. He also Ta’n emshyr er ve agglagh feed, kiare jeig as tree feed. had concern for people in other neayr’s y laa ren Kerron paartail… Agh, myr t’eh scruit ayns parts of the world and was a sup- Sheer ‘liugh, geayagh as fegooish Ecclesiastes: porter of Amnesty International. soilshey, t’eh myr dy vel Manannan- He will be greatly missed by hene er skeaylley’n filleag echey T’eh traa cour dy chooilley chiarail all who knew him. Condolences go harrish yn Ellan. out to his family and friends. Ta Kerron er ve ny charrey fo niau, Stewart Bennett officiated at dou rish ny sodjey na daeed blein. Traa dy vrishey sheese as traa dy his funeral service. His personal Va shin nyn oltaghyn jeh Mec Van- hroggal seose, tribute in English and Manx follows: nin, ayns ny laaghyn keoi shen as va “There was dreadful weather ram contoyrtys-yn ain … myr sam- Traa dy chur graih as traa dy chur in the days after Kerron left us, re- pleyr, va’n jees jin mastey’n sleih va dwoaie, lentlessly gloomy, wet, windy days, tayrnit neose ec ny poleenee veih Traa dy chaggey as traa dy hee.” as though Manannan had spread a Cronk ny Kialgeyryn, Laa Tynvaal, sy mantle of mourning over the Island. vlein nuy keead jeig, kiare jeig as

Are Our Independents Truly Independent? The Hidden way. The Chief Minister is elected by the other members of Tynwald as a whole, so not just CoMin. However, the people of Mannin are a step removed from that leader election process. For Tynwald, choosing the Chief Minister is the same as choos- ing the party you want in power since inevitably that person will bring their friends to power with them. Minister Selection. Once in power a political party’s leader will begin the process of choosing their ministers. Essentially, in Mannin, the same thing happens and this is the The question is often asked in Man- festo. There is always a spectrum of installation of the party. The Chief nin, “Are political parties appropri- opinions within a party, but they all Minster will promote people they ate to our form of democracy?” For agree to follow the same general know will back them up. centuries the island has seemingly line. The same arrangement exists Ignorance and Contempt. done well without political parties within CoMin insofar as no real Political parties have support from having a majority in parliament. competition seems to emerge inter- some people, but sometimes that However, in this article I will make nally to any proposal. Typically a group of people are an overall mi- the case that there is a political party proposal is made and all ministers nority. The Tories in the United currently in Manx Government. quickly support it. Additionally, Kingdom were elected on these That party is running the show and CoMin follow a manifesto of sorts grounds receiving only around a calls itself the Council of Ministers. which they’ve named an Agenda for third of the vote. The party uses the (CoMin) . Change. support of that minority to legiti- So, how can this be the case? Leader Election. Political mise their power and choices. Any Have I gone mad? Perhaps. Still, I’ll parties elect their own leaders. As public opposition to the party’s ac- outline the traits of a political party such, the people of the country don’t tions, no matter how strong, is ig- and compare them to CoMin. get a say on who their leader will be, nored or rejected. Party Manifesto. Political only the party members do. CoMin The present CoMin is parties operate under a single mani- operates in a different, yet similar unlikely to have more than minority 17 support in Mannin, yet they con- things like “people don’t have the for what you think, the party’s tinue with their agenda regardless of full picture” or “we have difficult agenda always wins”. public opinion. You will frequently choices to make”. That’s a political hear ministers on the radio saying party’s way of saying “we care little Social Housing without the "Social" Peddyr Mac Niallan (First published on Facebook on 8th December 2015) The "social" in Social Housing does upset a lot of better-off people these people are sitting in their large es- the same job as the "social" in Social days. tates at the ends of private roads Support and in Social Services. The You may hear people com- laughing to themselves. They must word "social" lets you know that the plain that they've seen others in think, was it that easy to fool them thing is in some way attached to social housing with nice cars, nice all? We're all so conditioned to society. All three of the aforemen- televisions, nice phones, and, well, squabble over dregs we've forgotten tioned services are dependent upon just any nice stuff at all. Not luxury, that the wealth of this country - a society for survival. The way society just nice. You see, apparently poor country built by our ancestors for us ensures their survival is by paying people should look poor and it's - belongs to all of us. Our ancestors for them, or subsidising them if you upsetting to see them enjoying life toiled on in the fields, on the sea and like. at all. Sometimes you may see them roads, and within the towns so that It seems ironic, then, to hear using income support to buy alcohol Mannin would provide for us. In- calls for Social Housing that is not so that, heaven forbid, they can en- stead, now, it provides for a few subsidised. That, arguably, is just joy themselves like everyone else! who - without regard for our housing. If it's government owned Some poor people will even be thoughts and feelings or what we then you could think of it as being thinking about buying their kids give to them - tell us what we can National Housing, but without some some nice Christmas presents and and can't do, what we can and can't form of subsidy it can't rightly be food this year! have, and if they had their way, called Social Housing. True social At what point did we become what we can and can't think! housing is an important part of any a society ready to attack those with The rent of social housing is society since it ensures the lowest practically nothing? We've been not supposed to increase directly in earners can afford to live in comfort. subject to one of the greatest feats line with inflation. Wages should There's another key word here, of misdirection: while you're driving increase with inflation allowing - "comfort", since the idea of poorer through Pulrose thinking about all through the same relative taxation - people being comfortable seems to the nice cars there the wealthiest a bigger pot to be available to those in need. Equally, the big companies and the wealthy who have used our infrastructure to get richer should be willing to pay more. We're tired of the greed ruining our island! We're tired of the corruption that keeps us down! As the Mec Vannin logo sug- gests, we need "d'irree seose", to rise up! We need to remember what being a functioning society means: it means being there for one another, working together to achieve great things, and standing as one to fight those who are stealing what is right- fully ours!

Pulrose social housing estate, Douglas 18

Crosh-ockle ‘sy Ghaelg Harrish (3) Yn stayd gyn monney doilleeid (e., 5) (6) Gennaghtyn lhaggit as goaill aash (m., 5) (7) Jeant cour arrish najoor (m., 6) (9) Yn imbagh feayr lesh feaillaghyn (e., 6) (10) My te jeant dy reaghyssagh, te... (m., 9) (11) Eddyr dooinney as ben (e., 6)

Sheese (1) Mie son earrooyn, mie son fishig (e., 8) (2) Cour ve dty hoie ny ee (e., 8) (3) Gyn oardyr (e., 7) (4) Obbyr creoi (e., 11) (5) Tooilley ec y jerrey jeh lioar (e., 11) * See Mec Vannin on Facebook for answers (8) Lurg shiaght, roish nuy (e., 5)

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