There was an interesting flare up in Tynwald over the appointment of two new directors  to the government owned Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Some members were incensed by a particular line of questioning from Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas and he was asked to withdraw what were described as disparaging remarks. Is it possible to question candidates’ suitability for certain roles in such a public forum, and if it isn’t then perhaps Tynwald’s role in the process is merely to rubber stamp decisions taken behind closed doors. Agenda considers whether legitimate debate was being stifled or were Chris Thomas’ comments beyond the pale.

The assisted dying Bill is due to be read a third time tomorrow in an extra Keys sitting and Agenda asks what’s the rush. We also ponder whether Tynwald and government are capable of delivering a bus station in Douglas, why developers need support to build luxury flats in Port Erin and why Tynwald rejected the opportunity to save money by allowing private member’s Bills to appear on the government consultation website. If you are struggling to understand government’s spending priorities then this week’s Agenda may well be able to help - mind you it might not and all.

Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood wants to progressively prevent new generations from being able to purchase tobacco products. Her private member’s Bill would in effect see the age at which you can buy tobacco products increase by a year each year until eventually nobody could buy them. With an estimated 25% of the health budget spent treating smoking relate illness this seems like an obvious thing to do. Will the health budget savings outweigh the lost tobacco tax income? Surely helping us lead longer healthier live must be a good thing?

Lawrie Hooper’s homework was marked by June Tynwald and he passed with flying colours. The waiting list initiative supported by Tynwald last year appears to have had a significant impact in reducing numbers of people waiting for treatment. Minister Hooper tells us about that initiative and new adoption law changes before moving on to the Carer’s Strategy. Julie Edge gave an impassioned speech in support of carers which we’ll hear too in this week’s Agenda. Good news about waiting lists but does government care about carers?

The 41st Summit of the British-Irish Council took place here just over a week ago with senior politicians focussing on unlocking the economic and social opportunities of renewables across these islands. The Irish Taoiseach was here as was the Scottish Government First Minister but do these summits actually deliver anything meaningful? And has any progress been made to give the Isle of Man a share of the spoils extracted from windfarm licences that would be ours if we were independent?

If we had a house for every report, review, investigation, and new policy and recommendation then we probably wouldn’t have a housing crisis. So why does Rob Callister want to set up another committee investigation on housing? Should public sector housing be more accessible for people on low incomes and if so how do we pay for the new houses required to satisfy demand? Surely it’s time for more obvious action rather than endless words, excuses and “jam tomorrow”?

The Manx Development Corporation has its supporters and critics but what is it for and how was it formed? It aims to be a catalyst for the positive transformation of the Island’s urban landscape for the benefit of all Manx Citizens and has a vision to create an urban landscape which will be perceived as vibrant, safe, of high design quality and environmentally efficient. So how is that working? Well, Dane Harrop, Managing Director of the Manx Development Corporation is keen to tell us on Agenda. A bold initiative to provide us with beautiful and inspiring places to live or more tax payers millions down the drain? 

Long serving political figure Eddie Lowey passed away recently and on Agenda long term friend and occasional political ally Peter Karran pays tribute to a towering Manx statesman. Mr Lowey was first elected to the House of Keys in the old Rushen constituency. He went on to serve in many position in both government and Tynwald stepping down from Legislative Council about ten years ago. But it was his dedication to the Manx people through the Labour Party which defines him as one of the most influential politicians in living memory. 

The Island’s first set of Biodiversity Action Plans mark a significant step in the Island’s commitment to nature conservation. Agenda asks the experts what are they and why do they matter? There certainly seems to be a greater focus on protecting the Island’s biodiversity but will these plans make a difference? Is there any budget to help deliver the plans? We live in a beautiful part of the world with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Are you pleased that government is looking after the birds and the bees? Are they doing enough or is it just bluff and bluster with no real substance?

More from the new political alliance on this week’s Agenda. Julie Edge MHK gives her warts and all assessment of government and what needs to change. So what did she do as Minister to solve these problems? Is this just sour grapes on the recently replaced education Minister? Ms Edge certainly has some interesting thoughts and ideas for the future which she shares with you on Agenda. Will the Chief Minister live to regret losing so many Ministers? Do you find it refreshing to hear the unbridled views of ex-Ministers or do you just wish they’d all shut up and focus on delivering the change promised at the last election?