This month’s Tynwald was perhaps the most emotionally charged sitting for a generation. From Rob Callister’s sacking, drag queens, housing, Road Tax, and a culture of fear in the civil service through to sharing the load in relation to public toilets, it’s fair to say we had the full range of Manx political discourse. What did the Chief Minister make of it all? Was Kerry Sharpe right to raise concerns? Was Mr Speaker content with Chris Thomas’s answers? Should local matters be left to the local authorities? Has Government shot itself in the foot over recent messaging - or lack of it?

How transparent is Manx politics? Manx Tax Payers Alliance spokesman Michael Josem called out unsuccessful LegCo candidate Gary Clueit for not being open about a £250 donation he made to one MHK’s election campaign. In response, Gary Clueit has questioned who are the mystery backers of the Tax Payers Alliance. Does money influence the way we think and vote? Is the Isle of Man too small to be troubled by such things or is big money influencing public debate. Are dark forces really plotting to buy your vote?

Perspective this week is the LegCo hustings part two. Manx Radio recorded the meeting organised by the Liberal Vannin party a few weeks ago and with the LegCo election just days away we hear for the final time the thoughts and views of the MLC hopefuls. There are some cracking questions and one or two surprising answers so well worth a listen.  By this time next week hopefully all four available places will be filled in Legislative Council and we can settle back to discussing other weighty political matters. Anything much been happening?

On Perspective this week we hear from the candidates for the forthcoming legislative council election. The LegCo hustings was organised by the Liberal Vannin party and held at the Legion Hall in Douglas. In this first of two parts we find out who the candidates are and how they respond to questions from the public who attended this open event. Some probing questions and fascinating answers from the candidates. The successful four will be making big decisions about your future so worth finding out what they stand for.

Another brace of LegCo candidates on Perspective with Brian Brumby former president of the Manx National Farmers Union up first followed by semi-retired engineer Gary Clueit. Both candidates speak with passion but are they capable of providing the scrutiny, support and leadership the Island needs to solve the problems we’re facing? While you don’t get to choose your LegCo members you can share your opinions with your MHKs and if nothing else it’s good to know who might be making decisions on your behalf.

A Legislative Council special on Perspective this week with Dawn Kinnish presenting her case to become one of our representatives in LegCo and  …  in a program of two halves we also have young pretender Conor Keenan who’s trying for a second time to win a LegCo place. Two more candidates adding to the four we’ve already heard from in recent weeks and the only thing they agree on is that nobody knows what the House of Keys want from the second chamber. Confused - me too!

Perspective’s menu this week is looking particularly tasty with bread, fish and chips, curries, steaks, some beer and ice cream for pudding. Food and hospitality businesses having been struggling with one crisis after another to deal with over several years. So how are they coping, what support are they getting from government and what are they hoping for in this month’s budget? Are Manx food businesses quick enough to adapt to changing markets? You’ll be well fed with answers on Perspective this week! 

As interest in the Legislative Council election begins to hot up, we hear from another wannabe member of LegCo Tanya August Hanson MLC. Ms August Hanson was elected to LegCo 5 years ago so what has she been doing and why does she think her work warrants another five year term? What do you expect from people in our parliament’s second chamber? Should they be seen and not heard, or do you expect your national politicians to be both visible and outspoken? Is being busy the same as being effective? Or are you more interested in what’s for tea? 

At the last election the Island’s Housing Crisis was a topic on every politician’s lips, so what’s happen to address this over the past 18 months? Government’s Island Plan outlines a vision of everyone having a ‘suitable and affordable place to call home’ but is that vision even close to being delivered? Housing Minister Chris Thomas will attempt to defend his corner under questioning for MHK David Ashford, Councillor Devon Watson and Commissioner Hayley Fox. Government has certainly talked the talk but is their action sufficient to address the Island’s Housing Crisis?

As the consultation ends on Dr Alex Allinson’s bid to introduce a law to enable terminally ill adults to end their own life, Perspective this week debates the pros and cons of introducing legislation in this very difficult area. Should you have the right to decide how and when your life ends? With such rights come immense responsibilities too - are we ready to accept and indeed cope with the pressures and unforeseen consequences associated with rights to assisted dying. Not often I can say this but Perspective really is a matter of life and death this week!