Roadshow turnout shows public has 'lots of concern'

Criticism over absence of Treasury and format of event

A turnout of around 100 people shows there is a lot of concern among the public, and residents want to make sure ministers are aware of those concerns.

That's from the chief minister following the first of a series of roadshows last night (22 April) designed to give locals the chance to put questions to the Council of Ministers.

The 'Listening to You' roadshows are taking place around the Island this week, and have been billed as an opportunity for the public to have one-on-one chats with ministers.

Issues raised throughout the evening saw causation of children's ill-mental health, exceeding budgets on government projects, rates inequality, housing and first time buyers and worries responses to public consultations weren't being listened to.

But the event at Castle Rushen High School has come in for some criticism.

It was described by one attendee as 'glorified parents evening' and another as 'speed dating' as most ministers were mingling in amongst those who had showed up.

Meanwhile, some attendees were unhappy over a lack of representation from Treasury.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson previously told Manx Radio he would be unable to attend last night's event, but that government would try to ensure there were representatives from each department at every event.

Despite this, there were no officers or political members from Treasury.

Political member for Treasury, Rushen MHK Dr Michelle Haywood told Manx Radio "I wish to make it absolutely clear as a political member of Treasury that I was never asked about attending in lieu of the Minister. Backbenchers knew little about the format, have not been involved in the set up of the Roadshow meetings and the organisation has been done by the Cabinet Office. This was a CoMin event."

Manx Radio has invited government to comment on the absence of Treasury, and asked whether there are plans in place to ensure all departments are represented at the remaining three roadshows.

Meanwhile, Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse has hit out at the format of the event, describing it as "amateurish" and "chaotic".

In a post on social media, he said the event "highlighted the disconnect between local people and Ministers", while his constituency colleague Tim Glover wrote "speed dating format - was eventually dropped as more people were going to talk to no one as opposed to those that did due to size of turnout. Unfortunately quite a few people had worked this out and left before the evening changed to a Q&A session."

Alfred Cannan was asked what he thought the turnout meant: