Manx Radio

The environment, food and agriculture minister has admitted there were flaws using the agricultural shows as a replacement for this year's Food and Drink Festival.The government-run event, which was cancelled in June, would have been taking place on the 14 and 15 September.A previously agreed exclusivity agreement meant the Southern and Royal Manx shows weren't accessible to all producers or manufacturers.But Clare Barber told Amy Griffiths she's confident there'll be a more suitable alternative next year:

The Chair of the Housing and Communities Board has hit back against claims that government has done 'nothing' to tackle the Island's housing crisis.Former minister Peter Karran told Manx Radio the situation has worsened since 2021's general election.That's despite it being a topic that dominated the campaign trail. The long-serving Onchan MHK, and former leader of the Liberal Vannin Party, also reiterated calls for restrictions on new homes being sold to off-Island residents.But David Ashford has been defending government's progress to Lewis Foster:

An Atlantic grey seal has been photographed feeding on a harbour porpoise for the first time in Manx waters. The set of photos were taken at the Point of Ayre earlier this summer by Gary Weightman, of Vannin Photos, who posted them on Facebook.Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch recognised the tail stock as that of a porpoise and contacted him for further information.Gary told Siobhán Fletcher he was shocked to discover his photos were of such scientific significance.

This year's government conference will be 'more focussed' and hopes to target the business community, according to the Cabinet Office Minister.Around 500 people have signed up for the annual event so far.It's being held at the Comis Hotel this year - moving away from the Villa Marina which has been used in previous years.Kate Lord-Brennan has defended the decision not to host the event in the evenings or over the weekend, saying there are other opportunities to speak to the Island's highest-ranking politicians:

When will the Public Services Commission agree a pay deal with its staff?Talks between unions and the government body have been ongoing for some time, with unions recently rejecting the PSC's latest offer in a ballot.Chair of the Public Services Commission Kate Lord-Brennan has been telling us their stance:

Do you like reading or writing about the sea?A local marine biologist is inviting writers of all levels of experience to attend a series of 10 workshops sponsored by Culture Vannin.Starting next Saturday 14 September, each session will run from 10am-4pm and will feature themes of global ocean conservation.Siobhán Fletcher caught up with Dr Fiona Gell in Ramsey to find out more.