manxchatterbox Posted December 18, 2006 Share Posted December 18, 2006 Aye I'd agree with that Ean, You see, George was about long before they invented that there lateral thinking. And foam for mower seats. but surely the need isn't for thinking about going sideways or backwards but forwards with resolution and determination to succeed??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lonan3 Posted December 19, 2006 Share Posted December 19, 2006 Steve Babb put up an excellent performance and should quite easily take the now vacant seat on Onchan commissioners. 5 years to get his feet under the table, then take on Earnshaw & Quirk in 2011. Last day for nominations for Onchan according to MR. Only one runner so far. And the full line-up is.... Steve Babb Andrew Dossor June Kelly Ian McDowell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponderer Posted December 19, 2006 Share Posted December 19, 2006 The reform of the system from within is the best bet to tackle the apathy and lack of confidence in Manx politics. Sometimes what might seem like small changes and have a big impact if well thought through. Perhaps LegCo is one place to begin. Reform of the House of Lords was a problem not because there was no agreement on the need for change but because people couldn’t agree on the new alternative. Should there be direct elections for LegCo? Think Tank to catalyse change Another idea might be to build wide support for a think tank around some basic principles (greater democratic participation, transparency, political education, innovative reform to revitalise Manx politics – including using IT and other comms mechanisms to promote participation…) which could attract backing from across the political spectrum. It could establish work and research programmes, Commissions, organise seminars and actively court the backing of existing politicians. But would be both independent of government and explicitly NOT be seeking to turn itself into a political party with a distinct political project. MF could help champion and establish it (better than trying to form a political party out of MF - sorry folks!). It could make proposals and express views on particular issues, including the ‘difficult’ issues (Eg reform of the upper chamber and local govt, direct elections for CM, Party systems for islands) – but its limited objectives would be its greatest strength. It might be able to attract funds to do some highly quality research on options/alternatives/ lessons to be learned from other island jurisdictions and even propose experimental pilots. Speakers at seminars could include those in power, those regarded as the ‘establishment’ opposition and some creative more controversial thinkers (from outside the political system, but who have a distinctive view on the subject). It would deliberately seek a broad range of views. Also ensure there is a perspective from the finance sector or business to make sure all the creative thinking is not likely to trash the precarious economy. The Board could consist of a mixture of retired but respected politicians, and key figures from civil society (maybe the media, perhaps the Church, business, unions…) – independent of but respected by the political vested interests. Direct elections Finally, a directly elected Chief Minister (how would the ‘primary’ be organised?) would coalesce support around different political projects which could potentially provide the foundations for future parties and push LV and MLP to put credible candidates up for CM and get them shortlisted… Give the CM a mandate to drive the island forward! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moghrey Mie Posted December 19, 2006 Share Posted December 19, 2006 The reform of the system from within is the best bet to tackle the apathy and lack of confidence in Manx politics. Sometimes what might seem like small changes and have a big impact if well thought through. Perhaps LegCo is one place to begin. Reform of the House of Lords was a problem not because there was no agreement on the need for change but because people couldn’t agree on the new alternative. Should there be direct elections for LegCo? Think Tank to catalyse change Another idea might be to build wide support for a think tank around some basic principles (greater democratic participation, transparency, political education, innovative reform to revitalise Manx politics – including using IT and other comms mechanisms to promote participation…) which could attract backing from across the political spectrum. It could establish work and research programmes, Commissions, organise seminars and actively court the backing of existing politicians. But would be both independent of government and explicitly NOT be seeking to turn itself into a political party with a distinct political project. MF could help champion and establish it (better than trying to form a political party out of MF - sorry folks!). It could make proposals and express views on particular issues, including the ‘difficult’ issues (Eg reform of the upper chamber and local govt, direct elections for CM, Party systems for islands) – but its limited objectives would be its greatest strength. It might be able to attract funds to do some highly quality research on options/alternatives/ lessons to be learned from other island jurisdictions and even propose experimental pilots. Speakers at seminars could include those in power, those regarded as the ‘establishment’ opposition and some creative more controversial thinkers (from outside the political system, but who have a distinctive view on the subject). It would deliberately seek a broad range of views. Also ensure there is a perspective from the finance sector or business to make sure all the creative thinking is not likely to trash the precarious economy. The Board could consist of a mixture of retired but respected politicians, and key figures from civil society (maybe the media, perhaps the Church, business, unions…) – independent of but respected by the political vested interests. Direct elections Finally, a directly elected Chief Minister (how would the ‘primary’ be organised?) would coalesce support around different political projects which could potentially provide the foundations for future parties and push LV and MLP to put credible candidates up for CM and get them shortlisted… Give the CM a mandate to drive the island forward! Isn't this beginning to sound like the Positive Action Group? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponderer Posted December 19, 2006 Share Posted December 19, 2006 Moghrey Mie But at times the positive action group wasn't really sure if it wanted to become a political party or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ushtey Posted December 20, 2006 Share Posted December 20, 2006 Steve Babb put up an excellent performance and should quite easily take the now vacant seat on Onchan commissioners. 5 years to get his feet under the table, then take on Earnshaw & Quirk in 2011. Last day for nominations for Onchan according to MR. Only one runner so far. I guess they missed my e-mail then. The newspapers picked it up though. Assuming there are no upheld objections tomorrow, the four candidates will go to the polls on Jan 18. Good luck to my three opponents. Ironically, all the talk last minute was of Buster Lewin standing, it seems Onchan just can't have an election at the moment without debate about whether a controversial figure will stand or not. Thanks to Skig for the vote of confidence though, I think he's doing an unintentional disservice to my opponents though. I am sure they are all well backed in the village. It should be close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponderer Posted December 21, 2006 Share Posted December 21, 2006 Moghrey Mie But at times the positive action group wasn't really sure if it wanted to become a political party or not. True. The very fact that the PAG envisaged becoming a mechanism to 'bid for power' disqualifies from the more enabling 'think tank' role. It could never foster the kind of broad based dialogue needed if it might suddenly use the communications structures it has established for partizan purposes - like to become an opposition. There needs to be other ways of developing political parties. But I guess you have a point in making the comparison. What's actually happening with the positive action group post-election? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ushtey Posted December 22, 2006 Share Posted December 22, 2006 But I guess you have a point in making the comparison. What's actually happening with the positive action group post-election? I understand their next meeting is the 15th January. They were also involved in the recent showing of "An inconvenient Truth" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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