Does current system of government give CoMin too much power?

An MHK says government has an 'automatic veto' while a political commentator fears the system 'lacks democracy'

Concerns have been raised over whether the current system of government is compatible with democracy.

A backbench MHK says government holding such a majority it has 'an automatic veto' is not the way to run a 'proper democratic parliament'.

Ramsey member Lawrie Hooper's comments come after his healthcare motion was amended by government at this month's sitting of Tynwald.

He had sought to have the Island's parliament recognise Manx Care's mandate as inadequate, but Tynwald instead backed alternative wording from the health minister which described the document as open and transparent.

In his opening speech, Mr Hooper acknowledged he was unlikely to succeed with the motion due to the ministerial collective vote and some backbenchers being absent from the sitting.

With 10 government ministers as well as political members in each department, Mr Hooper believes the current system doesn't work:

Before taking up her position as health minister, Claire Christian brought a number of motions as a backbencher.

Despite not always gaining support for her ideas, she believes the government majority is necessary:

Ms Christian's version of the motion was supported 13 votes for and six against in the House of Keys, with seven in favour and one against in the Legislative Council.

But Mr Hooper isn't alone in questioning the current model, as a political commentator and former government press officer is also calling for reform to the current system of government.

Alistair Ramsay says the way the Council of Ministers is appointed means it lacks a mandate from the public.

CoMin currently doesn't publish its policies until after ministers have taken up their positions following a general election.

Mr Ramsay believes this means the current model lacks democratic legitimacy:

So, could change be on the way?

The Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee - of which Mr Hooper is a member - is currently reviewing the ministerial system of government.

It's looking at whether the system has worked since it was introduced in 1986, and if it can be improved.

Earlier in the year it took evidence from the first chief minister under the current system, Sir Miles Walker, and in June will hear from two more former chief ministers; Tony Brown and Howard Quayle.