Cutting the range of services provided by the Manx government will be difficult - but is vital to meet reduced public spending budgets.
So says the chairman of the scope of government report team Robert Quayle.
His team reformed this year to review recommendations it made in 2006.
It concluded the need for government to withdraw from many services it currently provides directly to the public is more pressing than ever, in the light of cuts in the Island's share of VAT revenue.
Chief Minister Allan Bell has promised a wide debate in the public arena and in Tynwald before a final decision's made.
Speaking on Sunday Opinion, Mr Quayle said the challenge is to make necessary but unpopular change:
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