Manx Newscast
News interviews in FULL! Highlighting some of the most interesting, intriguing and engaging recent Isle of Man stories from Manx Radio News.
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Episodes
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Update Friday 3 October 2025
Friday, 3 October 2025
The boss of Manx Care has ruled out resigning following political calls for the board to step down.A record number of cruise passengers visited the Island this season.Isle of Man pro boxer Sam Rennie is set to return to the ring tomorrow, hoping to extend his perfect record thus far.
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Douglas City Council leader discusses government conference housing pledges
Friday, 3 October 2025
The leader of Douglas City Council has welcomed government plans to reform rates exemptions on dilapidated and ruinous properties.At the 2025 Isle of Man Government Conference, Treasury reaffirmed its commitment to bringing forward new legislation that would require landlords of such properties to pay rates in full, as incentive to bring them back onto the market.Manx Radio's Christian Jones sat down with Leader of Douglas City Council Devon Watson to discuss his reaction to the proposals set out.
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Manx Care CEO Teresa Cope responds to criticism over 2024-25 Annual Report
Friday, 3 October 2025
In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Manx Care CEO Teresa Cope speaks to Lewis Foster about the reaction to the health body's latest annual report.
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'A couple of minutes that can save your life': Breast cancer charity warning after publication of new figures
Thursday, 2 October 2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and breast cancer charities are warning that an increasing number of women aren't regularly checking themselves for signs of cancer.New research suggests that 45-percent of women don't examine themselves for signs and symptoms of the disease. That's up 4-percent from 2022.Meanwhile, a study out of Sweden found that women who miss their first breast cancer screening appointment have a 40-percent higher risk of dying from the disease in their lifetime.So, what's the message to women here on the Island? Siobhán Fletcher spoke to Chair of the Manx Breas...
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New political party 'Isle of Man First' publishes manifesto
Thursday, 2 October 2025
A newly launched political party, Isle of Man First, has set out a wide-ranging manifesto ahead of the next general election.The party, which describes itself as focused on "putting Manx residents first", has pledged reforms across health, education, housing, tax, and government efficiency.Among its key proposals are raising the personal income tax allowance to £20,000 within its first 100 days, with an ambition of increasing that figure to £50,000.Party Founder Mitch Sorbie sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
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'Upgrade' needed to resolve Liverpool Ferry Terminal berthing problem
Thursday, 2 October 2025
The Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool is to be upgraded in the coming weeks to rectify a problem identified during berthing trials last year.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood.
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The Wage Debate: Liberal Vannin puts pressure on government to align minimum and living wages
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
As government plans to increase the Island's minimum wage, one political party argues it's not going far enough.Liberal Vannin Chair, Paul Weatherall, told Amy Griffiths it should be in line with the living wage:
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The Wage Debate: Chamber of Commerce calls for action
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce says a sharp rise in the minimum wage could put small firms under "unbearable" strain.A 9.9 percent increase is set to be presented to Tynwald despite inflation being at just 3.3 percent.A Chamber survey found nearly half of businesses fear a significant impact.Chief Executive Rebecca George told Manx Radio's Christian Jones this could mean higher prices, fewer jobs, and stalled growth.
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Treasury has no plans to increase retirement age on the Isle of Man
Monday, 29 September 2025
Alex Allinson has confirmed there are no plans to increase the retirement age on the Isle of Man. It's after an economist suggested the age be raised to 72 or 73. Dr Allinson spoke to Sian Cowper.
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Should there be a referendum on net zero?
Friday, 26 September 2025
Middle MHK Stu Peters will bring a motion to Tynwald later this year, calling for the public to have their say about the future of the Isle of Man Government's net zero policies.He's been talking to Beth Espey to explain more.
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Event to highlight benefits and opportunities of employing ex-military
Friday, 26 September 2025
Local businesses are being invited to attend a special event at the Comis Hotel next week.On Monday (29 September) an 'Ex-Military Talent in the Workplace Business Leader Forum' will be held from 8:30am to 11am.Defence Relationship Manager Jan Cox told Siobhán Fletcher more.
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Is the Isle of Man a 'hotbed for organised crime'?
Thursday, 25 September 2025
After a UK national newspaper labelled the Isle of Man a 'hotbed for organised crime', Lewis Foster speaks to Detective Inspector Jamie Tomlinson from the Isle of Man Constabulary's Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
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The Oxford English Dictionary gets a little more Manx!
Thursday, 25 September 2025
The Oxford English Dictionary has included Manx words as part of its September update.The three selected are examples of 'loan words' - meaning they are Manx Gaelic words we'd use whilst speaking so-called 'Manx English'.They are: Chiollagh - which means a tall, wide fireplace with an open hearth, of the type found in traditional Manx buildings.Thie veg- which is a toilet or lavatory, especially one which is external to a main building. And cooish - which means a friendly conversation or chat.It's not the first time words originating from the Isle of Man have featured, as Lewis Foster fou...
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MHK calls for school uniform policy re-think
Thursday, 25 September 2025
A Douglas East MHK is calling on the Department of Education, Sport and Culture to re-think its school uniform policy.It's after Joney Faragher submitted a Tynwald written question on the topic.The response states that following a review of the results of public consultation on the topic - which was run in January 2023 - 'no change to the existing School Uniform Policy Guidance was considered necessary'.Ms Faragher told Siobhán Fletcher that 'could come across as dismissive' to those parents who are struggling.
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Youth Committee member highlights priorities for young voters ahead of 2026 election
Thursday, 25 September 2025
Ahead of the Isle of Man’s next general election in a year’s time, a member of the Tynwald Youth Select Committee says housing and youth retention will be key issues for younger voters.Alexandra Cowley sat down with Christian Jones.
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Veteran commentator assesses Isle of Man’s political landscape as general election looms
Thursday, 25 September 2025
With just one year until voters go to the polls in the Isle of Man’s 2026 General Election, political commentator Alistair Ramsay has suggested the biggest question will be whether the election produces a genuine anti-government reaction.Mr Ramsay sat down with Christian Jones to explain.
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Former Chief Minister reflects on year ahead of 2026 General Election
Thursday, 25 September 2025
With one year to go until the Isle of Man's 2026 General Election, what is likely going through the mind of a sitting MHK, and what can the incumbent chief minister expect over the final months of his administration?Former Chief Minister Howard Quayle discusses with Christian Jones.
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Sentencing for historic versus current sexual offences causes confusion
Tuesday, 23 September 2025
The justice and home affairs minister says the new Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 2021 is to be reviewed - as planned - imminently.The legislation has been in operation for around 18 months, after it was 'switched on' in March last year.But the conversation around sentences for those convicted of child sexual offences has been a loud one in recent weeks, with calls from some for a national inquiry into the topic.Siobhán Fletcher sat down with Jane Poole-Wilson, to find out more about how it all works.
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Learning from 'The Big Swim'
Tuesday, 23 September 2025
In this episode we hear from Martin Malone who attempted 'The Big Swim' earlier this month, as part of the ambitious Expedition Limitless 2026 fundraising campaign.The aim was to swim continuously for 24 hours, and as we'll hear, while it didn't quite go to plan, Martin says there's a lot to be gained from such experiences.You can find a link to Martin's fundraising page here.
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25 years of sending Manx students to the United Space School
Monday, 22 September 2025
Three sixth-form students are back home after attending this year’s United Space School in Houston, Texas.All pupils at Ballakermeen High School, they were selected to attend the school on a River Advisers scholarship, which this year celebrated its 25th anniversary.Siobhán Fletcher went to meet this year's cohort - Hollie Patterson-Hannay, Patrick Williams and Guy McGuinness, as well as Chris Stott and Dr Jennifer Stone from the company, to find out more.
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Government treatment of whistleblowers is 'appalling'
Monday, 22 September 2025
An MHK says the way whistleblowers are treated by government is 'appalling', and they should be welcomed rather than ostracised.Arbory, Castletown and Malew member Tim Glover compiled a dossier in 2023 looking at the findings of a whistleblowing committee, how the topic had been discussed in Tynwald since, and hearing from those going through the whistleblowing process.The report includes quotes from whistleblowers who describe the system as 'cruel' and 'frightening'.Mr Glover has recently updated the document, and says a change is still needed.In response, the Isle of Man Government says ‘...
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Chief Constable rebuffs 'woke' claims
Thursday, 18 September 2025
The chief constable has rebuked suggestions that making armed police officers more visible on the Isle of Man indicates a shift to so-called 'woke' policing.The comments from Russ Foster come in response to opinions shared by a former MHK on Manx Radio's Perspective programme on Sunday (14 September).Chris Robertshaw said that Mr Foster had brought 'the UK mindset to the Isle of Man'.Siobhán Fletcher has this special Newscast.
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Pulrose United FC seeks community support for new changing rooms
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
A local football club is appealing for help from the community to build new changing rooms. Pulrose United FC has been in 'negotiations' with Douglas Council for a new facility after its former building was condemned and demolished and a temporary site put in its place. The changing rooms are currently owned by the local authority, but it's hoping to take on the lease under 'South Douglas Playing Fields Association' in partnership with another club to help resolve the issue.Paul Henry, life member of Pulrose United, says the project went out to tender but these came back 'astronomically' hi...
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Who polices the politicians? Lawrie Hooper on political accountability
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
A Ramsey Commissioner has come under fire over comments she made on social media.In reply to a Facebook post about US political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead last week, Elizabeth Shimmin wrote he should "burn in hell".Her remarks drew criticism from MHK Stu Peters, who described them as "ignorant, crass and unnecessary".Ramsey Town Commissioners have said they’re aware of the matter and are making enquiries.The matter has been brought to the attention of Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.He says politicians have to remember that even on their personal accounts, they’re representing the...
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Are government's departments overspending or underfunded?
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
Are government's departments overspending or underfunded?That's the question being raised by Speaker of the House of Keys and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Juan Watterson.It's after Treasury revealed four government departments are already projecting overspends in the first quarter of this financial year.Mr Watterson's been speaking to Amy Griffiths:
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Four government departments face overspends in first quarter
Monday, 15 September 2025
Treasury Minister Alex Allinson discusses the government’s quarterly accounts, showing budget pressures across several departments.
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Sneak peek around the new cancer support centre
Friday, 12 September 2025
With a brand new, multi-million pound facility to support people with cancer and their loved ones just weeks away from completion, we've been invited for a look around the centre.We speak to the people from the charities that have made it possible:
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"You only get one chance to protect our history, because once it's gone it really is gone"
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
As thirteen Manx landmarks are given protected status, we hear from the DEFA Minister.Clare Barber tells Amy Griffiths how they choose which ones go on the list and how important it is to get the decisions right:
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New business aims to break down barriers for people with visual impairments
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
A brand-new Island business is hoping to break down barriers by transforming printed materials into formats that work for people with a visual impairment.Dot & Type offers professional braille transcription of any printed material including menus, bills, letters, and documents, and also has a line of customisable greeting cards.Founder Tasha Molyneux-Smith told Siobhán Fletcher more.
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Scran head to the Royal Albert Hall!
Friday, 5 September 2025
A group of talented young musicians from the Island are set to perform at the Royal Albert Hall later this year.Scran, whose members are between the ages of 13 and 17, is described as a 'Manx supergroup' and is heading to the Music for Youth Proms in November. The event will feature more than 1,200 young musicians from across the UK and further afield.But to get there - sponsors are being sought.In this edition of Newscast, Christy DeHaven speaks to Scran members Alyth Braithwaite and Daniel Cross and Dr Chloe Woolley, Culture Vannin's Manx Music Development Officer.