Tynwald’s Back! And It’s Just as Exciting as You’d Expect…

After 96 long days, Tynwald has finally returned this morning, and wow… the excitement is palpable.

The October session has kicked off a brand new parliamentary year, with over 50 items on the agenda and more than 30 EXTREMELY IMPORTANT questions ready to stretch out any attention span.

President Laurence Skelly has already pleaded for people to keep their questions concise. Wise words.

Who else has missed the dulcet tones of Chris Thomas? Or the audio quality on the Tynwald website that makes you wonder if your laptop/phone is possessed?

In a stroke of luck, we’ve switched over to Manx Radio AM, and in credit to them, I can actually hear Dr Allinson now. Miracles do happen.

The sitting has also featured the first of, no doubt, many apologies.

Claire Christian apologised to Tynwald after Manx Care failed to tell anyone, public or Department of Health, that the Ramsey Minor Injury and Illness Unit would extend its weekend closure.

The Health Minister confirmed the decision: weekend closures will continue for another six months from May 14, 2025.

Plenty of groans, plenty of here here’s and plenty of coughing. Seriously, which member is unwell?

Plenty more to come this afternoon, so stay tuned and keep an eye on Gef for any big news…