A 40-year-old woman from Douglas has been jailed for two and a half years after police found 13 ecstasy tablets hidden in her bra.

Dawn Diane Neeson, of Clifton Terrace, pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing the class ‘A’ drug with intent to supply.

Neeson told police that she had thought the drugs were legal highs and that she only supplied friends, not making any profit from them.

She was arrested on August 21 at the Railway pub and a search at police headquarters found the 13 tablets in her bra.

The tablets were tested and confirmed as being MDMA, ecstasy tablets known as ‘London Undergrounds’.

In a basis of plea, accepted by the court, Neeson said that, although she thought they were legal highs, knowing the person she had bought them from, she should have suspected that the drugs were illegal.

Island experts played a major role in an international conference for companies involved in the lottery messenger business.

And the vibes coming from the event was that the future is bright.

But it was felt that operators need to be the architects of their own success given the likelihood of increased regulation and interest in the industry.

That was one of the messages delegates received at the third Global Lottery Messenger Forum (GLMF) organised by island payments company, Counting House, which took place recently in Sofia, Bulgaria.

There were 140 people from 22 countries at GLMF2016 which brought together the key personnel in the lottery messenger industry.

Lottery messenger services is one of the newest and fastest growth areas in online business.

Customers are given the chance to participate in lotteries around the world.

This is done by either buying tickets in those lotteries on their behalf or by taking bets on the winning numbers, which are then insured to provide the same amount of pay-out if those numbers win.

Jackpots can be huge, running to hundreds of millions of euros, pounds or dollars.

Speaking at the event, organiser Stuart Ballan, head of sales, Middle East, of the regulated payment processor Counting House, said that the industry was going from strength to strength.

In particular there had been a marked increase in the number of so-called white labels and in sales volumes.

A white label product or service is a product or service produced by one company (the producer) that other companies (the marketers) rebrand to make it appear as if they had made it.

Mr Ballan said: ‘Changes in lottery rules have led to a jump in jackpot sizes and a massive increase in the numbers of customers.

‘As we saw earlier in the year when the Powerball Lottery rolled over from $950 to $1.5bn in just four days, there was a tsunami of customers wanting to play, so much so that it caused operational problems for some brands, while giving huge potential for retention and repeat play.’

Mr Ballan said that the industry had seen consistent steady growth that was compatible with long term sustainable business but there were challenges on the horizon, consistent with every maturing industry, including new regulation and the possibility of lotteries changing their rules. At present, while insurance-model operators are required to hold a gambling licence, this is not the case for ticket-purchase operators.

However delegates were told that further regulation of the industry was inevitable and it was important that any new legislation was informed and proportionate.

Speaker Steve Brennan, chief executive of the Isle of Man Gambling Commission which regulates eGaming in the Isle of Man for both insurance and ticket-purchase models, suggested that operators should be ‘pro-active’ and consider forming a trade association to demonstrate the industry’s ability to self-regulate through an agreed code of practice.

This would show that operators had given consideration to regulatory issues and could manage the industry for the greater good of that industry, as well as informing any future legislation, he added.

Paul Davis, managing director of Counting House, said that historically lotteries had sought to differentiate themselves from gambling but that the lottery messenger industry had put the spotlight on them.

He said: ‘Increasingly around the world, gambling commissions have started to merge with lottery regulatory authorities, nowhere more notably than in the UK.

‘The future is already happening.’ Elsewhere at GLMF2016 there were 12 presentations and two panels, driven by 20 speakers and panellists, with presentations on the lottery ticket purchase model, risk management, the use of call centres, B2B sales, marketing strategies and partnerships.

Many speakers reflected on the huge potential for operators to diversify or offer additional gaming products given their expertise in distance sales and extensive database management, instantly returning the discussion to gaming regulation.

Delegates were later able to participate in their own version of the US Powerball lottery with two lucky attendees winning Bose noise reduction headphones.

After the event Stuart Ballan said it had been another successful year for the GLMF.

He said: ‘The willingness for people to engage and the openness with which they spoke about their successes and challenges bodes well for the future of the lottery messenger industry.

‘There is always a lot to learn in new markets and having a space to share information and network with peers is really valuable.

‘We were delighted that attendance was up 40 per cent on last year and expect to see the number rise again next year.’

GLMF2017 will take place in Cyprus next year.

Christian Aid week takes place from May 15 to 21.

It’s the week when the Christians of the island are said to come together to live out their faith and love every neighbour.

This year there will be house to house collections, special services, quiz nights, concerts coffee mornings and more events.

All of the money raised during this week will go towards the Honey Hubs for Kenya project.

It will help people there to work their own way out of poverty by providing equipment, training and assistance with bee keeping in Kenya, specifically Taita Taveta County.

Funds will also go towards setting up a commercially viable Honey Hub (or co-operative) to enable the bee keepers to sell a quality marketable product, making the most of the honey and the wax produced.

This year’s project is supported by the Isle of Man Bee Keepers Federation.

The project for Isle of Man Christian Aid Week last year was Mali Cookstoves.

The Island managed to raise £34,000, which was subsequently matched by the International Development Committee.

Christian Aid says this money is making a real difference to people’s lives now in Mali.

A Christian Aid spokesman said: ‘Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of dignity, freedom and hope.’

Young people are turning politician to find out more about how Manx democracy works.

Pupils from the five state secondary schools in the island take part in a Junior Tynwald every July.

The annual sitting replicates the monthly sittings of the island’s parliament, with sixth formers convening in the Tynwald Chamber to table questions and debating motions.

Fifty students gathered at the Barrool Suite in government offices this week to take part in a preparatory convention at which they debated issues relating to education, health, social care, economic affairs, the electoral system and other matters affecting them.

The event had input from President of Tynwald Clare Christian MLC and Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan.

Their discussions led to them shortlisting the topics they wish to table for Junior Tynwald on July 18.

Education Minister Tim Crookall MLC said: ‘The island led the way in giving the vote to 16-year-olds and students taking part today will have their say at the ballot boxes in tomorrow’s local authority elections and September’s House of Keys general election.

‘It’s important for the prosperity of the island that young people take an interest in politics and understand how decisions affecting their future are made.

‘It’s hoped that taking part in Junior Tynwald will even lead to them considering standing for public office and playing a role in governing the island in later life.’

Joel Smith, school improvement adviser with the Department of Education and Children, said today’s convention was a first.

‘It has enabled students to come together to discuss the issues they see affecting their futures and has led to some lively debate,’ he said.

‘Events like this can only bridge any gap between decision-makers and young people who may sometimes feel disconnected from politics.’

Students can apply to be added to the electoral register by requesting a registration form from the Electoral Registration Unit at Government Offices – ring 685754, email voters@gov.im or visit www.gov.im/categories/home-and-neighbourhood/elections-and-voting/

To be included in the next update of the electoral register, the form must be returned by June 17.

An 18-year-old has been elected as a commissioner in Laxey and is believed to be the island’s youngest-ever elected politician.

This week’s Isle of Man Examiner has the full story.

Several questions must be answered before plans for a new landing berth in Liverpool for the island’s ferries can go ahead, says TravelWatch.

The passenger watchdog held a public meeting last Thursday when numerous issues were raised.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK has visited Liverpool to meet the city’s Mayor Joe Anderson to discuss plans to relocate the Steam Packet berth from its historic Pier Head location to make way for a cruise liner terminal. A new site to the north at Waterloo Dock has been earmarked for Manx ferries.

The proposed new landing stage will be almost half a mile away from the current one.

The cost of the move has been estimated at £15m, but Mr Gawne has described that figure as ‘ridiculously optimistic’.

A TravelWatch spokesman said: ‘When will the public have the opportunity to compare the merits and disadvantages of the Waterloo Dock scheme?

‘At what level of costs will the public say “think again”. Could the Steam Packet remain at a refurbished or replacement landing stage at the Pier Head, where costs could be shared, to the mutual benefit of Liverpool and Isle of Man interests?

‘Or why not abandon Liverpool and concentrate on Heysham, with its shorter sea-crossing and new fast road link to the M6?

‘Anyone buying a new car would normally compare different models, specifications and prices, check availability, decide which would offer good value, and only then negotiate a good deal. When spending tens of millions of public money on vital ferry facilities for decades to come, it’s even more important to get it right. Unlike a car, you can’t trade-in a ferry terminal if you find out later that you don’t like it.

‘Without wishing to prejudice confidential discussions we believe that full information should be made public as early as possible, and before any decisions are made, so that taxpayers and ferry users are aware of what changes are being planned for the long-term future of the Liverpool ferry service.

‘The Chief Minister is on record as saying there will be no back-room deals, and so the Waterloo Dock proposals need to be subject to informed public scrutiny, in order that Tynwald can make informed decisions.’

TravelWatch says that among just some of the questions which must be answered are: Can vessels manoeuvre into the berth, with the strong tidal currents? Will the berth be flexible to accommodate future vessels? Will there be need for dredging and at what cost? The proposed new terminal would be almost half a mile further north away from the city centre, will dedicated bus bays be incorporated into the terminal building? What is the business case for providing a ‘landmark’ terminal building?

Children’s hospice Rebecca House has organised a packed schedule of family entertainment at Milntown for Isle of Man Cyclefest.

The festival, taking place over the weekend of May 14-15, will feature some of the best local musicians playing music inspired by Manx heritage and culture as well as some leading artisan food producers.

There will be a special dedicated children’s area in front of the main Milntown House, which will be separate to the main food stalls and entertainment stage.

Little animals lovers will enjoy the chance to get close to some of the petting zoo animals from Dolittles including their giant rabbit and birds of prey from the Wildlife Park will also be on site.

Children can paint pottery with the Craftworks Studio from Ballasalla or they can compete in outdoor Giant Jenga and Giant Connect 4 games while there will also be a traditional teddy quiz and treasure hunt. Fans of traditional entertainment will enjoy a traditional ferris wheel and carousel.

The weekend proceedings will be overseen by Rebecca House mascots Oskar and Craig with help from Cookie the Clown, who will be entertaining tots with his inimitable show while ‘Happy Faces’ will be offering children’s face painting throughout the weekend.

Event manager for Hospice, Sharon Connor, said: ‘We are very grateful to Isle of Man Cyclefest to have chosen Rebecca House as their chosen charity. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend of family entertainment.’

Day, weekend and family tickets are available on-line with discounts of up to 40 per cent by booking in advance. For more information and online ticket sales go to iomcyclefest.com

Advance ticket sales close at midnight this Sunday (May 8) and after that date access to the festival is by purchasing full priced tickets on the gate on the day.

Manx singer and actress Sam Barks will sing the British national anthem at the Women’s FA Cup Final in May.

She will sing God Save The Queen live ahead of kick-off at 2pm at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 14.

The match, which will be screened live on BBC1, will see Arsenal and Chelsea play each other for the coveted FA title.

Sam recently appeared in Bear Gyrlls: Mission Survive in which she endured gruelling survival challenges in the South African wilds. She was joined by six other celebrities and came in second place just behind Arsenal captain Alex Scott, who will play in the final.

The Lonan-raised star will return to the Isle of Man as part of her tour on June 11 at the Gaiety Theatre.

Four Manx Telecom staff received awards for their work, with each winner reflecting one of the company’s core values, each represented by one adjective – enterprising, proactive, confident and trusted.

The presentations were made at the company’s annual motivational event and staff briefing, held over three days at the Palace Hotel in Douglas.

The four main winners were:

l Enterprising – Darren Shaw, global solutions business development manager – for growth of strategic accounts.

l Proactive – Paul Jones, senior field technician – for corrective action following the Laxey Bridge collapse.

l Confident – Lisa Pugh, consumer sales clerical officer – for cross-department billing of wholesale customers.

l Trusted – Luke Rowe, mobile networks technical specialist – for development and deployment of Global SIM ‘solutions’.

Winners were chosen by a judging panel of directors from 38 nominations made by colleagues.

Each winner received a custom-made wooden trophy made by The Manx Workshop and £500.

opportunity

Manx Telecom chief executive officer Gary Lamb said: ‘This was the fourth consecutive year we have held our annual staff briefing event and, as always, it was a great opportunity to thank our colleagues for their hard work and recognise outstanding achievements.

‘It’s important for us to invest time in this type of event so that everyone understands where Manx Telecom is heading, the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and the role that each of us must play in delivering our business objectives.

‘But equally it’s an opportunity to listen and learn from our colleagues across the business, and celebrate everything which makes Manx Telecom a great company to be part of.’

With nearly 300 staff, Manx Telecom is already one of the island’s biggest employers – and this year there’s a recruitment drive which is adding to that number.

Already this year new staff have been recruited in marketing, account management, hosting and managed networks, and its so-called ‘Global Solutions’ division.

Well over 50 per cent of Manx Telecom’s current employees have worked for the company for more than 10 years, a statistic which, a spokesman said, reflected the excellent opportunities and rewards it offered. This includes an award-winning Share Save Scheme established through YBS Share Plans.

The Tower of Refuge is turning red this week for International Red Cross Week (May 8 to 14).

And residents are being encouraged to show their support for the charity by taking part in a Dress Red Day on Friday, in return for a £1 donation.

Natalie Radford, chairman of the island branch’s fundraising committee, said: ‘We were overwhelmed by the support we received last time we organised a Dress Red Day, and we are hoping that we can generate the same support this year.’

Money raised will be used to fund the range of services the charity provides.

Last year saw the Isle of Man Red Cross transport about 9,800 people from their homes to Noble’s Hospital clinics.

And they supported the ambulance service with non-urgent transfers.

Some 220 wheelchairs were loaned free of charge in 2015, a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.

They also provide a range of training including first aid in the workplace and fire marshals.

And the Red Cross supports services including Meals on Wheels, care in the home, therapeutic care and event first aid.

The new bridge at Old Laxey is taking shape.

Work on the replacement bridge is progressing well - and the two sides of the village are reunited for the first time since last December’s devastating flash floods.

The steelwork were delivered to Laxey Harbour last Thursday morning. All the beams have now been craned into position and fixed in place over the weekend.

Installation of ducting for utilities is the next phase.

This week will see the delivery and installation of the permanent deck formwork, followed by reinforcement and casting of the concrete deck slab.

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said: ‘Work is progressing on schedule and it is intended to have the bridge open by TT week on a temporary surface.’

The bridge will close again after TT to allow completion of the bridge structure, surface finishes and installation of services.

The old bridge was irreparably damaged in December when flash flooding caused part of the structure to collapse – plunging a double decker bus into the river below.

Demolition contractors JCK were mobilised for the delicate operation of removing the Bus Vannin double decker and demolishing the remainder of the bridge. A temporary pedestrian footbridge was erected while plans were drawn up for a permanent replacement.

The DoI sought the views of villagers, local politicians and heritage bodies over four possible options for the replacement bridge.

While many people wanted the option of a new arched bridge, the department’s engineers opted for a flat bridge which will reduce the likelihood of any future flood damage by allowing the river to flow unimpeded out to sea.

This prompted some villagers to accuse the consultation exercise of being a sham but the department insisted it was a genuine exercise.

The design has features at each end taking inspiration from the ‘pepper pot’ lighthouses at the harbour. It will handle almost three times the volume of water of the original bridge.

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, May 19 to discuss the future of Knockaloe Farm.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) will hold the event at Patrick Church Hall at 7pm to inform the community of its progress.

DEFA, along with MHKs, commissioners and residents, has investigated uses for the farm that will create an attraction offering economic development while paying heed to its history.

The site in Patrick was once a World War One internment camp and DEFA ceased to operate the 337-acre farm in 2010.

The meeting had originally been scheduled for Wednesday, May 11, at 7.30pm.

Dan Kneen’s chances of riding the TT are very much in the balance after breaking his arm in a mountain bike accident at Cringle Plantation on Friday.

The arm was operated on the following day at Noble’s Hospital and he is now doing everything he can to get fit in time for practice in less than three weeks.

The injury definitely sidelines the Manxman from this week’s North West 200 and his place on the Mar-Train Yamaha has been taken by former GP rider Jeremy McWilliams.

‘I’m gutted for the whole team after all the work that has been put in,’ said Dan.

‘I’m on my bicycle every day and wasn’t doing anything different than usual, it was plain bad luck.

‘Surgery has gone well so all I can do is concentrate on getting fit and back on the bikes as soon as possible.

‘I wish Jeremy all the best for this week, it is great that he has been able to step in for the team and all the sponsors.’

The Tynwald clerk who cited the conduct of a bullying MHK as the reason for her resignation, told a parliamentary standards committee that she reserves the right to take legal action against him.

Marie Lambden resigned as third clerk of Tynwald in June last year after Douglas North MHK John Houghton accused her of bullying a member of staff.

The unfounded allegation was subsequently withdrawn but without an apology from Mr Houghton. In her letter of resignation Mrs Lambden said her health had suffered as a result of Mr Houghton’s actions.

Now Mr Houghton has been accused of bullying, lying and inappropriately interfering in a staff matter in a report by the Tynwald standards committee. It recommends that the Douglas North MHK is requested to apologise.

Giving evidence to the standards committee, Mrs Lambden said: ‘I must make it clear that I did not choose to retire and I am saddened that Mr Houghton’s conduct has interrupted my full-time professional career, which I studied so hard to achieve professional qualifications for and so diligently and skilfully worked to maintain.

‘I reserve the right to take legal action against Mr Houghton for damages suffered by his actions. The extent of these damages will depend on the outcome of this investigation and whether the public is made aware of the injustice against me and the conduct of an MHK.’

She told the committee that Mr Houghton was happy to damage her reputation with a false statement about her health, and yet he was oblivious to the potential damage to her health his actions would cause.

And she added: ‘There is a layer of protection lacking for staff of the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald and a system should be in place to protect staff, and in turn other members of Tynwald, from the wayward behaviour of the small minority of miscreant and unprincipled members.’

The standards committee report concludes that Mr Houghton made malicious complaints against the clerk and deputy clerk of Tynwald and his behaviour could be described as bullying.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/mhk-john-houghton-accused-of-lying-and-bullying-1-7895194|Last week’s report about the accusations}

Isle of Man eGaming companies have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2016 B2B Awards by eGaming Review Magazine (EGR).

The annual EGR B2B Awards, now in their seventh year, celebrate excellence in a range of e-Gaming disciplines, including payments, software and IT.

Alfred Cannan MHK, the Department Member with responsibility for e-Gaming said: ‘The island’s eGaming sector has grown from strength to strength, with eGaming and eBusiness totalling around 25 per cent of national income combined.

‘Working together with the private sector we have established a thriving cluster of on-island companies and are seeing real growth, real jobs and a real presence on the Isle of Man.

‘We are delighted that the EGR Awards have recognised the immense talent and experience we have on the Isle of Man and I wish all of the local companies luck on the night.’

Mark Robson, Head of eGaming at the Department of Economic Development, said: ‘The Isle of Man has seen nominations across all the different factions of e-Gaming, with nominations for 10 local companies, from banking and professional services to hosting and B2C gaming. This typifies the end-to-end solutions for e-Gaming on the Isle of Man and the supportive environment that makes it such a success.’

The Awards take place on Wednesday, June 1 at the Pavilion at the Tower of London.

Breast Cancer Now supporters donned their leg warmers and stepped back in time for the charity.

The ‘Back to the 80s’ event was held at Bar George, in Douglas , on May 1, May and raised a fantastic £1,900.

One of the event organisers, Sandy Denning, said: ‘With the help of Bar George and DJ Dave Kelly everyone enjoyed a 1980s themed evening and raised an amazing amount of money in the process.’

The organising team thanked Dave Kelly for his continued support, Bar George for hosting the event and to everyone who donated a raffle prize.

Breast Cancer Now is committed to fighting breast cancer through research, awareness, campaigning and education with a vision that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer, will live.

Trade Distribution Limited (TDL), established in 2000, has become one of the island’s leading logistics businesses, employing more than 100 staff and operating from a purpose built 60,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution centre in Kewaigue.

The company is continuing to make significant inroads into the UK after it secured a further five-year contract with Braddan-based manufacturer of accessible bathroom, kitchen and daily living products, DLP and its Droitwich Spa-based sales and distribution subsidiary AKW.

TDL has been exporting products for DLP from the Isle of Man to the UK for more than 10 years and in 2011 was asked to look at their UK distribution operation with a view to providing a bespoke, upgraded service.

After an 18-month project researching and reviewing every function across the AKW business, the solution was presented to the client with a new, customised proposal, enhancing every aspect of the distribution delivery chain including warehouse storage and handling, which led to securing an initial five-year contract in February 2013. Such has been the success of the partnership and service provided, AKW has awarded TDL a new contract for a further five years and similar distribution projects for some of their larger supply chain members are planned to be integrated into the contract in the near future.

DLP’s operations director Bruce Lockton said: ‘Over the first three years of the contract AKW had reported 100 per cent delivery completion, and on-time and damage-free deliveries. TDL’s service, which offers a real-time track and trace facility, had also led to substantial savings in “throw away” packaging and helped to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

‘What’s been particularly encouraging is that thanks to TDL’s new distribution model and its associated benefits, AKW has secured incremental business.’

TDL’s managing director Steve Pickett said: ‘To have been awarded a further five-year contract is a tremendous vote of confidence in the TDL team; it also shows the mutual benefits to be had from partnership working. It’s also great news for the Isle of Man; a bespoke solution devised, developed and delivered by an Isle of Man company, for another Isle of Man company which, together, are achieving great things for their respective brands in the UK.’

Hospice Isle of Man has been chosen as beneficiary of the new production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest in the island.

The charity will receive a percentage of ticket sales along with funds raised from bucket collections at Peel Castle and Rushen Abbey.

Performances will take place on July 22 and 23 at Peel Castle at 7pm and at Rushen Abbey on July 24 at 2pm.

Tickets are £22 for adults and £12 for children.

They can be purcased from the House of Manannan and Celtic Gold in Peel, the Manx Museum and Peter Norris Music in Douglas, Shakti Man in Ramsey, Station Travel in Port Erin, Rushen Abbey and online at www.manxheritageshop.com

They are also available from the Peel and Castletown Hospice shops after TT.

Plans to bring in a private firm to run the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre are now unlikely to take place before September’s general election.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly met staff and unions last week to give them an update on the proposals to outsource the running of the venues.

In December we reported that three private operators, which each operate major venues in the UK, had been shortlisted and invited to submit detailed proposals on running the Villa-Gaiety complex. A decision on whether a private company would be brought in was due to be made by March or April.

But Mr Skelly said invitations to tender would not now be done until probably early next month. A decision would not be made ‘this side of the election,’ he said.

The Minister said the option of creating a theatre trust to run the Gaiety had been ruled out. But he said if an invitation to tender was made, local parties and the management themselves could put together a bid. The complex will remain in public ownership.

In the House of Keys, he said: ‘The process has been stalled. It’s simply because we want to make sure we get this right.’

He said the process will continue with tenders evaluated over the summer but the decision itself would not be made until the next administration.

Mr Skelly told MHKs that exploring the idea of a theatre trust had been one reason for the delay but this option had ultimately been deemed not credible to pursue.

‘It’s going to be a pretty torrid week for the offshore finance centres’.

That’s the view of Chief Minister Allan Bell as a fresh round of Panana Papers was released and UK Prime Minister David Cameron prepared to host an international anti-corruption conference.

Mr Bell is the only chief minister from the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories to have been invited as a delegate to that conference.

He believes that reflects on the island’s early commitment to signing up to an initiative on automatic exchange of beneficial ownership information being spearheaded by the five largest economies in the European Union - the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Mr Bell said he believed the release of a second round of Panana Papers proved there had been a co-ordinated approach worldwide building up to Thursday’s conference.

He said: ‘It’s going to be a pretty torrid week, probably less so for the Isle of Man than some of the smaller jurisdictions.’

Douglas South MHK Bill Malarkey is asking the public if they want political reform.

Mr Malarkey has launched an online poll to gather public views.

You can access it at https://poll.fbapp.io/you-can-influence-the-future-now

Mr Malarkey said: ‘It is crucial for the public to have their voices heard in the upcoming Lord Lisvane Review of the Functioning of Tynwald.

‘Lord Lisvane’s report could change the face of Manx politics so it is very important that many views, from many sources, are taken into account.

‘The poll offers people a chance to express opinions, state preferences and make comments. As an MHK, this is exactly what we should be doing.’

He added: ‘It is time for change. A review of our political system is long overdue and I welcome this opportunity to submit public views in giving my evidence to Lord Lisvane on June 1.’

Mr Malarkey said he did not want to discourage anybody from submitting their own views to Lord Lisvane but believes his online poll will be helpful to the review.

In the past five years, Mr Malarkey tried to have a referendum on whether the Legislative Council should be elected by the public.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/external-review-of-tynwald-structure-could-lead-to-reform-of-manx-parliament-1-7883678|Read more about the review of Tynwald here}