Government economic policy was in the firing line as nationalists gathered to mark the anniversary of the execution of Manx ‘martyr’ Illiam Dhone.
Around 60 people braved the biting wind to attend the annual commemoration at Hango Hill, Castletown, on Saturday.
In an impassioned speech in English, Peter Crellin, editor of the Mec Vannin newspaper Yn Pabyr Seyr, railed against government schemes to grow the economy which he argued merely made the rich even more wealthy – and did nothing for those at the bottom of society.
He told the gathering: ‘These are strange and difficult times in Mannin.
‘Almost every week we hear of a new charge to be passed on to us, the people. We hear what I call lies about schemes to grow the economy when all that grows are the accounts of those who dream the schemes up.
‘Our present system is one built on the fallacy of trickle-down economics. It elevates a few to the top in the hope that the wealth will seep down into the rest of society. It does not.’
Mr Crellin claimed that ‘useful, meaningful’ discussion has been ‘stifled’ by the government and concepts such as the Big Debate were just a method of ‘distraction’, designed not for input but just the ‘illusion of input’.
He added: ‘This is a government that wants to rule, not to serve. This is a government that considers itself above us all, not for us all. These are politicians and businesses against the people, not for the people.
‘Let’s show those living in the clouds of privilege that their ivory towers were built and are able to stand because of us. We are the ones paying for them. We are the ones who do the work that keeps them, Let us see that true power rests in our hands. Together we grant power and together we can bring the powerful down. As the Mec Vannin motto says “Irree seose Vannin” – rise up Mannin!’
Earlier, the oration in Manx was given by Isla Callister who spoke of the importance of Manx culture and language.
Events concluded with the laying of a wreath and the singing of the national anthem, which the Celtic League’s Bernard Moffatt said was the most moving rendition he had heard in many years, prompted, he suggested, by the ‘powerful sentiments’ expressed by Mr Crellin.
Illiam Dhone, aka William Christian, negotiated a peaceful surrender to Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War – securing the island’s unique position and preventing a massacre.
Following the restoration he was arrested for treason and sentenced to death. A pardon from the King Charles II came too late and he was executed by firing squad at Hango Hill on January 2, 1663.
Mr Moffatt said Illiam Dhone’s action had in effect saved the island and protected the island’s political integrity. He said nationalists were always very critical of the government but were proud the island had its own government, even if they disagreed with some aspects of policy and wished it would take the final step towards full independence.