A POLITICAL lobby group is to hold a meeting tonight (Monday, March 25) on the subject of electoral reform.
The Positive Action Group (PAG) says it is committed to campaigning for a popularly-elected Legislative Council.
It was disappointed that the Electoral Reform Bill 2012, which would have ensured this, failed.
A spokesman said: ‘With the recent collegiate election of four members of the Legislative Council we await the next round in 2015 when the argument about the method of electing LegCo members will no doubt re-surface. It is an argument which has “run and run” to quote the President of Tynwald.’
For PAG’s next public meeting the topic is ‘The Legislative Council - What Next?’
Chris Thomas will explore some issues for the island’s constitutional and political framework in the light of debates, decisions and experience in the island and abroad.
Among the questions he will consider are:
• Does the island’s second chamber work as best it could for people and our parliament?
• What contribution should LegCo members make to government and legislation?
• Do other countries manage without a second chamber?
• To what extent could existing LegCo mechanisms and arrangements be tweaked in coming years without legislative reform?
Is now the time for a LegCo referendum?
The meeting is free and open to all, with the audience able to join in the discussion. It will take place 7.45pm at the Manx Legion Club, Market Hill, Douglas.
