TWO candidates have so far announced their intention of standing in the Douglas by-election on May 23.
The Douglas West seat is the one vacated by current MHK Geoff Corkish following his recent elevation to Legislative Council.
Taxi driver and business man Martin Moore, who is 34 and lives in Douglas, said his work was an asset as it put him in touch with the views and concerns of the public.
‘We need more people in the House of Keys who are willing to speak out against the more senior politicians when they feel they are doing wrong.
‘My work gives me contact with people from all elements of society from people on building sites struggling to make ends meet to the wealthiest residents.’ he said. Mr Moore announced an intention to stand in the 2011 election but said ‘technical issues’ with his nomination papers prevented this.
He favours a publicly-elected Legislative Council and is opposed to tuition fees. On the bendy bus issue he added: ‘I’ve yet to meet anyone with a good word for them, They seem bent on putting them into service.’
The other candidate, Chris Thomas, is the current councillor for St George’s ward in Douglas which he says already encompasses a significant area of the Douglas West constituency.
Councillor Thomas, who lives in Douglas and is a financial analyst, believes in greater co-operation between the government and local councils on matters like planning as well as to ‘join up’ provision of facilities like parking, libraries, leisure and transport. He said if elected he would still attend council meetings in the public gallery, and would try to engage the public in the council’s policy agenda, through a residents’ and ratepayers’ association.
He recently gave a presentation to the Positive Action Group called Legislative Council: What Next?
More candidates might yet come forward before nominations close on April 23.
