We are the constituency that more people pass through every day than live here. So why don't we have more of a say in the issues that affect us?
I moved to a rented house in Mount Murray over five years ago and never really thought about what the Middle constituency comprised. When I looked at the map I was somewhat taken aback!
Middle
From the Blackboards in the South to the foothills of Snaefell in the North, from Port Soderick in the East to Crosby in the West.
So it's a big area to cover! Outside of the main populated areas of Santon, Port Soderick, Union Mills, Glen Vine and Crosby it's a mostly rural community with lots of farms. Better get some wellies then...
On the doorstep
Since declaring on June 25th I've been heartened to get lots of support from both sitting MHK's and retired politicians. The message from them all has been that it's vitally important to 'knock doors' and talk to people.
"But we're just sitting down to eat"
No tinkers, hawkers or canvassers...
I first gave serious consideration to running for a seat in Keys a year ago. I'd been asked countless times over the years to stand, but the time never felt right as the last thing I wanted to do was spend my days in endless meetings and pointless committees. But the Lisvane Report in 2016 stressed the importance of independent constituency members who chose to remain outside the government 'machine' and hold the executive to account. It reduces the 'jobs for the boys' culture where to earn a decent salary meant accepting a departmental or ministerial role and being forced to vote with the Chief Minister or be fired! Retired Onchan MHK Peter Karran (who started his political career in Middle) used to call it a 'one party state by patronage' and he was quite right. But that has changed now and the role of an independent MHK has been recognised as being an important voice in the democratic process.
Never say never
An MHK has two main functions. He or she is elected primarily to represent their constituents - the people who voted for them AND the people who didn't. But as a member of Tynwald they are also part of a national government and need to make good decisions that affect the whole Island. So whilst I'm not looking for a seat 'within the tent' I'm not saying that will always be the case. If it becomes apparent that I can best serve by becoming Minister for Potholes (or whatever!) I'll give it serious consideration.
If elected I'm going to host regular meetings in the constituency where we can get together informally and swap ideas. I'm also a communicator by trade so things like video and blogs will be a good way to stay in touch with people. How many times have you heard from either of the current MHK's? How many times have they asked your opinion on a policy issue? I want to change that - government FOR the people BY the people!
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