Alastair Kneale's blog

This news item from YN COMMEEYS CELTIAGH - CELTIC NEWS MANNIN points to the concluding report on Ireland issued by the UN Committee Against Torture. The report includes criticism of the governments response to the Magdelene Laundries abuse and Mother and Babies Home scandal. The Magdalene Laundries were also known as Magdalene asylums. These institutions were usually run by Roman Catholic orders but were supported by the state. It has been estimated that some 30,000 were confined in these prison like institutions in Ireland. They housed so-called.

In recent weeks there has been a developing campaign in Wales for a boycott of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Licence Fee. The work of the BBC is funded principally by an annual television licence fee costing £145.50 per year. At this time such a licence is required to legally receive broadcast television by all households across the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

In this article in YN COMMMEEYS CELTIAGH - CELTIC NEWS MANNIN a plan to improve Public Rights of Way has been announced by the Isle of Man Government's Department of Infrastructure. The poor state of many of the Manx footpaths had been been taken up with Ministers by walker and ornithologist Allen Moore, who is environmental officer for the Mannin (Isle of Man) branch of the Celtic League. Allen had drawn attention to the great scenery and the asset provided by the network of public footpaths, especially the longer distance routes on the Island.

In this article in YN COMMEEYS CELTIAGH - CELTIC NEWS MANNIN looks at the issue of Manx territorial waters and the unwillingness of a weak Manx government to fight against UK bullying:

Thieves the UK were and they still are!

‘Mec Vannin put it diplomatically I will put it bluntly – COMIN AND DEFA sit on their arse!’

This article from YN COMMMEEYS CELTIAGH - CELTIC NEWS MANNIN points to the environmental damage and pollution caused by cruise ships:

Cruise liners - they're a filthy business

‘Some 20 million people board cruise ships every year. And while they might return to land with fond memories of umbrella drinks and shuffleboard, they leave a lot at sea. About a billion gallons (3.8 billion liters) of sewage, in fact.’

Part of an interview with Professor Alice Roberts as reported by Culture Vannin, an organisation on the Isle of Man that promotes Manx culture.

News from YN COMMMEEYS CELTIAGH - CELTIC NEWS MANNIN about response of Manx minister to Celtic League resolution on Manx territorial waters:

MINISTER RESPONDS ON CELTIC LEAGUE FISHERY CONCERNS

A positive response here from Agriculture Minister, Geoffrey Boot MHK, following the emergency resolution adopted at the Celtic League AGM on the issue:

News item on the need for protection of Manx territorial waters from YN COMMMEEYS CELTIAGH - CELTIC NEWS MANNIN:

'OUR SEAS A VITAL RESOURCE'

It was good to hear John Moss on Mandate (Manx Radio) this morning take time to cite the resolution moved by the Mannin branch at the (Inter) Celtic League AGM held in Peel over the weekend.

Media release from Culture Vannin

Kaneen Bursary recipient, 2017

Culture Vannin is delighted to announce the 2017 recipient of a bursary scheme for young and fluent speakers of Manx that enables them to attend a summer school in Irish run by Oideas Gael in Donegal. The bursary covers attendance, travel and accommodation costs to the selected course.

News item from YN COMMMEEYS CELTIAGH - CELTIC NEWS MANNIN

Solidarity with Irish Language Act campaigners

A resolution adopted at the AGM of the Celtic League this weekend (held on the Isle of Man) confirmed League support for an Irish Language Act in the North of Ireland and expressed support for those individuals and groups campaigning on the issue. The resolution also highlighted and condemned that attitude of the UK and Unionists for failing to meet basic demands on both the language issue and marriage equality.