'The Howard Show' & 'It's a Wonderful Life'

One of the great bonuses of Tynwald having their extended holidays is that we will be spared excerpts from Tynwald or the Keys by MTTV plus ‘The Portal’ at Manx Radio of Ministers answering interminable questions. The coverage I find about as interesting as a Dulux advert that just features paint drying instead of that big dog.

When Tynwald was first televised the only thing that interested me was the people who scurry around passing notes out. You wonder - but never get to know - what's in them which is a shame because it would be more interesting than Alf Cannan MHK imitating a ‘speak your weight machine’, Chris Thomas practising for the World Gurning competition or Kate Beecroft just being bitter.

The good thing I suppose is that with no action on the Hill (Prospect) the chances are MTTV will be interviewing Howard more often which I always find a treat even if on occasion I aver the opposite. ‘The great man’ has an insight into communication skills which should ensure his longevity in COMIN particularly given the shape of the current opposition. Put simply Alf is going to have to wait. That could be dangerous we all remember what happened in a previous administration involving the Cannan dynasty and Walkers famous ‘Night of the Long knives..

Intrigue aside the summer recess will give Ministers and MHKs the opportunity to communicate with ‘the people’.

Howard often alludes whilst his eyes rise and fall in Moulton’s MTTV interviews how he is always meeting and chatting to the common folk of which he avers, in a self deprecating manner. he is one himself - a simple lad from the foothills of the West. I must say I’ve never enjoyed the privilege of a tête-à-tête with the great man - well not face to face. Howard also alludes to the fact that this is one of the great things about the Isle of Man in that ‘the powers that be’ can communicate on equal terms with ‘the hoi polloi’. That is if they are not Trevor Cowin because on the evidence of the many missives - back and forth with government - that ‘Trevorie’ shares with me the same egalitarian principles are not extended to him. He questions and questions but never seems to get a straight answer, How can this be perhaps Moulton should ask the great man at their next tête-à-tête.

Personally I think despite Howards wide-eyed faith in the level of grassroots communication that the Island’s administration (and I don’t just mean politicians) is less communicative now than in the past. If my view is correct that's a sad state of affairs because a sense of community and involvement can help any society and particularly a small one ride out any storms that come its way.

I also don’t think that these endless consultations most of which seem to be dreamt up by the Reform Minister necessarily equal engagement. I’m afraid ‘the Island’ has all the artificiality of ‘The Truman Show’ where as old softy that I am I yearn for ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’!

Image: Howard the communicator!

Bernard Moffatt