Isle of Man Rally 2018 Debacle

The world-renowned three-day Rally Isle of Man was first held in 1963. Held on public roads, the car race is also part of the British Rally Championship. On Sunday, Rally Isle of Man said they had experienced "insurmountable delays" in securing the necessary road closure orders from the Manx government. This has resulted in the cancellation of the Manx event. As reported by Bernard Moffatt on Transceltic in his "Rally War' being fought out in the media" item, this has resulted in an unseemly public arguement between the Manx government and rally organisers about who is responsible for this debacle.

There have been further reports on the public spat on the pages of the Mannin Branch Celtic League facebook page. Just when things were starting to calm down, into the fray stepped Bill Malarkey, MHK (member of the lower branch of the Manx Parliament) and Minister of Home Affairs. As reported by Mannin Celtic League he proceeded to pour petrol on the flames with some less than measured comments. Given his track record, some are not really surprised. Here is the report from Mannin Celtic League:

"MANIC MALARKEY PITCHES INTO RALLY DEBATE

As DOI Minister Ray Harmer MHK and assorted officials attempted to respond to concerns over the cancellation of RALLY IOM in measured terms and in some sense extend an olive branch for a resumption of debate for RALLY IOM (2019) a veritable Ministerial car crash (if you’ll forgive the pun) occurred.

DHA Minister Bill Malarkey famous for enraging the citizens of Ramsey over the Courthouse sale some time ago chooses to pitch in with an intervention on Manx Radio that's….well…. less than measured.

I’m not a great supporter of some motor sports however I generally give rallying a fair wind.

What I do know however is that most IOM events whether they be sporting or otherwise depend on the goodwill hardwork and determination of small groups of people who give their time and effort without reward. Should folk become the metaphorical punch bags for well paid Ministers? I think not.

Link:

https://www.manxradio.com/…/malarkey-rounds-on-rally-organ…/

Bernard Moffat"

The debacle of the cancelled Rally Isle of Man 2018 has at least been a futher expose, if one was needed, of the blame game and scapegoating mindset of the present Manx government. As Mannin Celtic League point out in a follow-up item:

"YEAR OF OUR ISLAND? RALLY IOM ORGANISERS HAVE DONE US A FAVOUR!

It's disappointing that Rally IOM had to cancel and you only have to read some of the comments online from those involved to see just what its COST them in time effort and money.

However ironically the cancellation has done us all a favour because it has exposed just how vitriolic and bitter the Isle of Man government and its Ministers can behave when they are in a spot.

This year is THE YEAR OF OUR ISLAND and people are being urged to devote time and effort to organising events by the government. It's a ‘fest!’ To borrow the American saying:

“We love our baseball and apple pie

We love our county fair”

That's the fiction but the reality is when the government find itself in the soup no matter how much effort, time and expense folk have put in to community or sporting projects if Ministers need a scapegoat they lash out indiscriminately.

In all the controversy over the Rally cancellation no one in government has yet acknowledged the years and years of efforts people have committed to organising this aspect of sport. Indeed social media which has given some the opportunity to state their case is also vilified constantly by government.

What a mean-spirited regime that infest Prospect Hill at present!

Bernard Moffatt"

As for Rally Isle of Man, there are plans to resume it again next year. In the meantime, as reported by Manx Radio, Wales has come to the rescue. Isle of Man's loss will be a gain for Wales and the final two rounds of the event in 2018 will be held there.