No Mec Vannin - Howard looked a bit crestfallen!

Who says you have to go to Tynwald Hill to enjoy Tynwald Day. Saying that Howard Quayle looked a bit crestfallen that Mec Vannin had not entered an appearance. At least I think that’s the question he appeared to be answering the report on MTTV was a bit disjointed. I warm to Howard at moments like this ok he may not be cutting edge at Brexit but he knows how to play to the local crowd

Meanwhile PAG (the Travelwatch of Manx politics) couldn't believe there luck although from the stall shot later it didn’t seem that business was brisk.

Meanwhile Manx Radio vile shites that they are reminded us Mec Vannin have not enjoyed great electoral success. Manx Radio should have a feature ‘snipe of the day’ as part of their regular news bulletin. I’m really sorry now that when attempts were made to privatise the station a few decades ago Mec Vannin (actually myself and Mark Kermode) lead the charge to secure its future. In hindsight that was one bad decision of Mec Vannin we should have let the buggers be sold off - there’s still time!

They conveniently overlook that several significant figures including a former Chief Minister cut their political teeth in Mec Vannin. Anyway what's Manx Radio but ‘Dominion Radio’ it's about as Manx and relevant as the current Tynwald ceremony! Still its understandable the political maturity factor of reports would not move some of those glossy meters they have in the studio!

As I’ve indicated I have avoided the affair at St John's for years but I believe the Mec Vannin stand did brisk business not least with people getting a free sprig of bollan bane (plus pin) I wonder who filled the void I do hope stands were not selling it as happened some years ago. People also donated generously to the cause and just shared a yarn.

Yonks ago there were Tynwald sites elsewhere on the Island I’m told maybe it was a myth. However you don’t need to stare adoring at the Governor on top of the hill to enjoy the day anyway he’s a 'johnny come lately' just here for the money he doesn’t give a toss about you or your Tynwald Day.

As for me I wandered (Wordsworth like) North and called in at the Farm Shop near St Judes and later on was enjoying home made ‘provender’ cooked up by one of the off-spring. Now that's what I call a real Tynwald Day and it’s not over yet.

One thing is clear the decision by the Mec Vannin Committee to pull out was not taken lightly. These are folk that have stuck with Tynwald for almost three decades since I started my personal abstinence from the event. They have resisted stoically my efforts to persuade and cajole seeing something relevant in the event.

It's more than just a stand location. I think that some Manx people and I mean dedicated real MANX people not ‘johnny come latelys’ like a lot of that shower on the hill understand that this year is not so much the YEAR OF OUR ISLAND its the YEAR OF THEIR ISLAND and real Manx people are not so much welcome as tolerated.

I hope Mec Vaninin’s abstaining this year becomes a boycott and is not reversed but although I’m ‘El Presidente’ of the party that’s not a decision for me its for the Committee.

As for any critics of Mec Vannins decision my answer is ‘there’s a boat in the morning’ it’s our bloody Island not yours’!

Image: Howard - he looks quite dapper in that Top Hat!

Bernard Moffatt