Bill wants work permits relaxed - I muse I bet the aborigines wished they'd had them!

Something called the Isle of Man business network is debating population transference - well they actually term it ‘relaxation of work permits’ but it's the same thing

One of the protagonists enrages me from the outset by saying this is necessary because of our ageing population. Is there nothing I ask myself that us ‘oldies’ are not responsible for. It's totally irrational I know but then thats what us old folk are like I decide I hate the Isle of Man business network and they get pride of place on my dart board with the Chamber and Alf Cannan.

In any case despite the TV presenters boyish enthusiasm and panning shots to make the event seem objective and interesting you just know the debate is going to be about as objective as the Wannsee conference.

Things are already on a downward spiral when Bela Lugosi (aka Bill Shimmins MHK) hoves into view I trust the debate is taking place after dark!

Politically Bill is ostensibly opposed by a comparative lightweight Rob Callister MHK but that doesn’t matter because Shimmins is even more of a lightweight. At least Callister has something moving around in his skull Shimmins simply has an electronic implant which makes him spew out vitriol about work permits like a speak your weight machine.

The business bods ‘opponent exponent’ is an Australian who talks a lot of sense which immediately makes you realise the vote will go against him. However I’m distracted by the thought that perhaps the Aboriginal people would have welcomed work permit legislation when Captain Cook and assorted Dutchmen arrived. Now I’m feeling like an aborigine in my own land a non person is this I wonder what the great 21st century work permit legislation debate is all about?

My loathing for the ‘Isle of Man business nutters’ becomes even more intense as I muse these are the heir apparents of the Chamber another greedy and grasping interest group waiting in the wings to pick over the economic corpse of the Isle of Man!

Bernard Moffatt