P A G Meeting to debate – Should the Bishop sit in Tynwald?

At their next public meeting, Monday 19th May, at The Empress Hotel, Douglas, Positive Action Group (PAG) focuses attention on Constitutional matters.

The controversial subject is "Should the Bishop sit in Tynwald?"

Chairman Roger Tomlinson said: "Over many years, our politicians have seemed impotent to agree legislation that will give us a fully democratic popularly elected Legislative Council. The latest Constitution Bill was hi-jacked last year by MHK Martyn Quayle and it is going nowhere. Mr Quayle has admitted that it's now difficult for the Bill to continue in its present form. Apparently, he is considering a replacement Bill that would look at reducing the roles and responsibilities of LegCo members.

One member of LegCo is The Bishop.But, the Legislative Council has functioned for almost a year without The Bishop in attendance. Consequently, and before the new incumbent is installed, it seems reasonable to consider what role, if any, the Bishop should play in our parliament. PAG and IoM Freethinkers are providing the opportunity for this controversial subject to be debated. It is regrettable that no one we approached from the Church was prepared to publicly discuss this topic. We obviously wish to hear both the arguments in favour of the status quo, as well as those for change.

Andrew Dixon, a leading Isle of Man Freethinker, will present the opposing viewpoint. Isle of Man Freethinkers encourage free speech, seek rational argument and is against dogma and religious privilege. IoM Freethinkers is a group for atheists, agnostics and humanists"

PAG campaigns for open accountable government and hopes that anyone interested in this topic will come along and contribute to the debate.