There was an interesting flare up in Tynwald over the appointment of two new directors to the government owned Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Some members were incensed by a particular line of questioning from Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas and he was asked to withdraw what were described as disparaging remarks. Is it possible to question candidates’ suitability for certain roles in such a public forum, and if it isn’t then perhaps Tynwald’s role in the process is merely to rubber stamp decisions taken behind closed doors. Agenda considers whether legitimate debate was being stifled or were Chris Thomas’ comments beyond the pale.

The assisted dying Bill is due to be read a third time tomorrow in an extra Keys sitting and Agenda asks what’s the rush. We also ponder whether Tynwald and government are capable of delivering a bus station in Douglas, why developers need support to build luxury flats in Port Erin and why Tynwald rejected the opportunity to save money by allowing private member’s Bills to appear on the government consultation website. If you are struggling to understand government’s spending priorities then this week’s Agenda may well be able to help - mind you it might not and all.

Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood wants to progressively prevent new generations from being able to purchase tobacco products. Her private member’s Bill would in effect see the age at which you can buy tobacco products increase by a year each year until eventually nobody could buy them. With an estimated 25% of the health budget spent treating smoking relate illness this seems like an obvious thing to do. Will the health budget savings outweigh the lost tobacco tax income? Surely helping us lead longer healthier live must be a good thing?