Manx residents 'will probably need to pay more' if they want universal health service

• Political commentator expects health to be a big topic at this year's election.
• A political commentator believes Manx residents will have to pay more if they want a full universal health service on the Isle of Man.
• Former government press officer Alistair Ramsay has been discussing the topics he thinks are likely to come up on the doorstep ahead of this year’s election.

Today on the island

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The local news that matters this morning

Here's all the news from our island from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.

Manx Radio · Politics · 10:43 Third candidate to stand for election in Douglas South • Livia Lenarduzzi hopes to gain a seat in the House of Keys. • A third candidate has announced their intention to stand for election in Douglas South in September. • Livia Lenarduzzi runs a restaurant and visitor accommodation on the Island.

IoM Today · Island News · 18:45 Politician's 'caged in' complaint during King's visit feels a bit tone deaf • If anyone deserved our sympathy, it was the volunteers and emergency services who helped make the visit run smoothly. • The linked report gives the source-specific context for "Politician's 'caged in' complaint during King's visit feels a bit tone deaf".

3FM · Health · 06:32 Manx Care releases five-year review • Manx Care's published a five-year review of how it's performed since it was set up. • The document says it’s strengthened services, improved quality and safety, and built a more integrated health and social care system. • The report says Manx Care has demonstrated organisational maturity, strengthened governance and assurance, and delivered measurable improvements in service integration, quality, safety and community-based care.

3FM · Politics · 17:25 Did King's visit cost King's ransom, asks MHK • How much did it cost the Island to host the King? • That’s the question on the lips of Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse, who’ll raise it in Tynwald next week. • When the court sits, he’ll ask Chief Minister Alf Cannan what the total bill was for King Charles’ visit on Tuesday.

3FM · Transport · 09:24 Ben-My-Chree's new look revealed • The Steam Packet's unveiled the Ben-My-Chree's new look, after a major refurb. • It says the ferry’s undergone significant upgrades to improve the onboard experience. • Among them are new reclining seats with USB charging, a dedicated family lounge and new executive lounge.

Manx Radio · Island News · 13:06 Construction costs on the Island 18% above UK average and comparable with Outer London • 'Key problems' include reliance on imported materials, labour shortages and planning delays. • Construction costs on the Isle of Man are 18 percent above the UK average and comparable with Outer London. • That’s one of the findings of an interim report examining the impact of rising costs on major construction projects.

Manx Radio · Culture · 10:17 Manx 'highly important' part of the Island's culture and identity • It's been spoken for over 1,500 years on the Isle of Man. • A member of Culture Vannin says it was great to hear King Charles speak Manx in Tynwald. • Ruth Keggin Gell, who is the Manx Language Development Officer, had the opportunity to meet His Majesty at a garden party held by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer.

3FM · Island News · 10:04 Railways celebrate first all-women tram crew • Isle of Man Railways is celebrating a historic milestone with the first all-women tram crew. • It’s never thought to have happened before in the 130 year history of the Manx Electric Railways. • The organisation is also currently recruiting for casual conductors, saying it offers a unique workplace with mountain views and coastal scenery.

3FM · Island News · 06:34 Farmers' union makes wildfire plea • The Manx National Farmers Union has issued a plea about starting fires in the countryside. • In a social media post, the organisation says the stretch of hot, dry weather means tinder-dry vegetation, bracken and gorse. • In its post, it says wildfires are easily started but incredibly hard to stop spreading through large areas of the Island.

IoM Today · Sport · 16:00 Injured Manx rider thanks medics that 'saved his life' following Southern 100 spill • I do feel very lucky to be sat here and able to give you all an update. • Grant Thomson came off at Church Bends on Tuesday evening and was flown to Aintree Hospital for further treatment. • The Manxman is, however, now back home in Port St Mary and posted a video update on his condition on Tuesday.

IoM Today · Business · 16:13 Offshore windfarm opponents highlight 'massive discrepancy' in option fee payments • But the firm behind the plans says comparing payments across different projects, jurisdictions and timescales was potentially misleading.

Manx Radio · Transport · 15:20 Apartment building planned for Douglas City Centre • 28 flats proposed for Finch Road. • Douglas could see a new apartment block in the city centre. • A planning application is proposing to knock down offices on Finch Road and build a five-storey residential space in its place.

Manx Radio · Weather · 06:33 Wind farm debate to continue before committee • Meeting held on Monday garnered mixed opinions. • The debate around the proposed Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm, which would be based off the island’s East coast, continued this week under the careful control of examiners appointed by the Council of Ministers. • On Monday (13 July), 80 people gathered in one of the ante rooms in the Villa Marina.

Manx Radio · Island News · 06:29 Call for compensation scheme for workers who become ill after contact with asbestos • The legislation would mirror a scheme operating in the UK. • A Tynwald motion calling for Treasury to investigate a discrete scheme to compensate workers who’ve become ill after exposure on Island to asbestos is to be tabled at this month’s sitting. • Mover of the motion, Dr Alex Allinson says the scheme would apply to people who’ve contracted mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of some organs - mainly the lungs and abdomen.

Manx Radio · Island News · 06:24 Port Erin Commissioners says standards of initial hiring process for new clerk 'fell short' • Chair Hannah Mackenzie says repeating procedure in best interests of residents. • The Chair of Port Erin Commissioners says the initial hiring process for a new clerk ’fell short’ of the standards it expects. • Hannah Mackenzie adds she didn’t anticipate leading the board through the current situation, but believes repeating the procedure is in the best interests of the residents.

IoM Today · Island News · 14:20 Swing bridge to close for 'essential' repair work • It will be shut for up to a month. • Essential repair work on Ramsey Swing Bridge is set to begin next month, with the structure expected to close to all road users, including pedestrians, while the project is carried out. • The works are scheduled to start on or around Monday, August 3, and are expected to take between two and three weeks - although a road closure order of up to one month is being sought to allow for any delays caused by adverse weather.

3FM · Island News · 14:25 Council rejects FOI about employee tenants • Douglas Council says it won't provide information about employees living in its public sector housing. • A Freedom of Information request asked how many council workers live in its properties, how many owed back rent and how many were being evicted. • But the local authority said checking employee addresses against its database of homes would involve compiling or collating information - which it isn’t required to do under law.

3FM · Island News · 13:44 Second national nature reserve declared in honour of King's visit • A second national nature reserve has been declared in honour of the King's visit. • Cronk y Bing Ayres is a stretch of sand dunes on the Andreas coast managed by the Manx Wildlife Trust. • The charity says it’s home to 120 bird species, including 36 listed as being of conservation concern.

3FM · Island News · 11:29 More than £8,000 raised in memory of KWC student • The friends of a popular King William's College student have raised more than £8,000 by walking 55 miles of the Raad Ny Foillan in his memory. • Sami Benbatoul died of leukaemia last year, and the money will be going to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. • The group walked all the way from the Point of Ayre to Sami’s restaurant at the Bradda Glen.

3FM · Politics · 09:35 Justice minister can't give number of suspended sentence reoffenders • Justice Minister Jayne Poole-Wilson says she can't say how many criminals given suspended sentences reoffend and are spared a jail term again. • Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse asked a question for written reply about numbers over the last five years. • In her response, Mrs Poole-Wilson said the courts computer system can’t separate out the sentencing information asked for and the Prison and Probation Service would have to manually review records on a number of different systems.

IoM Today · Transport · 15:05 Why the King's car is the only one on the road without a number plate • The small detail has sparked plenty of questions since His Majesty’s visit. • Unlike every other vehicle on Manx roads, the King’s official State car is exempt from displaying registration plates when carrying the Sovereign on official duties. • The vehicle, which is understood to have been brought to the Isle of Man aboard a Steam Packet sailing ahead of the royal visit, was the Bentley State Limousine – one of only two built by Bentley to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

IoM Today · Island News · 11:12 Off to university? Make sure you get the meningitis jab • We encourage everyone who is eligible to take up this opportunity to help protect themselves before the start of the academic year.

IoM Today · Island News · 09:12 The touching moment King Charles III met 104-year-old war veteran • ’I don’t know how you do it. • It’s bad enough at my age!’. • It’s bad enough at my age!’ One of the most poignant moments of King Charles III’s visit to the Isle of Man came away from the crowds and ceremonial engagements as he sat down with a 104-year-old Second World War veteran.

IoM Today · Law · 07:00 Young driver was almost three times drink-drive limit • The 21-year-old admitted the offence after police stopped his Corsa. • Tyler Jack Lowey appeared before magistrates recently. • He failed a breathalyser test with a reading of 101, above the legal limit of 35, on May 29, after being stopped by police on Douglas Road in Peel, while driving a Vauxhall Corsa.

IoM Today · Island News · 07:00 New visitor hub opens after original plans were dubbed container in a car park • The positive response we have received already has been incredibly encouraging. • The facility welcomed its first visitors on Friday, with Manx National Heritage (MNH) saying early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. • The road to opening has not been plain sailing, with an earlier version of the plans withdrawn following criticism over its lack of character and claims it resembled a container in a car park.

IoM Today · Island News · 06:00 Man accused of importing £12,000 of cocaine through post • He gave a no plea’ response after a package was intercepted at the sorting office. • The wider point is public safety, confidence in enforcement, and whether residents need to change what they do next.

Tides · Douglas

Douglas tide times for today, shown local to the Isle of Man.

What's on: next 7 days

A complete quick-view of 30 public listings over the next 7 days. Tap any item for the source and full details.

Tomorrow · Villa Marina · villa gaiety. Definitely Oasis - the World's Leading Oasis Tribute Band

Today · the Conister Arms (wetherspoon) · allevents. Central Registry Update 2026

Today · Launchpad (hillary House) · allevents. Communities of Practice: Isle of Man Ai Meet-up

Today · Launchpad (hillary House) · allevents. Data Asset Foundations: Drop-in Knowledge Session (16 Jul)

Today · Johnshaven Village Hall · allevents. In the Flesh: 4 Day Summer 'three Graces' Life Draw/paint

Today · St Catherine’s Church · manx radio. The Mill Ensemble

Today · 12 Apr 2026–25 Oct 2026 · Duke Travel / Isle of Man Experiences Shop, Isle of… · Visit IoM. Isle of Man TT Course & Motor Museum Tour

Today · 14 June 2026–25 Oct 2026 · Curraghs Wildlife Park, Main Road, Ballaugh, Isle of… · Visit IoM. Orchid Line Miniature Railway Running Day

Today · 16 - 23 Jul · Broadway Cinema · Villa Gaiety. Toy Story 5

Today · 16 Jul · Broadway Cinema · Villa Gaiety. Jackass Best and Last

Today · 18 May 2026–1 Nov 2026 · House Of Manannan, Isle of Man, peel, Isle of Man, IM5… · Visit IoM. Vintage Motorcycles On Display

Today · 18 May 2026–4 Oct 2026 · The Boat Park, Port Erin, Isle of Man, IM9 6JA · Visit IoM. Guided Aquabike Experience

Today · 2 Apr 2026–31 Oct 2026 · Douglas Railway Station, Bank Hill, Douglas, Isle of… · Visit IoM. Isle of Man Railways Dining Car

Today · 3 May 2026–18 Oct 2026 · Groudle Glen Railway, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM32HA · Visit IoM. Family Trainspotting Challenge

Today · 3 May 2026–18 Oct 2026 · Groudle Glen Railway, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM32HA · Visit IoM. Steam Teas

Today · 8 July 2026–26 Aug 2026 · Villa Arcade, Central Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man… · Visit IoM. Wurlitzer Organ Concerts

Tomorrow · St Andrew's Church · manx radio. Creative Journeys

Tomorrow · Glen Maye Chapel & Community Centre · manx radio & peel online. Glen Maye Flower Festival 2026 Celebrating 150 Years of the Current Glen Maye Chapel.

Tomorrow · Isle of Man · visitor events calendar. Isle of Man Hill Rally

Tomorrow · King William’s College, King’s Court Theatre · manx radio & hospice…. King's Men Choir In Concert

Tomorrow · 1 Market Square, Castletown · manx radio & manx…. Meet the Maker - 1 Market Square

Tomorrow · South Douglas Old Friends Association · allevents. The Big Summer Quiz Night

Tomorrow · 17 - 23 Jul · Broadway Cinema · Villa Gaiety. Supergirl

Tomorrow · 17 - 31 Jul · Dragons Castle · Villa Gaiety. Pop-In and Play At Dragon's Castle

Tomorrow · 17 July 2026 · King William's College, Castletown, Isle of Man, IM9… · Visit IoM. King's Men Choir, Cambridge

Tomorrow · 17 July 2026 · 1 Market Square, Isle of Man, Castletown, Isle of Man… · Visit IoM. Meet the Maker – 1 Market Square

Tomorrow · 17 July 2026–19 July 2026 · Ballacloan Stadium, North Shore Road, Ramsey, Isle of… · Visit IoM. Summer Festival of Football

Sat 18 Jul · Artreach Studios · allevents. ★ Wild, Big & Wonderful Contemporary Acrylic Painting: Starts 28th February

Sat 18 Jul · Peel Centenary Centre · centenary centre & iom…. An Evening of Deep Roots Blues With Grant Dermody & Adam Franklin

Sat 18 Jul · Erin Arts Centre · erin arts centre. But First Promotions: Ed Harcourt

Resident pulse

One weekly reader question. This same poll runs all week; vote below. We publish the result each Monday, then start the next question.

Three Island Amazon finds

Island Amazon pick 1

The Isle of Man history book

A broader Island history book search.

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Island Amazon pick 2

Isle of Man history book

Local-history reads beyond the day’s headlines.

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Island Amazon pick 3

Isle of Man TT annual review book

TT review books and archive racing reads.

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From the Manx oral tradition

A small Manx fact

Port Erin: Bradda Head and the bay make the village one of the Island’s classic sea views. It belongs to the map of everyday Mann, not just the postcard version.