☕ Subway is Returning to Douglas | Moghrey Mie · 20 Feb
Moghrey Mie 🇮🇲
Friday, 20 February 2026
☕ ~8 min read · 15 stories from 76 sources
Moghrey mie! It's a chilly Friday in Douglas — heavy drizzle, 7°C (feels like 2°C), 16mph SW. High of 10°C. ☀ 07:26 — 🌙 17:36. Some developing stories to bring you up to speed.
⚡ Today in 30 Seconds
• Bus strikes: Negotiations continue between DoI and union — As the island prepares for a potential disruption to its bus services, talks between the Department of Infrastructure...
• Most popular baby names in Isle of Man throughout 2025 announced — Fresh data from the Central Registry sheds light on the naming trends that dominated the Isle of Man's nurseries last...
• Two people left with serious injuries after incident at Douglas bar — A disturbing incident at a popular Douglas watering hole has prompted a police appeal for information.
• Government 'hopeful' pay offer will halt bus strike — A prolonged dispute over pay and entitlements is threatening to bring the island's bus network to a standstill, with...
• Traffic chaos reported in Douglas after emergency road closure — Disruption is underway in the island's capital, where a sudden road closure has thrown traffic into disarray.
📚 Manx Reading Corner
TT Races: The Isle of Man's Greatest Sporting Event Stunning photography and stories from the world's most dangerous race. Amazon Associate link
📰 Top Stories (14)
🔴 Bus strikes: Negotiations continue between DoI and union
As the island prepares for a potential disruption to its bus services, talks between the Department of Infrastructure and Unite the Union are ongoing in a bid to find a mutually acceptable solution. The Department has put forward its fourth proposal in an effort to avert the planned ten-day strike, which is currently set to begin on Saturday. Following a meeting at the Manx Industrial Relations Service earlier this week, discussions are still underway, with the aim of finding a way forward that suits all parties.
📰 Manx Radio · Manx Radio · 3FM
Most popular baby names in Isle of Man throughout 2025 announced
Fresh data from the Central Registry sheds light on the naming trends that dominated the Isle of Man's nurseries last year, with the official list of most popular baby names for 2025 now out.
📰 Manx Radio · 3FM · IOM Today
Two people left with serious injuries after incident at Douglas bar
A disturbing incident at a popular Douglas watering hole has prompted a police appeal for information. On Sunday, 8 February, a violent altercation broke out at Oscar's bar on Victoria Street, leaving two individuals with severe injuries. The trouble began in the men's toilets, where one man was reportedly attacked and hurt.
📰 Manx Radio · 3FM · IOM Today
Government 'hopeful' pay offer will halt bus strike
A prolonged dispute over pay and entitlements is threatening to bring the island's bus network to a standstill, with union members poised to launch a 10-day strike. The industrial action, set to begin on Saturday, is the latest escalation in a long-running row between Unite union members and the Department of Infrastructure. Despite the looming strike, the DOI remains optimistic that a recently tabled offer will be enough to halt the walkout.
Traffic chaos reported in Douglas after emergency road closure
Disruption is underway in the island's capital, where a sudden road closure has thrown traffic into disarray. The affected area is Kewaigue Hill, which has been shut down as a precautionary measure due to unforeseen problems that arose during excavation work being carried out there.
📰 Manx Radio · IOM Today
Arbory and Rushen Commissioners receive planning approval for new leisure area
A new recreational space is on the horizon for residents of Arbory and Rushen, with the local authority recently securing planning approval for a family-friendly area in Ballakilley. The proposed development will feature a BMX track, a designated zone for dog walking, and a play area for children, complete with wildflower planting and grass mounds. This project is the culmination of years of feedback from residents, who have been sharing their ideas and suggestions for the park.
📰 Manx Radio · Manx.news
Treasury minister defends final budget of Cannan administration
As the Island's politicians dissect the latest Budget, Treasury Minister Chris Thomas has come out swinging in defense of his administration's final financial plan. In a recent radio interview, Thomas characterized the Budget as a necessary step, one that had to be taken regardless of the impending election. Although his predecessor, Alex Allinson, had laid the groundwork for the document, Thomas made a significant last-minute adjustment, boosting the personal allowance from £750 to £2,250.
Community learns use of defibrillator
Island residents are now better equipped to respond in emergency situations, thanks to a recent training session in St Mark's. The village is home to a public access defibrillator, conveniently located in a green box on the wall of the local Methodist Chapel. A group of community members gathered to learn how to operate this potentially life-saving device, gaining valuable knowledge and skills in the process.
Wannenburgh: 'Government is drifting'
Island lawmakers are facing criticism for their handling of the government's finances, with one MHK expressing concern that the current approach is neglecting the needs of future generations. John Wannenburgh, who represents Douglas North, has spoken out about the government's tendency to "drift" without a clear plan for managing its reserves. His dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs led him to vote against the latest Budget, marking the fourth time he has withheld his support for the annual financial plan during his tenure.
Minimum Wage Committee membership raises questions over legal eligibility
A potential issue with the makeup of the Minimum Wage Committee has come to light, prompting questions about the eligibility of one of its long-standing members. The committee, which plays a crucial role in advising the government on minimum wage rates, is bound by the rules set out in the Minimum Wage Act 2001. Specifically, the Act states that individuals who hold certain public offices, including local authority positions, are disqualified from serving on the committee.
Travelodge applies for signage at Villiers Square development
Development at Villiers Square is progressing, with Travelodge taking steps to establish its presence at the site. The hotel chain has submitted an application for signage, seeking permission to install two types of signs: a permanent illuminated sign that will be mounted on the wall, and a freestanding illuminated totem sign. This move comes after Travelodge secured a long-term commitment to the location, having agreed to a 30-year lease in November 2024.
MHK warns of 'slippery slope' Budget which is 'bad for lower earners'
A local politician is sounding the alarm over the latest Budget, cautioning that it may have a disproportionate impact on the Island's lower-income residents. Lawrie Hooper, a member of the House of Keys from Ramsey and a former government minister, has expressed his disapproval of the financial plan, suggesting that it fails to adequately support those who need it most. He has also raised concerns about the reliance on reserves, warning that this approach could lead to unintended consequences.
Island has 'a lot' in reserves, says former treasury minister
A recent statement from the island's former treasury minister has shed light on the state of the Isle of Man's finances. According to Alex Allinson, who until recently was responsible for managing the island's budget, the government has a substantial amount set aside in reserves. This reassurance comes as the island navigates the complexities of budget management, a task that Allinson acknowledges is inherently challenging.
Views sought on what you can and can't build in your garden
As the deadline draws near, residents are being urged to share their thoughts on proposed changes to the rules governing garden constructions. The government is seeking feedback on potential amendments to the regulations that dictate what can be built in domestic gardens, from sheds and summerhouses to pergolas. A key consideration in this review is striking the right balance between allowing homeowners to enhance their outdoor spaces and preventing the exploitation of loopholes.
💼 Business (1)
Subway is Returning to Douglas
Island residents with a hankering for customisable sandwiches can look forward to a welcome return: Subway is set to reopen in Douglas, courtesy of Spar, with a launch date slated for this summer. Whether your preference leans towards a compact six-inch sub or a more substantial footlong, the news is sure to be a boon for fans of the popular chain.
📰 Manx Radio · Manx Radio Business · Manx.news
🛒 Manx Pick of the Day
Manx Language Phrasebook Learn basic Gaelg — from 'moghrey mie' to everyday conversations. As an Amazon Associate, Moghrey Mie earns from qualifying purchases.
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🚢 Getting Around
⛴️ Steam Packet: ⚠️ Service disruptions reported — Check timetables
🏔️ Mountain Road: ⚠️ 'This is hurting a lot of us': Firms vent frustration on Mountain Road closures
✈️ Ronaldsway: Normal operations
🌊 Tides: 🔺 High 00:53 (2.9m) · 🔻 Low 07:08 (-3.0m) · 🔺 High 13:07 (3.3m) · 🔻 Low 19:32 (-3.3m)
💱 £1 = €1.1439 · $1.3464 · 1.0437 CHF
🌊 Sea temp: 7.8°C · 🌒 Waxing Crescent · 🌥 UV 1 — Low.
📅 Events This Week
⏳ Coming Up
- TT Race Week — 98 days (30 May)
- Parish Walk — 119 days (20 Jun)
- Tynwald Day — 134 days (05 Jul)
- Yn Chruinnaght — 147 days (18 Jul)
📜 This Day in Manx History
1877 — The foundation stone was laid for the Tower of Refuge in Douglas Bay — a shelter for shipwrecked sailors.
🗣️ Fockle yn Laa
Balley (BAL-eh) — Town/Farm
🥾 For the Outdoor Manxie
Waterproof Hiking Boots Because Manx weather doesn't care about your plans. Essential footwear for the Raad ny Foillan. Amazon Associate link
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🌿 Nature
🐦 Chough — The red-billed chough — IoM's national bird — is pairing up for breeding season. Look for them on coastal cliffs, especially around the Sound.
📖 Weekend Read
The Manxman by Hall Caine (1894) — International bestseller set on the Island. Love triangle, betrayal, and justice against IoM's stunning backdrop.
🧠 Daily Quiz
Which day in July is Tynwald Day? (Answer at the very bottom)
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📚 From the Bookshelf
Ultimate Word Search: 200 Themed Puzzles by Cadence Shelley — £6.99 200 themed word searches to keep your mind sharp. Browse all books by Cadence Shelley →
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😄 What's the Manx definition of a traffic jam? Three cars behind a tractor on the Mountain Road.
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Quiz answer: 5th July
Traa dy liooar (time enough) ☕🇮🇲
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