Young people urged to quiz ministers at roadshow

Jane Poole-Wilson said the younger population had a stake in the island's future

Young people on the Isle of Man have been encouraged to question ministers and "have their voices heard" at a series of public meetings.

The roadshow, featuring members of the Council of Ministers, is set to take place across the island from 22 to 25 April.

Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole-Wilson MHK said the meetings were a chance to "hear what's on people’s minds" and help people to understand the work the government was undertaking "that might address their needs".

But she said "unfortunately" young people were not often seen at such events even though they had "a significant stake in our future".

Ms Poole-Wilson said it was "massively important" to "reconnect" with voters at the midway point of the administration.

"People do have concerns and frustrations and it's important we listen and appreciate what is affecting people’s lives and try and do our best to address them," she said.

'Pressing issues'

The deputy chief minister said she expected residents to approach ministers about "pressing issues" such as delivering services within budgets, economic development, cost of living pressures and travel connectivity.

She said borders and security would likely be a topic raised with her in her role as home affairs minister.

She said residents had already been registering to attend the events and hoped a "real range" of views, including from younger residents, would be gathered.

This would give the ministerial panel an idea of the "broader themes" affecting residents, which could be fed into work on "policy development and legislative change", she said.

The meetings will be held on consecutive nights starting at Castle Rushen High School in Castletown on 22 April, followed by Queen Elizabeth II High School in Peel and Ballakermeen High School in Douglas, and ending at Ramsey Grammar School on 25 April.