Teaching of Manx politics won't be made compulsory

Wed, 17 Aug 2016

Schools on the Isle of Man will not be forced to make Manx politics a compulsory subject - but the teaching of it will be encouraged.

That's the ruling of Tynwald after a motion was passed in the last sitting of the outgoing government administration.

Liberal Vannin Party leader Kate Beecroft, who's standing for re-election, put the motion forward asking for it to be compulsory from the age of 14.

In 2006 the Island became one of the first nations in the world to give 16-year-olds the vote - people who turn 16 before September's General Election are being reminded to register to have their say.

Education and Children Minister Tim Crookall successfully amended the motion saying 'sufficient' steps are already being taken by his department and Tynwald Chambers: