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Former minister wants to see more detail in manifestos

Tue, 20 Oct 2020

A former government minister is calling on aspiring MHKs to provide more detail in their manifestos.

Chris Thomas has criticised what he’s called “traditional Manx” campaign promises that contain little in the way of policy.

He’s also praised a debate on whether or not candidates for the role of chief minister should declare beforehand.

Mr Thomas, who was dismissed as policy and reform minister in May, refused to confirm if he would would be putting himself forward for the top job.

He said: “I want the 2021 election, of which I will be part, to be cleaner and for chief minister candidates to be identified with certain future ministers based around policies.

“There are differences in policies at the moment with respect to some of the major challenges we face.”

Despite calling the upcoming debate on chief minister candidates ‘helpful’, Mr Thomas believes there are more important matters which need addressing.

“What’s even more important [than the debate on chief minister candidates] is that people don’t write a traditional Manx manifesto, which is: ‘I’m a good fella or a woman’ and ‘vote for me because I’ve got lots of experience’ and so on.

“I think we actually need to put on the table to the Manx electorate ‘this is what I believe about how we should tackle this issue’ and ‘this is what I’ll do about it’ and ‘this is how I’ll pay for what I want done about it’.”

His own ambition for the most senior position in Manx politics remains unclear, however.

When asked if he would be putting his name forward to succeed Howard Quayle, the Douglas Central MHK said: “At this stage, I am and have always been a policy person.

“I’m more of a softer type of public representative. I prefer working with other people as part of a team and to me that is absolutely crucial.”

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