Leonard Singer

1996 to 2003 MHK Ramsey

2003 to 2006 MLC

1991 to 2006 and 2008 to present Member Ramsey Town Commissioners

1973 to 1986 Elected Member Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

What is your view on health care provision on the Island?

Basic health care is good but the increase in waiting list times to see a Consultant and receive treatment in several specialities is unacceptable.

The health of the nation depends on the early detection of diseases and for that we need the best medical equipment which is expensive. It is therefore necessary to identify and reduce wastage, streamline and introduce efficiences within the NHS to be able to implement the service the people of Ramsey and the island need and deserve.

Does the Island provide a good education?

The Education service on the island is good.The support given to our students at University is important.

Having put two children through the State system here and having one child still at school I believe our young people receive the encouragement and attention they need.

The curriculum should include the understanding of Manx politics to encourage involvement and an understanding in the way the island is run and the importance of voting in a democracy.

Should the Island be independent?

With the recent events instigated by the UK, our so called friend and neighbour,it is time for a full review of our status.We are blandly told by this Government that Independence is not an option but the people of this island are not given the complete thinking behind this statement.

There should be a full and frank review of our position seeking the views of the people ,business and anyone who wishes to contribute a considered opinion.There is no urgent decision to be made but all the facts should be placed before the people and a decision can then be made as to what is best for the Isle of Man.

What are your views on the islands taxation regime and VAT?

Taxation.... keeping low tax levels is clearly to the advantage of the people and to business but depending on circumstances those levels cannot be 'untouchable' if this means that the services provided to the people will deteriorate to an unacceptable level.A rational judgement has to be made

VAT... The Government is guilty

a) in the fact that they have known for years that we were receiving more that we were entitled to.

b) that they have not had plans ready to implement when the UK decided to grab the money back

c) they have had no 'fight'to get a better deal and so the bully came back for more

d) to claim that losing up to £190 million is a 'good deal' This is living in 'cloud cuckoo land'

Is inflation hurting the Isle of Man?

Inflation is hitting hard being at a higher level than the UK and wage increases here being almost non-existent. For older and retired people inflation on items such as fuel and food is far higher whilst their income is increasing negligibly. This is making living difficult for many people who this winter may have to choose between food or fuel.

Should there be state owned monopolies or free market competition (i.e. Water, Post, Gas, Electricity, Telecom's, Ferry Travel etc..)?

There is a case to investigate privatisation of certain state owned monopolies such as IOM airport,electricity,gas.

Would anyone want the Government to run the ferry services? They cannot even run a bus to get the children to school on time in Ramsey

Under the present difficult financial circumstances there should be no 'sacred cows' and investigation into the running of services should be undertaken to determine what is best for the people of Ramsey and the Isle of Man.

Should we have an open seas policy like the open sky's policy?

Unfortunately the Government signed a ridiculously long agreement with the Steam Packet Company which gave the Government little say in the quality, cost levels and consistency of the service.

An open seas policy could lose any guarantee of regular reliable services as the companies would seek to provide services in the busy times but not in the quiet.

This has happened under the 'open skies',policy where airlines have come and gone at will,routes have been commenced and then abandoned.A route licensing scheme would enable an airline to plan ahead with confidence in return for a guarantee of service quality, and acceptable pricing.

Does the Island do enough to protect its environment?

We are so fortunate to have beautiful countryside to enjoy.It is in the Towns where there has been neglect in that the Dept of Infrastructure has wasted so much money on grandiose schemes whilst not attending to its responsibilities in maintaining the roads and pavements.

Where do you see the future of the Islands economy (i.e. Finance, Manufacturing, Service, Tourism, Film, Space etc)?

Continuing a diverse economy is extremely important in these difficult times.

It is necessary to be pro-active in seeking new areas of high quality business and attract them to establish on the Island by meeting face to face.

There are areas of the world which are expanding and have large natural resources. The Isle of Man is an excellent place for companies to establish a base for dealing in Europe and world-wide. The Island has always been a good 'test bed' for new technologies and should be positively promoted.It is necessary to establish advantageous terms for them to locate to the Isle of Man and to locate in Ramsey rather than be directed to Douglas.

Where do you think new jobs can be generated?

Attracting the new companies to the Island will create the new jobs and should there should be a guarantee from the Company that grants and support from Government will be subject to these new jobs being created. (see answer above)

Should the Chief Minister and MLC's be publicly elected?

Yes.

I have always supported MLC's being publicly elected.

I support the principle of the election of the Chief Minister so that the public have some idea of the policies of the person leading the Government for the following 5 years.

There are difficulties but I would be happy to investigate ways of electing the Chief Minister and bringing forward a Private Members Bill if required.

Details will appear here.

Details will appear here.