Mec Vannin, the Manx nationalist party, has hit out at the current members of Tynwald.

In a statement it describes the new make-up of the parliament ’as a distinct stagger to the right and towards "offshore England".’

It adds: ’This does not augur well for the less privileged in our community or the Manx people as a nation.

’At a time of financial hardship, the working and disabled poor are the ones that take the biggest hit.

’We should be ashamed that in our country, where riches abound, there food banks, and at the same time our government continues with the previous government’s DED policy, the by now infamous £50m giveaway (throwaway).

’Obviously continuing the tradition of being in bed with the Chamber of Commerce, rather than investing in the local people who have a vested interest in succeeding, another open invitation to the wide boys for whom it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work - it’s our money not theirs going down the pan.Further erosion of the work permit regulations is a sure way of inviting a low wage economy for workers with rich pickings for the bosses.

’Strict work permit regulations must be implemented. Government must not kowtow to the narrow interests of Chamber of Commerce.

’The government must invest in future of its people, particularly the traditional industries that will provide food security and restrict imports that we ourselves can provide.

’That does not preclude good new ideas that we can employ using home grown talent. Look at other countries that make the most of their resources. We need a progressive income tax to pay for essential services and utilities. Essential, means those things that a civilised nation should expect - freedom from hunger, shelter, physical and mental health care, the means through education to achieve a productive future for subsequent generations.

’We need a government that will act as a national government rather than an English county council with income tax powers. The objective should be to protect and nurture the people of the Isle of Man, in particular the vulnerable. This is surely not too much to ask, after all, the rampant destruction of our country and the marginalisation of the Manx people was executed on the excuse that it was for "our benefit".

’Mec Vannin has tasked itself to challenge the government on every occasion it strays from doing what it is honour bound to do - that is, to do what is in the best interests of the Isle of Man and its people.’

At the recent annual general meeting of Mec Vannin, held in Peel, all officer reports indicated a ’full year’ of activity.

Executive officers were returned as follows: Mark Kermode chair, Paul Kelly treasurer, Cristl Jerry secretary, Roy Kennaugh cultural officer, Allen Moore international/environmental officer. Bernard Moffatt is Life President - no election required.

Mec Vannin also gave public recognition to the value of past ’Worthies’. - Manx people who did much for the nation.

This year marked a century since the passing of the indefatigable Sophia Morrison, so it was apt to start the year’s events by a wreath-laying at the family grave.

Her great nephew, Mr Crellin Frost, did the honours. The proceeding events of the day were very well supported and much appreciated by the many folk who attended the Methodist Church and the Concert at the Centenary Hall which were both full to capacity.

All officers had a full remit and that of International Officer was expanded to include environmental issues.

In discussion, it was felt whilst for the moment, the cultural side seems well financed, the political front a cause for concern.

Mec Vannin describes itself on its goals on its website as ’to achieve national independence for Mann as a sovereign state, based on a republican form of government. To further and safeguard the interests of Mann. To protect the individual and collective rights of its people’.

The party once fielded candidates in elections.

Indeed, Allan Bell, the former chief minister, stood on a Mec Vannin ticket unsuccessfully in 1976.

Despite all officers of the party saying they’d had a ’full year’, not one of the 63 candidates in last year’s general election stood on a Mec Vannin ticket.