Today marks the announcement that perennially amiable yet frequently docile government interrogator and long term Manx Radio employee TIm Glover is stepping down from his day job with Manx Radio to stand in Arbory, Castletown and Malew.
Obliquely at the start of his Facebook announcement he states that in standing there was a clear conflict with his current career and his workplace. Which we might be so bold as to suggest was the realisation that he couldn't get paid by Manx Radio to provide political content and commentary and stand for public office at the same time as that would basically be taking the mickey. So he's one-up on some MLCs already when it comes to long term commitment.
His initial [but lacking in any real substantive detail] announcement states that as a journalist he knows how to listen, ask questions, hold people to account and investigate matters. Although a 24 year Manx Radio track record, topped off by some extremely tepid and at times semi-lucid questioning at recent IOM Government COVID-19 briefings, perhaps might lead others to suspect otherwise.
As the Right Honorable Denis Healey once said of Geoffrey Howe - debating with him was rather like being savaged by a dead sheep. Which we suggest is an analogy that will be familiar to many of us who heard or saw some of Mr Glover's claimed in depth questioning of government at the public covid briefings.
Which in the end leaves a rather sanguine announcement concerning what Mr Glover intends to focus on if elected. Sounding like it was written by a spokesman for the Care Bears it seems to be an overly optimistic and almost romantic attempt to channel what some people believe will be the new normal in the post COVID-19 world. So we get lots of inclusive statements about the local community, supporting local businesses, and being concerned for peoples mental health and virtually nothing about the economy or how the residents of New Care-a-Lot will be able to pay their bills, be supported through the uncertainty, or receive public services in this brave new world.
Mr Glover also promises to make no promises other than to represent people with passion, honesty, openness and understanding [that's actually not promising anyone to deliver anything - isn't it?]. Anyway we are sure there will be more to report on in the coming weeks as Mr Glover's full manifesto is published - so for now good luck Tim Glover. You're clearly a lovely man who has been insulated from a lot up until this point in time who thinks that the post pandemic malaise will be everyone's new way of life. A guaranteed vote winner from anyone involved with our bloated system of public administration.
