Hooper: Public figures must weigh free speech against community trust

Ramsey MHK responds after Commissioner’s controversial post sparks questions over standards in public office

A Ramsey MHK says those in public office need to remember they are representing their community when making public statements.

Lawrie Hooper told Manx Radio he was contacted by a constituent who raised concerns about remarks made by Ramsey Commissioner Elizabeth Shimmin on social media last week.

Ms Shimmin wrote on Facebook that US political commentator Charlie Kirk should “burn in hell” in response to an online tribute.

Mr Hooper says while everyone is entitled to personal opinions, public representatives also need to consider how their comments might affect the way Ramsey - or the Isle of Man more widely - is perceived.

He adds the public rightly expects higher standards of behaviour from elected members, but notes there is currently no formal mechanism to hold politicians to account in this area, as most are independent and not bound by party discipline.

While no confidence motions can be brought, he stressed these are symbolic and carry no legal weight, though he believes those subject to such motions should “do the right thing”.

Mr Hooper expressed concern that smaller authorities might lack the resources to conduct investigations properly, and warned that the system could be open to political abuse if no confidence motions carried legal weight and had the power to remove a sitting politician from office.

Reflecting on political debate more broadly, he described the question of where to draw the line between freedom of expression and comments that could damage public trust as the “million dollar question”.

He said political discourse on the Island has been deteriorating, with social media in particular leading to disputes escalating more quickly due to the loss of tone and nuance.

Ms Shimmin, who was elected to Ramsey Town Commissioners in April, has not responded to Manx Radio’s request for comment since the authority’s vice-chair confirmed enquiries were ongoing.

Listen to Manx Radio's Christian Jones in conversation with Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper: