One year to go: Veteran commentator assesses Isle of Man’s political landscape

Alistair Ramsay says disillusionment with government could shape 2026 election

With just one year until voters go to the polls in the Isle of Man’s 2026 General Election, political commentator Alistair Ramsay has suggested the biggest question will be whether the election produces a genuine anti-government reaction.

Mr Ramsay, who has more than four decades of experience observing Tynwald and previously worked as a government press officer, believes there is a sense of disillusionment with the current administration which could translate into challenges for sitting Members of the House of Keys.

He told Manx Radio that many incumbents may try to distance themselves from the Council of Ministers in the coming months:

“The task of the sitting members will likely be to pretend they’ve been anti-government all along – and that will include some ministers who’ve been part of the system for a long time.”

Mr Ramsay suggested even Chief Minister Alfred Cannan may attempt to separate himself from his government’s policies in the hopes that residents have “short memories”, though some ministers could choose to “stick to their guns”.

Asked about Mr Cannan’s legacy, he pointed to the population and economic strategy, describing it as “very radical” and difficult for many residents to accept:

“People have really struggled to understand and accept that the Island’s future is by purely building up numbers.”

He also raised concerns over public finances, describing the early years of the administration as “free spending” and “expansionist”. 

While he recognises the government has since shifted towards efficiency measures, he said the savings identified so far “seem very small in the overall scheme of things”.

Mr Ramsay added there appears to be little indication that the treasury minister fully supports the idea of creating a smaller, leaner government.

Looking ahead, he observed “stirrings” towards party politics on the Island, though warned against assuming it would take root:

“The danger is you’ll have several initiatives taking off and they’ll be a fragmentation. These won’t particularly get anywhere, and candidates will still believe their best chances of election will be if they remain independent.”

The 2026 Isle of Man General Election will take place on 24 September next year, with 24 seats in the House of Keys up for contest across 12 constituencies.