Petitioners seek redress on wide span of Manx issues

Eight people have exercised their right as Manx citizens to petition parliament directly on Tynwald Day.

Seven petitioners appeared in person at the foot of Tynwald hill during today's open air sitting of Tynwald Court, the eighth was represented by MHK Phil Gawne. 

Each formal petition has been drawn-up to meet strict criteria and will only be progressed if a Tynwald member takes it up at some point in the future.

The petitions raise issues ranging from assisted suicide and animal welfare to the planning process and the Lord Bishop's role in Legislative Council.

The legal rights of children in family cases, a farming issue and the accountability of local authorities have also been raised in petitions. 

In January the Island was hit by severe coastal flooding.

Castletown resident Samantha Blackford whose property was badly affected, says her petition calls for action to deal with a very serious situation: