Choose Candidates Who Can Govern For The Whole Island Urges Chamber

Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce is urging General Election voters to look beyond constituency promises and consider whether candidates have the capability to govern in the interests of the whole Island.

Candidates are elected to represent local constituencies, but those elected will collectively form the House of Keys, choose the next Chief Minister, and form the next government that will shape theIsland’s economic strategy over the next five years.

When deciding who to support, Chamber says voters should consider not only what a candidate promises locally, but also whether they have the judgement, courage, and leadership qualities required to make decisions that will be crucial to address the multiple challenges that the Island is facing

As polling day approaches on 24 September, the Island’s leading business network is asking the electorate to ask themselves one question above all others when deciding who to support: Is this candidate capable of governing in the interests of the whole Island, not just their constituency?

Chamber President Claire Watterson said: “House of Keys candidates are elected by constituency, but those who become members of the Council of Ministers will form the next government and make decisions that affect everyone on the Island.  The decisions taken by the next administration will therefore shape the Island’s economic prospects for years to come. The Island's economy has contracted in real terms for two consecutive years. Businesses are telling Chamber, through this year's Future of the Economy research and member survey, that growth is their clearest priority. There is widespread concern that government delivery, regulatory friction and skills shortages are holding that growth back. Housing, connectivity and the cost of government are not side issues. They are part of one connected system, and the next administration will only fix it if enough of its members can see it in that context. This is why Chamber is not asking voters to choose people who have simply promised the most. We are asking them to choose people equipped to govern in the Island’s national interests.”

Chamber remains resolutely independent and non-partisan. It is not asking voters to support any particular candidate or political party. What is asking voters to do is to test whether they think candidates have the experience, judgement, courage and economic understanding that the Island now needs.

This is what Chamber says voters should look for when making their decision. Someone who….

• Thinks beyond their constituency and puts the long-term interests of the whole Island first.
• Understands that economic growth, housing, skills, infrastructure, public services and the cost of government form one connected system not separate problems to be solved in isolation.
• Has demonstrated leadership by taking responsibility, making decisions and delivering results, in business, public service, education or their community. The test is judgement and record, not job title.
• Is prepared to prioritise, including explaining what will stop or change, not just what will start.
• Can make difficult decisions, explain the trade-offs honestly, and stand by them.
• Uses evidence, listens to expertise, and is willing to change their mind when the facts do.
• Can be challenged without becoming defensive or making disagreement personal.
• Collaborates naturally, including with people whose politics or views differ from their own.
• Is more interested in getting it right than being right.
• Understands the difference between responsible, proportionate risk and simply avoiding decisions.
• Recognises that an MHK's job is not only to raise problems, but to help solve them.

Chamber CEO Rebecca George commented: “Brave leadership does not mean being reckless or certain of every answer. It means being honest about the challenges facing the Island, making tough decisions, and taking responsibility for what follows. These may be constituency elections, but together they will produce one House of Keys and determine who is able to form and lead the next government. The votes cast will decide whether the Isle of Man has a government capable of turning today’s economic evidence into tomorrow’s delivery for businesses, workers and communities alike.”

Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has two guides to help voters understand crucial issues when they vote at the General Election next month, with suggestions for key questions they may wish to put to candidates. Click here or go to www.iomchamber.org.im/election-2026.