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Filling an argument vacuum
THE Examiner is out a day later than usual this week because of the bank holiday weekend.
We're normally in shops from Monday afternoons. But there's no point doing getting the paper out then when so many shut their doors.
In today's paper we lead with the problems Aer Arann is experiencing.
Of course, we don't know what the fallout will be. But Aer Arann is the airline that goes to London City Airport from the Isle of Man. And it's also our link with Dublin.
They are vital routes say some. If they went, they might go for good.
We have also written a story about a letter from a group who thinks the Isle of Man should ditch zero-10 company tax.
The group of 12 people – including a high profile charity worker – says that we'd be better off in the long run and have a better reputation if we re-introduced company taxes.
You might remember that a few weeks ago (August 10, to be precise) we ran a story based on a survey of corporate service providers and other finance sector interests. They predicted doom and gloom – ultimately lots of job losses and a big cut in tax take – if the Island lost zero-10.
We're delighted we've got a response today.
The group criticised the Examiner for not saying why the EU was pressurising the Island to make changes.
Perhaps that's a fair criticism but we did say that some members (of the EU) felt they were predatory and took money away from them.
Unfortunately, the group of 12 people who've written to us aren't establishing themselves as a formal pressure group.
That's a shame because they could have help to fill an argument vacuum on this topic and widen the debate. We sometimes find it hard to find someone to put counter-arguments in political stories because there are few pressure groups and little in the way of formal party politics – which thrive on confrontation – in the Isle of Man.
The letter has helped to spell out why the EU is making noises about zero-10 and puts the case for company taxes. Its authors believe that the fact we don't have company taxes for most industries damages developing countries.
I'm sure the comments on 'secrecy jurisdictions' and claims about money laundering will be hotly disputed by the powers that be.
But at least there's someone here in the Isle of Man – and not just Richard Murphy, the UK blogger – making the argument.
Comment on this blog post by emailing newsviews@newsiom.co.im
YOUR COMMENTS
Whitehall and Westminster officials are the ones feeding anti Isle of Man and anti "Zero ten" lines into the EU system. In effect they are making the bullets for the likes of the EU and OECD to fire with the UK's blessing or fire direction if you like. This has been acknowledged by one or two Manx MInisters and other guests live on Manx Radio's "Sunday Opinion" and "Mannin Line". (When pressed by the presenter). I have written often that there is a discreet and continued attack on the Crown Dependencies with a view to grinding them down and into a new peripheral EU region yet under the UK as the sovereign and metropolitan power. Recent events from raiding the KSF bank's funds, the VAT hit and even the Reciprocal Health Agreement are but the tip of the iceberg. There is a plan. The UK is not your friend but without the underpinning of UK Sovereign Risk the Island will not prosper.
BARRIE STEVENS
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Weather for Isle of Man
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy showers
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
