Before the final Tynwald sitting of the political year, the island’s students took on the role of members for the 2018 sitting of Junior Tynwald.

With questions ranging from the Steam Packet to cannabis, the students showed they are very knowledgeable on the issues facing the island.

Deputy President of Tynwald, Juan Watterson SHK told the Examiner how important he thinks the annual event is.

He said: ’Junior Tynwald is a great opportunity to open the doors of Tynwald to the politicians of the future.

’It is a unique experience to sit in the chamber and ask questions of members, and debate the big issues of the day as selected by them.

’As someone who did Junior Tynwald in 1997 it sparked an interest that led to being an MHK. For others that may lead them into the media or civil service.

’However, it is important that our young people learn about our history and constitution as they will be the ones who shape it for the future.’

Mr Watterson also presented the Outstanding Participant Award to Kerenza Baker who took on the role of Ayre and Michael MHK.

Miss Baker was praised by Mr Watterson for showing ’evidence of preparation for debates and questions’ and for her ’insightful contributions’.

She said: ’Hearing the ministers’ replies was particularly interesting and I found I was really having to think on my feet. I also enjoyed the research process for my question.’

Before the sitting, the students were given a tour of the three chambers with the role of each explained in greater detail.

The sitting began as regular sittings do, with the Bishop leading the court in prayer. Following questions, two members put forward motions for debate.

Nathan Harmer, aptly representing his father’s Glenfaba and Peel constituency, moved that the island should seek the status of a sovereign nation with the Queen retained as Head of State.

Jack Smith, representing Ramsey, asked for members’ support that more should be done to tackle the island’s ’drinks culture’.

Both members were commended by Mr Watterson for the concise way they summed up their arguments.

Joshua Nightingale from Castle Rushen High School, who took the role of a Legislative Council member, also received ’an honourable mention’ for his depth of engagement which saw him challenge most replies with supplementaries.

As MHKs were substituted for students, so too were our reporters, with the Examiner’s coverage provided by Laura Griffiths, Sadie Lightfoot and Rueben Harris.