Ramsey commissioner Juan McGuinness was scathing in his criticism of the latest consultation document by government on changes to the electoral systems, branding it ’a lost opportunity’.

The document circulated to all local authorities for their views lists 42 questions for consideration, prior to the introduction of proposed new legislation in 2020.

pointless

Mr McGuinness described it as a lengthy and pointless survey that completely missed the point.

’Instead of worrying about tea and biscuits (a reference to one of the questions that asked whether ’modest hospitality’ should be permissible at campaign meetings), they should have been looking to completely overhaul the current electoral system’, he said. ’It is a missed opportunity, typical of the current administration’.

In particular, he felt the consultation failed to address the topic of electronic voting.

’We have the technology for the Isle of Man to lead the world on this. The government should step up to the plate and be more proactive,’ he stated.

His comments and a number of suggestions will be included in the board’s response to the questionnaire.