Organisers of the Manx People’s Manifesto say meetings held across the Isle of Man have highlighted a strong sense of frustration among residents about the direction of the island.

The initiative, led by southern resident Janet Bridle and a group of volunteers, was launched ahead of September’s General Election to give members of the public an opportunity to set out their priorities and concerns for the next administration.

Mrs Bridle said the response so far had been encouraging, with organisers now working on a website to collate and publish the findings.

‘It has been very interesting,’ Mrs Bridle said. ‘People are so grateful to be able to say something that they think then will be heard.’

The first meeting, held at Port St Mary Town Hall in June, attracted more than 70 people.

A subsequent session in Douglas was incorporated into a regular monthly quiz event attended by around 220 people.

Attendees were divided into their existing table groups and asked to record their views on questions including whether they were ready to vote, why they might not be, and what they would like to see from the next administration.

According to Mrs Bridle, the overall tone of the discussions had been more negative than positive, with frustration a recurring theme.

‘Yes, unfortunately the general feeling has been overwhelmingly negative and there’s a lot of frustration,’ she said.

However, she said the comments received had generally been practical and grounded, rather than consisting of unrealistic or unacceptable demands.

‘There hasn't been lots of ridiculous comments which are unacceptable or unachievable,’ she said.

‘It’s all been very down to earth and grounded. People have said they love the island and love living here, but feel that it’s going to the dogs.’

The most prominent theme spoken about during the meetings was government and governance.

Participants called for greater transparency, accountability and stronger financial oversight, including reviews of major public projects and government decision-making.

Many expressed a desire for elected representatives to deliver on election commitments, make long-term decisions in the public interest, reduce bureaucracy and improve strategic planning for the island's future economy.

Respondents also highlighted the importance of government communicating effectively, affordable housing, supporting businesses, regenerating high streets, investing in culture and ensuring government processes are more efficient and accountable.

Some prospective candidates have attended the meetings, although Mrs Bridle said several had contacted the organisers to acknowledge that their presence might influence the discussions and had therefore chosen not to attend.

‘We want to be very encouraging and definitely want people to stand,’ she said.

‘But we're saying this is what the people want. When these successful candidates are making their decisions in their ivory tower, they’ve got to think about what the people actually want.’

The completed manifesto from all of the meetings is expected to be published before the election and will be available to prospective MHKs and others.

The next Manx People’s Manifesto will take place at Peel Centenary Centre on Wednesday, August 19.

To find out more about the meetings, you can visit https://voiceofthepeople.im/