If you are going to fight for a right, then it is important that your preparation is spot on.

Dr Alex Allinson has revealed the Beastie Boys helped him get ready to ward off any attempts to sabotage his Abortion Reform Bill.

He has been widely praised for the way he guided it through the House of Keys under unprecedented levels of scrutiny - to a tumultuous backdrop of vociferous campaigns from both sides of the debate. That was a significant factor in the key components of the bill coming through relatively unscathed.

Even those against the provisions praised the way he had conducted himself throughout the weeks of debate. His calm response to the at-times deliberately provocative actions of some protestors outside has impressed many - and possibly infuriated some who were hoping to see him snap.

It is worth remembering that 18 months ago, Dr Allinson was not even an MHK. Now he has guided the most significant piece of social legislation the Isle of Man has seen in decades to the point where, although there may be some technical and legal amendments to come from Legislative Council, it will become law later this year.

So, following months of consultation and some heated public debate, it was time to ask Dr Allinson how he prepared himself for the lengthy and challenging debates where his every word would be analysed?

’I didn’t have any alcohol the night before,’ he said. ’I would wake up early and have a good breakfast and then I would bring my iPod in and listen to some music that got me through my medical exams - very loud - in my office.’

He revealed, a little self-consciously, the music in question was the punk/hip hop sounds of the Beastie Boys.

He explained that, for him, it was ’music that takes you back to a time when you achieved what you wanted to achieve’.

What has struck anyone watching the abortion debate unfold is just how passionate and how committed Dr Allinson has been to make a change he is convinced will make people’s lives better.

He has frequently redirected the praise aimed at him towards the women who have shared their personal stories to make people realise exactly what was involved.

There has been a clear sense of duty about what he has done.

’At the second reading, for the first time in my life, I felt like a proper politician,’ he said.

He is quick to acknowledge those who have supported him, such as the Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation and Handmaids Isle of Man, and, particularly among the MHKs, Douglas East representative Clare Bettison.

He is equally respectful of those who opposed aspects of the bill. When the bill starts its journey through Legislative Council later this month, it will be an odd feeling for him to be sat in a different chamber downstairs, knowing his legislation is being considered by others.

observe

On the days when the House of Keys finishes its business first - and with the Abortion Reform Bill before MLCs, there will be a good chance there will be such days - he may well allow himself to pop up and observe.

As for the future, Dr Allinson said he was hopeful the standard of debate during the bill’s progress through the House of Keys would influence how politics was conducted in future.

’People are sick and tired of politicians shouting at each other just for a few soundbites in the media,’ he said. ’We have a job to do here and we should be doing it professionally.’