Following a disappointing number of candidates standing for election in local elections, there are increasing fears that the island has a democratic apathy problem.

Local authorities will see contests in some areas but by no means all when they go to the polls later this month.

In seven of the 21 local authorities not enough candidates came forward to fill the number of seats available. In six authorities there were enough candidates to fill the seats - but not enough to hold elections as planned.

One area in which seats remain vacant is Ramsey, where nine candidates were instated uncontested, but three seats are yet to be filled.

After the formal declaration of results following the close of nominations for the elections to Ramsey north and south wards, the chairman of Ramsey Commissioners Andrew Cowie,who did not stand for re-election, commented on the new board and the lack of candidates in the area.

He said: ’It is disappointing that we have not had more candidates come forward, but I would like to thank those that have stepped up and wish them the very best for the coming term.

’I am sure they will continue to promote our town and make decisions based on the future prosperity and well-being of all our residents.’

Former MHK David Cretney described the news of ten uncontested elections as ’very disappointing’.

He said: ’Some people may put forward the argument that they are content with the people they’ve got, but elections are very important things. Particularly when those elected will be taxing the people they seek to represent by way of rates.’

’I’ve long been a proponent of less local authorities because I do believe substantial savings could be achieved by more combined authorities and there has been some work in that regard.’

He added that a review may need to take place: ’In the light of what appears to be lack of interest’ and that local authorities should be viewed as more important. He said: ’If there was a stronger local authority structure then it would leave the members of Tynwald to get on with the big national issues.’

Mr Cretney argued a swap in the order of the local and general elections may be the key to solving some of these issues.

He said: ’I think the local authority elections should come the year after the general election - because there may be some people holding back to stand for the House of Keys, [and they then] may not get elected, but they might have been very good local authority members, and as such they’re not going to be available for that.’

Since the publication of this week’s Examiner, Jurby Commissioners has confirmed its election will be contested: Simon Thomas Bampton; Kelly Louise Charman; Danielle Elaine Crowe; Nicholas Lyndon Crowe; Darren Hope; Louise Jane Kennedy; Sarah-Jayne Melvin; John Pickles; Lee Quaggin.

lIndependent comment, page 18.