Should the government buy the Steam Packet for £124m?

The Examiner went to Strand Street, Douglas, to ask the public the big question.

’It’s a good thing, a great thing,’ said Frank Fearon, when asked for his thoughts about the deal.

The former Steam Packet employee, who worked for the company for 35 years, continued: ’It’s the best thing because there would be no more debt and it would guarantee the Steam Packet’s future. Also, it would generate jobs for the Manx people.

’While working for the company, we never knew where we were with the Steam Packet as it was owned by numerous companies, a lot of them from overseas like Portugal,’ the 67-year-old from Liverpool added.

Juan Callister, 33, from Kirk Michael, said: ’I think it’s a buy out.

’I think that the Steam Packet are in debt and the government are buying them out to help them out.

’I don’t think it’s worth £124m. The boats aren’t that much money and the company’s in debt.’

Chris and Brenda Quayle, both aged 73 and from Onchan, are opposed to the deal.

’I think it’s crazy,’ said Chris. ’I cannot understand how the Chief Minister and other Ministers can decide to buy the Steam Packet without putting it to Tynwald first.

’It’s all been done in secret.

’The boats are knackered. There’s two scrap ships and a company that the government wouldn’t be able to make money out of, unless they buy new ships.

’The Ben-My-Chree won’t last forever. It needs renewing. Can we also afford to spend all that money on gold plated promenade?

’If the Steam Packet could be run well it could be good. I’m worried about the money. Where are we getting that from?

’There’s 82,000 people living on this island and it’s costing millions for all of this.

’They cannot keep piling these things on us.’

Brenda agreed, saying: ’I think it’s disgraceful the way they are handling it.’

Friends Laura Matthews and Hannah Cretney, both 23 and from Douglas, think the government buying the Steam Packet could be a positive thing for island residents.

Laura said: ’I think it’s a good idea. The Steam Packet has needed a change for years and we need new boats. It’s time. I feel like a lot of people aren’t happy with the service, as it’s unreliable.’

Hannah hopes that ticket costs will improve if the deal goes through, including the management of the prices as they ’can change quite drastically, especially around TT week’.

When asked whether the Steam Packet is worth £124m, Laura replied: ’It’s steep, but if they’ve got the budget then go for it.’

Kirk Michael resident Andrew Berry, 62, is in favour of the deal.

’Should a model service be in public service or private ownership?’ he questioned.

’Compare it with the British railway services. A high percentage in Britain think the railways should be nationalised. The Steam Packet, we need it and it should be in public ownership. Especially when there’s no effective competition which makes it into a monopoly.’