It’s almost a year since I was invited to write a few lines each week for the Examiner and it’s been very nice that around the island wherever I go people say they enjoy reading my recollections, stories and views on aspects of island life.

Like everything in life, particularly my previous life before retirement it is impossible to please all the people all the time but the feedback has been really positive.

We live in very strange times and I cannot remember a time when the population have been so diametrically opposed than the present debates around various aspects of the Covid-19 situation and climate change - two very important issues.

The development of online information has been transformational in terms of consideration of issues of the day.

Clearly most issues have two sides to the argument and as a democrat I welcome open debate.

However, discussions, well informed or otherwise seem often to degenerate into verbal abuse which is really unfortunate.

It has never been more important to demonstrate tolerance of other people’s views but too often it appears to be sadly lacking.

This in turn has the effect of turning some people off from engaging in debate. As humans we are only here for a short time so it seems very important to me that as many voices participate in such discussion. We may strongly disagree with what another party is saying but with certain clear exceptions we should defend the right to hear what others wish to say.

If we look back in history intolerance in various forms has led to hate and violence and we must be vigilant to try and avoid a repetition.

Even on our lovely island we are not exempt and from time to time witnessing examples.

Surely a ’live and let live’ ethic must be preferable rather than targeting difference as a reason for dispute.

One of the more recent special days, remembered worldwide as well as here has been that of Holocaust remembrance.

For several years now we have gathered to remember and to pledge ourselves to a peaceful future.

In the last century, since the Nazi atrocities, there have been a series of genocides around the world where inhumanity has been starkly demonstrated.

One of the most touching aspects of the remembrance is the involvement of young people from each of the secondary schools around the island who relay real-life stories of suffering and the bravery of individuals.

We missed this special day last year and I trust we will be able to join together again as a community when the time comes around to once more pledge ourselves to playing our part in the elimination of such hatred around the world.

We sometimes hear the words ’We are just a small island what difference can we make?’ But surely we all have an obligation to play our part - however big or small - to leaving a better world for those who follow us.

So just reverting to the world wide web and the internet, there is no question in my mind that these developments figure highly in terms of technological advancements in our lifetime.

Where once hours of study were required in books now often even better information can be obtained by simply Googling a word or two.

Social media messages can cross the world in seconds. In life there are good and bad people.

I have little idea why anyone would wish to place false information for the consumption of others, except perhaps, for example, some type of financial gain.

I always seek to establish the credibility of the source I am taking my information from.

These days because of the behaviour of some in the political environment there is a widespread cynicism which is really regrettable. I campaigned as the ’man you know and trust’.

The relationship between elected representative and constituents should always be based on such.

However, the points I have made above may not be strictly a new phenomenon.

I would like to share some words in the form of a poem written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.

I first heard them when spoken to a musical background by Les Crane in 1971. They cover at least in part some of the situations we face today

’Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

’Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

’Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

’Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

’Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the World is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals,and everywhere life is full of heroism.

’Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

’Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

’Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

’Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars you have a right to be here.

’And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

’Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.’

I suggest you Google ’Les Crane Desiderata’ to hear the music-backed version if you haven’t heard it before.

Music means a lot to me. In particular my favourite genre is singer-songwriters from the 1970s to date. Are there any particular words or songs that have left a lasting impression on you? Let me know by emailing [email protected], phoning 333974 or writing to 12 Manor Drive, Farmhill IM2 2PA.

Are we too late to reverse the cynicism of the political class?

No we aren’t firstly because despite what is sometimes said, one bad apple doesn’t make the whole barrel bad.

Respect obviously must be gained. That doesn’t happen if you don’t tell the truth. First of all those who don’t will eventually trip themselves up and it will become clear to the electorate as we witness too often on TV news programmes.

I can’t say it too often but as a 29-year-old novice elected to Douglas Town Council and 31-year-old to the House of Keys, there is no greater honour than to represent your fellow citizens and I will always be so grateful to the people of South Douglas for placing their trust in me.