'Thin-skinned politicians can't hack scrutiny' - Moffatt

Current MHKs can’t hack tough questions from the media, according to a senior member of the Celtic League.

Bernard Moffatt has hit out at ‘thin-skinned’ politicians for being unable to stand up to public scrutiny.

He claims a defensive approach is often adopted by those fronting the media.

Mr Moffatt feels that’s a far cry from previous governments which he says could handle a strong line of questioning.

“It worries me now that people are not willing to handle scrutiny and criticism.”

He continued: “I notice these days, particularly when journalists are trying to interview politicians, [the politicians] are very defensive and they can be very, almost offended, if the sort of questions that the public want you to ask are put to these folk.

“I notice this particularly in the news conferences and briefings.

“[Some government ministers] weren’t able to handle criticism in the way that, I never thought I’d say this,  Miles Walker, David Cannan, Donald Gelling, politicians of that ilk were able to.

“They knew it was part of public life, that your public expected you to be put under the spotlight occasionally, and that’s a worrying a trend.”

Chief Minister Howard Quayle and Health Minister David Ashford have fronted most of the media briefings throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The format currently sees reporters limited to two questions each, although additional inquiries have often been allowed.

Other ministers, including Alex Allinson, Geoffrey Boot, Alfred Cannan, Graham Cregeen, Ray Harmer and Laurence Skelly have also answered questions in the broadcasts.

Mr Moffatt says anyone elected to high office should expect to be in the firing line from time to time.

“I’m sorry to say I don’t think a lot of the politicians – not them all – but a lot of the politicians in the Isle of Man have got that mettle in them now [to deal with tough questions].

“And that’s disappointing because public life is just that: public.”