MANNIN/ISLE OF MAN: ILLIAM DHONE WILL PROVIDE NEW YEAR POLITICAL FOCUS

This years National Illiam Dhone commemoration which takes place on the 2nd of January will be set against a background that sees the Island assailed as never before by external forces and internal weakness.

The ceremony provides an opportunity for comment on the Manx political, cultural and social scene with speeches made at the site at whichManx martyr and patriot Illiam Dhone was executed.

Not surprisingly over the years Nationalists have repeatedly railed against the ineptitude and weakness of successive Manx governments.

A lack-lustre performance by government in the past twelve months and banking scandals which highlight the short-sightedness of the Islands dependence on the financial services sector make it likely that such criticisms will be reiterated.

The ceremony takes place at Hango Hill, Castletown at 2:00 pm. Following the wreath laying there is a Church service held at Malew Church where Illiam Dhone is buried.

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League 26/12/08