The former MHK and a current Onchan Commissioner David Quirk, has blasted a “shocking” confrontation inside Onchan Commissioners HQ.
Quirk claims a former board member stormed up to him after Monday (July 27) night’s meeting and got so close they were practically breathing the same air.
Quirk says the man marched straight at him the moment the public session ended, coming “extremely close to my face, effectively nose to nose” and hurling abuse in what he describes as a full‑blown intimidation attempt.
Self Defence
According to Quirk, the outburst was so aggressive he had no choice but to throw up a hand in self‑defence to stop the man from crowding him. He insists he never struck or touched the individual, saying his only aim was to create space and stop the situation spiralling.
He told the man to back off and reminded him that if he had questions, he should raise them properly, in writing or by phone, instead of launching into a tirade at the board table.
Quirk says the incident highlights a growing problem: members of the public who refuse to follow meeting rules and treat the chamber like a soapbox.
He claims the same individual is already known for making loud comments during meetings despite being told observers aren’t allowed to participate.
Clamp Down
Now he wants the Local Authority Chief Executive to clamp down hard, enforcing immediate removal of the public after open sessions and tightening security so elected members aren’t left exposed.
Quirk’s warning is blunt: public service shouldn’t mean putting up with threats, harassment or aggressive behaviour.
He says, “Elected members have the right to perform their public duties without being subjected to abuse or intimidation.”
You can read Mr Quirk’s full statement below:
