Residents have accused the government of suppressing elected representatives, after claims that MHKs have been advised not to discuss the Mooir Vannin offshore wind farm project.
Ally MacKenzie told Monday’s public meeting that politicians are “supposed to be there to represent us”.
She added: “We are here, and we expect them to be our voice, and they are failing in that in this process.”
Janet Clarke went further, alleging the situation amounts to “a dictatorship”.
She said: “If our representatives cannot debate the environmental, economic and social fate of this island for fear of disqualification, we no longer have a representative government.”
Uninformed
Ian Strafford confirmed he has held lengthy meetings with his MHK but found them uninformed.
“The stark matter is the MHKs do not know, and now they’re in a position that they’re not allowed to talk about it. It’s a complete and utter failure.”
Jamie Smith from Garff Commissioners claimed MHKs have had “advice from the Attorney General not to discuss”. He asked the panel to “try and get hold of that advice”.
Panel member Rynd Smith acknowledged the frustration, explaining that discretionary decision-makers must avoid prejudging matters.
He said this legal framework “affects planning decision-makers the world over”.
The panel chair, Menaka Sahai, said she would consult the Cabinet Office on a technical question about whether MHKs who express a view could later vote on the project.