Mr Clucas if you wanted to let a fart go as a Manx resident you have to ask the UK how loud first. Agreed technically the Island is not part of the UK but is joined to it by the hip.

The Island has been ruled by the Norse, Scotland and England at various times in its history. Tynwald, the Manx legislative body, has been in continuous existence for at least one thousand years, thus predating the English Parliament at Westminster. The Isle of Man is not a member country of the United Kingdom, but is a dependency of the British Crown. As such it enjoys self-government in respect of all internal domestic matters. External relations and defence are the responsibility of the British Crown which retains ultimate responsibility for overseeing ‘good governance’ in the Island. Treaties and international agreements do not automatically extend to the Island without prior consultation having taken place.

The current policy of the Manx government is to continue the development towards more complete self-government whilst retaining close links with the United Kingdom. After legislation has passed through Tynwald, Royal Assent must be given before it can be proclaimed law on Tynwald Hill on Tynwald day, traditionally 5 July each summer. The proclamation of the law in English and Manx is a necessary part of the law making process.

The Island is not part of the European Union, but it has, under the Treaty of Accession (by which the UK joined the EU), the benefit of the free movement of goods and agricultural products. There is conformity with EU customs arrangements. The Island neither gives to nor receives monetary grants from the EU. Since there is only a limited relationship with Europe, the Manx government is able to pass laws that regulate the right to reside and to work in the Island. This select bibliography provides an initial starting point to research.

Anyway you bunch of saboteur's, hijacking my post for a bit of Political banter is not going to help the TT, lets see if we can get back on track.