Candidate Profile

David Cretney - Douglas South

Full Name	David Clifford Cretney
Age	52
Marital Status	Married
Children	2 Daughters – Sarah, 21 and Julie, 16
Place of Birth	Douglas, Isle of Man
Occupation	Full Time MHK Shopkeeper (Managed by others on my behalf). Because of my constituency and government duties, I have not spent one day in the shops in the last 10 years.

 

Political History & Views

What is your political history or relevant experience?

• Douglas Town Council (St. George’s Ward) 1983 – 1985
• Member of the House of Keys (South Douglas 1985 to date
• Past Chairman of IOM Post Office (5 years)
• Past Chairman of the Isle of Man Planning Committee
• Minister of the Department of Tourism and Leisure from 1996 to date, responsible for the team delivering some significant achievements including:-
  • the National Sports Centre “on time and in budget”;
  • modernising the public transport bus fleet and infrastructure with further work to be concluded, including a Douglas Town Centre terminus;
  • Villa Marina refurbishment “on time and in budget”;
  • substantial investment in the Isle of Man Railway and Manx Electric Railway infrastructure, helping to secure the future of these historic railway systems;
  • Chairing the TT organisation for 9 years and securing a contract for the Isle of Man to continue to run the TT races;
  • major investment in the Wildlife Park;
  • in partnership with others, hosting significant sporting events including the 2001 Island Games, the Trial de Nations (due to return in 2007) and securing the Commonwealth Youth Games for the Island in 2011 and many other international events (thanks to all volunteers without whom we could not achieve such success);
  • responsibility for an industry that produced over £110 million for the Isle of Man’s economy last year alone;
  • bringing top name performers to the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre complexes to suit a diverse range of musical and artistic tastes.

Are you a member of any organisation which guides or influences your political views or polices?

Member of the Manx Labour Party 1980 to date.

What are your main national issues?

• Continued development and diversification of the economy to provide well paid secure employment and promoting local business, particularly in view of the increased costs of conducting business in the island.
• On-going investment in health services and education.
• Easing the housing problems for younger people, and more sheltered housing to make best use of the public housing stock.
• Addressing the cost of living issues for the elderly and low income groups, including those just above benefit level, particularly in the light of continuing energy and other price increases. We should also be incentivising energy efficiency initiatives for all.
• Management of population (residency control). I took the Residency Bill through the House of Keys and this, combined with work permits and benefit restriction for 5 years, should assist government develop the economy whilst avoiding abuse of systems seen elsewhere.
• Provision of improved leisure facilities for the 14-18 year old age group.
• Control of expenditure and accountability of the executive to Tynwald.
• Enhancing our commitment to the environment of our lovely island.

What are your main local issues?

• Working with residents to avoid inappropriate developments.
• Supporting a programme of on-going housing improvements.
• Liaison with the Police and others to eliminate the increasing problems associated with anti-social behaviour and maintaining safe communities through such partnership working.

What do you believe you would bring to government as an MHK?

The experience gained over the 21 years that I have been a “full time” MHK for South Douglas would be put to good use as we face the challenges ahead.

My approach has always been open and honest, and I am known for “getting things done” rather than just talking about the problems. Having served at the highest level in government and looked after a busy constituency, I have demonstrated that I am not afraid of hard work.

When my constituents need me I am always available to support them and I adopt a commonsense, positive approach to my work.

I want to see the island continue to make progress; I do not want to see a return to high unemployment levels. The continued growth of the economy over the last 22 years must be seen to be of benefit to all to avoid social division, and I would pledge myself to work with others for the good of the Isle of Man and its people into the future.

Not only can I identify problems, but I believe I can help find solutions. The legislature should be proactive and imaginative in taking the island forward. I do not subscribe to the view that the more legislation Tynwald enacts, the better. I support an on-going review to ensure we have quality, user friendly laws and regulations and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.