“Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby has hit back after criticism from Charles Guard, saying she would have reinstated the horse tram tracks “within the first year of the election” had she been in a position to do so.
Mr Guard recently highlighted that the issue of reinstating the lines has been ongoing in Tynwald since 2017.
Mrs Maltby, who was appointed to the DfE with delegated responsibility for Visit Isle of Man in July 2024, pointed to when she and Deborah Heather were invited onto the Mannin Line shortly after her appointment.
‘When asked about extending the horse tram lines, we both agreed it needed to happen as soon as possible,’ she said.
‘I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to be ‘told off’ by Mr Guard for not doing anything when, in fact, I would have reinstated the tracks within the first year of the election had I been in a position to do so.’
The MHK said the matter had been ‘a constant issue for members of the public for many years now, a distraction, in fact, when we have so many other things to deal with’.
Mrs Maltby pointed to her long-standing support for the trams, revealing she was interviewed on the matter in 2015, six years before her election to the Keys.
In that Vox Pop, she said: ‘I’ve got two children, a two-year-old and a baby, and for me I think it’s really important to keep the horse trams because it’s part of our heritage. On a sunny day it’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon. I’ve actually just bought my season ticket and as I’m on maternity leave, we’re using it a bit more than we usually do.’
She added: ‘At the end of the day I think people need to take personal responsibility — if you want something then you’ve got to use the service. You can’t complain afterwards saying, ‘Why are the trams gone?’
The Manx Labour Party MHK said Tynwald members had been told on numerous occasions that a business case was forthcoming, and as a newer member she believed what she was told.
She said: ‘Along with other Tynwald members, we have been reassured, placated and told on numerous occasions that the ‘business case’ is coming. Until very recently, it actually appeared likely.
‘I take the point made by Mr Guard that any one of us could have brought a motion, but when you are told it isn’t needed, as a newer member I believed what I was being told. I really hope that the DOI can make good on their recent promises. The countdown is really on.’
‘I agree with Charles, with the exception of Dr Haywood MHK, if any Minister who could have resolved this long-standing problem claims they are proud of our Manx heritage, they really should think twice.
This is a national embarrassment. Come on COMIN, let’s get the job done!’ "