Roly Drower, who has died this week, was known variously on the Isle of Man for his work within the Arts scene, most notably as an organiser of the Sulby Fringe, but perhaps more prominently for his political comment and as a satirist.

That he loved the Isle of Man and despaired of the way the current government was taking it is best evidenced by his speech at the annual Illiam Dhone commemoration in January 2005 when he gave a scathing critique of ministerial government during which he observed:

"It is a source of endless despair to me that politicians charged with planning for the future seem to be unable to see beyond their own brief lifetimes. They handle the future the same way a dysfunctional parent handles a credit card. They live for the moment, cashing in the pension, heaping hire-purchase agreements on their grand-children, content to extend the patio onto the vegetable garden, and then describe that as 'sustainable growth"

Roly Drower had been asked to speak at the Illiam Dhone commemoration after he had been catapulted to prominence both within Mann, the United Kingdom and Internationally following court proceedings brought against him by multi-millionaire, Albert Gubay, following the publication of articles on a satirical website.

His speech (see link below) at Hango hill in 2005 is one of the finest commentaries made there on current Manx political life, on the way we all are allowing the Island to be taken and the impact that this will ultimately have on our children.

Roly Drower was a fine man who, like so many others, will perhaps only have his true worth and commitment to Manx public life recognised after his death.

The Celtic League and all in the nationalist movement extend our sympathy to his family and friends at this sad time.

Illiam Dhone commemoration speech at:

(voir le site) (2005 Illiam Dhone English Oration by Roly Drower)

News item Manx Radio - Tribute to Roly Drower at: (voir le site)

Related articles on Celtic News at:

(voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

13/05/08

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