In an echo of earlier pro-independence nationalist campaigns graffiti has been daubed on roads in the west of the Isle of Man.

Local media ascribe the latest outbreak of such sentiment to growing disenchantment with the United Kingdom over its recent dealings with the Isle of Man government.

In the past few months the UK government has cancelled a reciprocal health agreement with the Isle of Man and it has also unilaterally substantially reduced the share of VAT returns to the Island as part of a VAT sharing arrangement.

The daubing of roads and signs has generally been the precursor to an upsurge of nationalist activity. In the 1970s there was a vigorous campaign by Fo Halloo which went on for several years and at times spilled over into violence. Similarly in the late 1980s the FSFO campaign saw daubing and arson attacks which resulted in several activists being jailed.

In the latest manifestation of this type of protest roads were daubed with the words MANNIN SEYR.

See media report and graphic at:

(voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

08/12/09