TT gridlock and lack of MGP advertising prompted apologies in Tynwald from the government minister in charge, John Shimmin.
The Economic Development Minister came under fire from John Houghton (Douglas North). who demanded to know why his department had failed to advertise the Manx Grand Prix during this year’s TT.
‘It wasn’t advertised. Why? Was it because someone has conveniently forgotten to advertise it?’ he asked.
Mr Shimmin said his department had put more effort and money into promoting the MGP over the last two years than had been expended in the many years before it had taken on the role as promoter of the festival.
But he pointed out the marketing and promotional budget for the MGP was ‘not and cannot be unlimited’ and that decisions had to be made about where the money available was best spent.
‘To many it may be a simple truth that advertising the MGP Festival to a captive audience at the TT is money well-spent but the reality may be quite different,’ he said.
Mr Shimmin said market research conducted as part of a recent review indicated the TT audience was well aware of the MGP. ‘Additionally, we do not believe that those who have exercised their choice to visit the TT and to spend, in most cases, significant sums of money in doing so, represent great potential for visiting the Manx Grand Prix Festival later this year.’
Howard Quayle (Middle) said it was a missed opportunity to promote the MGP in the TT Paddock and around the course.
Mr Shimmin said he would take note of everything.
Apologising, he said: ‘We shall get it better in future.’
In a separate question, Mr Houghton claimed delays in opening the TT crossing points and corridors at the advertised time on the Wednesday of Race Week had caused ‘collateral gridlock throughout Douglas’.
The minister insisted the weather had ‘conspired against us’ that day.
A scheduled start of 10.45am was delayed because of mist and cloud on the mountain and weather reports suggested that more rain was on its way which might disrupt racing and practices towards the end of the day. The sidecar race got away at 4.20pm and the leaders crossed the finish line just after 5.15pm.
As soon as the backmarkers crossed the line for their last lap, crossing points and access corridors were opened up but there was a delay opening the crossing point at Signpost and Bedstead, leading to disruption and inconvenience.
‘It was hoped the public would understand the difficult situation’.
• What do you think? Email {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im} or sign in to add your comment below.