Housing and apathy on the minds of Middle voters

As the name suggests, the constituency of Middle sits at the heart of the Isle of Man.

Featuring villages such as Union Mills - known for its links with the Bee Gees - Crosby and Port Soderick on the coast, it is also dominated by the TT course.

The island's Noble's Hospital is in the constituency and a number of business parks are also situated there, despite its rural appearance.

But what are the issues on the mind of the area's voters - and what do they want to hear from the seven candidates standing?

For Becky and Laura, housing is one of their major concerns going into the election.

Becky said they both now had houses, but it was "very difficult" to buy them.

"Everyone coming over from England, they're beating us with the money, cash buyers and things like that," she said.

Laura added she had seen some discussions about stopping people who did not already live on the Isle of Man and she said that was a "kind of good" proposal.

When is the election and how do I vote?

Housing was also on the mind of another voter in Crosby.

She said she was worried about the housing and job prospects for the younger generation.

"I suppose they have to build new houses, don't they?," she said.

"Or more houses on greenfield sites, and create job opportunities and grow your own and encourage young people to do training courses and provide training courses and everything else that goes with it."

But a lot of people in Middle told the BBC they did not feel engaged with politics.

One man said he was "maybe" going to vote but was undecided.

"I feel like a lot of the time they'll probably just say what they think people want to hear and then I don't know necessarily where I see any change to be honest," he said.

In Strang, one man said he did not trust politicians and would not be voting.

"I don't trust any of them so I don't know what way they can help, but it's just looking after people more and the elderly," he said.

"There's a lot of food banks on the Isle of Man, it's worse than it's ever been for a prosperous little island like this," he said.

Another woman in Crosby said she was not into politics, but did plan to vote.

"I think I've made my choice but it's hard.

"The island's not what it was and it's very difficult," she said.

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