Manx businessman Ralph Peake is standing in the Douglas North constituency that has been his home for many years.

He will use his experience of running his own business, launching and establishing Luminaires as the Isle of Man’s leading lighting company, to tackle the major issues facing the island.

Ralph said: ‘Balancing the books, growing the economy and caring for the vulnerable are our national priorities. Representing the people in my community and their concerns is also crucial. I’m proud to be Manx and I want to protect the rights of constituents at national level. I will listen and be their voice. What would you like me to do for you?’

Ralph has always been driven to succeed. He founded his business in 1991 after a championship winning year in the Dunlop Rover Metro GTi Race and Rally series. Born in Douglas and raised in Laxey, Ralph has lived in the Douglas North constituency for the past 17 years with his wife Joanne and their three boys.

He said: ‘I greatly value our local community. My two eldest boys go to St Ninian’s High School, while our youngest is at the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, the Manx language school.

‘I believe we will benefit from taking responsibility to live and work in a sustainable manner, within our means.

‘We have the great opportunity of planning and governing our national and local affairs, along with a responsibility to live within what we produce. We can learn from other countries and adapt the lessons they have learned to fit our situation and needs.

‘With so many successful businesses and creative people living within this beautiful and fair island we are blessed and should use this for the good of our nation. I’m convinced my experience in sport, in business, in raising a family and in continuous personal development makes me the right candidate for the job.’

Ralph is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a teacher at the Douglas Amateur Swimming Club and secretary of the Isle of Man Swimming Club.

He’s keen to get the debate started:  ‘If you wish to discuss any political points or would like to join my campaign team, feel free to contact me at Luminaires, Victoria Road, Douglas on 665801.’

My priorities:

Build the economy

I believe it is important to work as a team, as working together can achieve extraordinary results. Personal agendas and misunderstanding can lead to an ineffective, negative situation which stifles growth. An inspiring vision, strong leadership and a clear message works in sport, business and government.

Create jobs for the future

With the majority of business failing within the first year and 95 per cent failing within five years, for businesses to continue and grow it is important to have an innovative business mind. Luminaires has a team of five and has adapted and evolved to become the Island’s leading business supply professional lighting solutions, and won an award in London late last year for the illumination of Jubilee Buildings in Douglas, another positive step in building the Isle of Man’s diverse business reputation.

Running a sustainable business requires hard work and the business acumen and confidence to review progress and be prepared to change. It requires an understanding of when to persevere to achieve success and when to seek new information to reach an informed decision.

Fight for fairness

I’m looking forwarding to meeting north Douglas residents and forming my manifesto on their input.  

Protect pensioners’ rights

I believe it is important and fair to protect the rights of the older members of our community.

Community

As a strong supporter of sporting activities for our young people, I want to campaign for greater access for sporting options/facilities for Douglas North.