"Isle of Man newspapers, which publishes the three Manx weekly papers and also has an internet site at www.iomtoday.co.im, has launched a campaign for the Chronicles of Man to be given a permanent home in the Island.
The Celtic League has pressed the Isle of Man government for many years to make greater efforts to have the Chronicles returned and this latest attempt to gain popular support for such a move is welcome. The newspaper says:
"The Chronicles, described by many as the most important document in Manx history, are currently the centrepiece of an exhibition at the Manx Museum.
But they are only in the Island on loan and are due to go back in December.
They are owned by the British Library, although it is not fully clear how they first fell into British possession.
The Chronicles are the oldest written record of the Island's Norse-Gaelic period from 1000AD to 1316.
They are believed to have been compiled by monks at Rushen Abbey and it is thought they fell into private hands after Rushen Abbey was dissolved in 1540, during the reign of Henry VIII.
iomtoday.co.im, in conjunction with the Isle of Man Examiner, is now calling on your support to campaign for the return of the Chronicles to the Isle of Man on a permanent basis.
If you sign up to our petition, we will take forward your views to the British Library and the UK Government to press for the Chronicles return"
Already, our campaign has support from the Celtic League. Director of Information Bernard Moffatt said: 'It's time for a campaign.' "
The paper is urging people to articulate their support directly and also sign an on-line petition
The full text of the article illustrated with a section of the Chronicles can be found at:
The move by the newspaper to stimulate a popular debate is most welcome but such a campaign is not unprecedented. The Isle of Man Courier (now part of IOM Newspapers) was heavily involved in the campaign for the return of the Calf of Man which was owned by the English National Trust and indeed was the only Island media source to acknowledge the Celtic Leagues key role in that successful campaign.
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
30/07/07