We have had quite a bit of positive publicity after the budget from the likes of the Financial Times and indeed the Daily Telegraph. Now here comes the flip side of the coin in the form of a Chris Blackhurst feature for the Evening Standard. Mr Blackhurst does not like the way the Isle of Man operates its economy. In an article last night in the STandard, entitled "Zero rate these fairy tales from fantasy Island", Mr Blackhurst first describes a visit to the (presumably) former registry to check up on a company. He speaks of bored looking officials, dusty rooms and "a smirk on the officials face when I told him what I wanted". "Welcome to corporate disclosure Manx style" he adds. He goes on to say that "doubtless the authorities will say much has changed" but then continues " baloney. The day that the Isle of Man and other places like it operate to the same standards of transparency that apply elsewhere will be the day they go out of business". He goes on to refer to Allan Bell "and his cronies" as he puts it and the proposed personal tax-liability cap. After speculating who might be attracted to the island by this move, he goes on to wonder why Gordon Brown hasn't taken action. "Perhaps he's a closet TT motorcycling fan at heart", he ruminates, " or he gets swept along with the guff the island tourist office churns out". That's Chris Blackhurst, a business writer in last night London Evening Standard. Why do I quote him. Because this article will get quite a wide coverage and listeners and readers might just as well know what was in the article. With the useful press that the 2006 budget and various tax moves engendered, there cannot be too much surprise that some would not be impressed by the island or its "modus operandi".