Residents and business owners in Onchan, one of the most populated areas on the Isle of Man, are focusing on several key issues as they prepare for the 2026 House of Keys election. Traffic, tourism, and the rising cost of living have emerged as top concerns. Sally Hellwich, who runs a family travel business in Onchan and has lived there for three decades, emphasized the vital role tourism plays in the island's economy. She noted that without a strong tourism sector, the region would face significant financial challenges. Hellwich expressed concern that none of the candidates running for office have made tourism a central part of their election platforms. Housing has also become a major issue, especially for younger residents. Hellwich described the current situation as "ridiculous," stating that it is extremely difficult for young people to afford homes or "get on the housing ladder." Meanwhile, Lara, a mother from Onchan, raised concerns about traffic safety, particularly for children walking to school. She supports the expansion of 20mph zones in residential areas and near schools, a policy that was introduced in Port Erin in 2025 following a unanimous decision by Tynwald in 2020. However, some residents in northern areas have resisted the measure, citing concerns about increased traffic congestion. Lara questioned this resistance, noting that cities like Belfast have implemented similar safety measures around schools, which are not yet in place on the Isle of Man. Local business owners Dinko Matevski and Liliya Slavova, who have lived on the island for over 14 years and run a cafe in Onchan's Village Walk area, highlighted the rising cost of living as their primary concern. Matevski described the increasing prices of goods from suppliers as "crazy," making it difficult for small businesses to remain viable. Slavova added that they are struggling to afford staff and have noticed a shift in customer behavior, with fewer people placing orders due to financial constraints. The House of Keys election on the Isle of Man is set for 24 September, with polling stations open from 08:00 to 20:00 BST. As the election approaches, the concerns of Onchan's residents and business owners are expected to play a significant role in shaping the political discourse.