As a government employee in one of the professions slighted on this thread I would like to point out that many years training have led to holding my job here at Ronaldsway.
The responsibility for the safety of passengers I hold does, I believe, entitle me to the reward I am paid for the task, and I believe should also entitle me to some respect from those who use the service here.
It is a shame that some individuals choose to tar everyone with the same brush when referring to the staff, many of whom are very professional and not unaware of thecommercial pressures of running a successful organisation.
I don't doubt that savings could be made in some areas, but to provide the quality of service expected by the residents there is absolutely no way the airport could make a profit without considerably higher landing fees (and ergo fares) or reduced operations. Unfortunately economies of scale prevent the airport from making a killing from retail as at other airports.