Guernsey can learn from Chief Minister's election

From Tony Webber.

YOUR Chief Minister’s election set an excellent example for Guernsey to follow.

It has re-kindled debate in both islands as to whether the public should directly elect their Chief Minister.

Although there are larger and fairer electoral districts in Guernsey than Jersey, the public there do not have the opportunity to elect any politician on an islandwide mandate any more (I was sadly the last one). It was right that the two contenders for the office of Jersey Chief Minister were the two poll toppers in the Islandwide Senatorial elections.

But why did Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, a respected former Bailiff with a seeming head start, lose to Senator Ian Gorst?

The answer is that Sir Philip came across as a likeable lawyer with leadership, but who seemed not quite the man for the hour.

In contrast, Ian Gorst came across as the technocrat who was also a democrat (unlike Italy). The accountable accountant.

He was the man who seemed to have a grip of the detail and the work needed to take Jersey forward.

It seemed that Sir Philip was the man who offered leadership if others wanted to follow it, but Ian Gorst offered an inclusive leadership encompassing all.

What did the ‘change’ they offered mean?

This was Sir Philip’s Achilles heel, because his change was one of reducing democratic accountability and having decision making by less politicians. His ideas were well intentioned, but his desire to cut down on States debating time would have set alarm bells ringing.

Was this an ex-law officer revealing a ‘know best’ disdain for the democratic process?

He advocated the retention of Constables, the equivalent of which Guernsey dispensed with seven years ago in 2004. How can there be a fair electoral system if all Islanders are not given the same voting powers?

Sir Philip’s other ‘change’ was to suggest reducing the number of States Members. Peter Body, your respected business commentator, effectively demolished the argument for this in an article published at the end of the recent States elections (JEP, 27 October).

Sir Philip lost the opportunity to position himself as a real reformer. This idea regarding the better use of States Members smacked of window dressing and more would be expected of someone with his experience.

In Guernsey the ministers’ departments generally have up to five elected politicians serving, giving board of directors type public accountability to the elected politicians.

Jersey’s format of only one or two politicians explains why Jersey politicians complain they are not properly used.

Sir Philip somehow managed to be seen as the respectable last stand of the old guard, rather than the reforming knight in shining armour.

In contrast Ian Gorst wanted to take the old guard with him as part of his united stance in seeking a better future for Jersey, and its relations with other jurisdictions.

Jersey is fortunate to have these two very impressive politicians. Hopefully they will work in harmony for the future of Jersey.

I hope Jersey and Guernsey will communicate more and work better together in the future.