THE Bailiff has used another public speech to defend Jersey and its establishment amid criticisms over the Haut de la Garenne investigation.
Speaking at the swearing-in of new Assistant Magistrate Bridget Shaw, Sir Philip Bailhache condemned politicians who have attacked the Island’s judiciary, calling them ‘ignorant and unwelcome’. After saying that he ‘deplores’ such actions, he added: ‘Senior politicians should know better than to attempt to subvert public confidence in our judicial institutions in pursuit of a personal agenda.’
Sir Philip’s attack follows a controversial speech on Liberation Day in which he criticised the national media’s coverage of the Haut de la Garenne investigation, claiming it was ‘a remorseless denigration of Jersey’. According to the Jersey Care Leavers Association, his comments on Liberation Day insulted the victims of child abuse in the Island.
Sir Philip is facing a vote of no confidence because of that speech and also his role in the Roger Holland affair.
• Picture: The Bailiff on Liberation Day
