Democracy: One man's questions should be an example to us all

From John Henwood.

HAVING been present at the recent Ministers’ Question Time event, well organised by the Chartered Institute for Professional Development, I should like to comment on the interest generated by one man’s questions.

Early in the proceedings a man in the front row rose and identified himself as Paul Bellas and he briefly described some circumstances in which he found himself which led him to question ministers in three main areas. After he had occupied the floor for some time on two topics, with some subsidiary questions, the moderator, Deputy Kristina Moore, intervened, suggesting that there were many others present who might also like to ask questions.

At this Mr Bellas sat down and the meeting moved on. I was not the only person present who admired him for seizing an opportunity, in circumstances that must have been alien to him, to challenge the panel of ministers. He conducted himself well throughout, articulating his concerns clearly and complying with the moderator’s rules of engagement.

The thrust of the follow-up to this event has been to ask why there are not more opportunities to put questions to ministers. The answer is that there are opportunities, every day. The problem is that far too few people are as engaged or as concerned as Mr Bellas and most just grumble without actually doing anything.

Contact details of every elected States Member are published and the best way of influencing policy is the direct way, by asking States Members questions and letting them know your views. Of course, if you want to be listened to and receive answers you should, like Mr Bellas, behave reasonably – after all, none of us likes to be hectored.

If they don’t respond, then don’t vote for them next time. And States members could help more. How many regularly hold clinics at which they listen to the legitimate concerns of their constituents? Too few of them.

At the CIPD meeting, Mr Bellas secured the offer of a meeting with three of the ministers present. I hope they are as good as their word and if they appear reluctant to follow up and meet him, I hope Mr Bellas will let your newspaper know.

It sometimes seems we have too much democracy; occasionally I feel consulted into submission. However, we should never forget that democracy makes us ultimately more powerful than the here today, gone tomorrow politicians that we employ. I’m grateful to Mr Bellas for reminding us of that fact.