From Hugh Gill.
IN A recently published letter (JEP 30 December), Ray Greaves considers what Brussels might make of the Bailiff’s long outdated feudal role, risking our credibility.
The real risk, I would suggest, lies not in the Bailiff’s role but in the make-up of our parliament.An outsider looking in would find a States Chamber consisting of delegates with mandates ranging from a few hundred to several thousand, and a power block of 12 parish Constables, three-quarters of whom are there without facing a contested election.
Since 2005 the Bailiff has had no legislative powers, not even a casting vote, but the Constables do and it is their role that is the closest to being deemed feudal, not the Bailiff’s, who merely chairs the sittings.
Jersey’s electoral system is unequal and unfair both to the voters and to those standing for election.
That is what would concern Brussels, and they might well question why advice on improving our democratic process has been so regularly rejected by the very same House, most recently against the express will of the people.
Three Corners, Spring Grove, St Lawrence.
