Taking to Facebook, Twitter and the comments section of the JEP website, the tone has been one of frustration – with some accusing the Island’s politicians of gross failure in the last few years.
Many commentators cited the money spent on a granite ’roundabout’ in St Mary as an example of excessive government spending, while several others suggested that savings could be made by cutting salaries of States Members and civil servants.
The story inspired several memes of Jersey’s politicians, including accusations that for too long elected officials had buried their heads in the sand.
On the JEP Facebook page, Chris Grose said: Political arrogance and ignoring the will of the people will show you for what you are! Self serving, wastes of space with your snouts in the public trough!’
John Mcnichol said: ‘Start by raising taxes on those who pay next to nothing instead of cutting public services, why should ordinary working people have to subsidise zero-ten?’
James Keating said simply: ‘ Idiots’.
On the JEP website, Slinky said: ‘How can anybody be surprised? We are throwing money down the toilet with a pointless Committee of Inquiry into Historic Child Abuse.
‘We are under-spending on everything and we have the most expensive Civil Service in Europe.’
Meanwhile, Axe to Grind said: ‘How then do you explain a public sector that has trebled in size (in cost) over 10 years? Public spending is obviously out of control. If the problem is overspending, you make it worse by spending more or by not reducing the deficit.
‘Of course that affects the local economy, but clearly the Island is living beyond its means, and that must be addressed.’
Several Islanders mentioned former Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf, with some suggesting that it was his tenure which was to blame for the current situation.
Trevor Darragh said: ‘”Everything is fine” said Mr Ozouf. Bit like the capt of the Titanic ,saying ” no icebergs around here – unsinkable”.’
‘Ozouf should explain to the tax payers how on his watch it went so so wrong. But like in the past he will blame everyone else but himself. Consider your position and resign immediately,’ said Chris Hansam.
