YEARS of focus on the hospital saga has left the Island’s healthcare system in need of “urgent improvement”, a Reform Jersey election candidate has said in confirming his bid for a St Helier North Deputy seat.
Kevin O’Connell (35) is a former De La Salle and Highlands College student, and is currently studying part-time at the Institute of Law Jersey. He has worked in a variety of roles through his career, beginning in retail, and most recently in the finance industry as a client service executive.
He said: “I am standing with Reform Jersey because we need a group of likeminded individuals who can work together to build consensus and take action for the betterment of all Islanders. It is my view that this is the only way Jersey will achieve lasting change and prosperity.
“In the past 20 years of working across the Island’s industries, I’ve noticed the painful duality of Jersey which – whilst we are privileged to live in such a beautiful Island – has become a more unequal society. The stark reality for many is that unassisted home-ownership is no longer an affordable right, in part because average earnings have not increased in real terms since the 2000’s, and the increasing cost of rent and utilities are eroding our capabilities to do much more than survive by living pay cheque to pay cheque, let alone save for the future.
“Through my own experiences, I am all-too aware that our healthcare system needs urgent improvement after years of focus has been diverted to the ongoing new hospital saga. Islanders deserve expedient and effective healthcare, and I wish to play a part in helping to move Jersey in that direction. The residential care system is another area I am interested in, having seen the massive costs being born by loved ones to look after their relatives and the difficulties caused by staffing shortages and lack of due attention.”
Mr O’Connell added that, should he be elected to one of the three seats on offer, he would work with his party to “try to deliver a government of action” that would aim to “reduce the generational pressures that have grown in recent years”.
Party Leader, Deputy Sam Mézec, who is standing for Senator, said – “Kevin is passionate about making Jersey a fairer and more just place. His previous experience working directly with clients who have been vulnerable or facing distressing situations will make him an excellent local representative, available to support members of his community. His interest is law will also be invaluable in scrutinising important legislation that the Assembly will have to deal with in the coming years.”
Current Deputies Max Andrews and Steve Ahier, former Chamber of Commerce president Ian Barnes, retail head Gerald Voisin and entrepreneur Victoria Li are also confirmed as standing in the district.
