THERE are clearly many different ways to lead. From ‘tub-thumping’ to quietly reassuring, from barnstorming rhetoric to calm logic. Giving a keynote political address is definitely not a case of ‘one-size-fits-all.’
So how then should be see the current Chief Minister’s performance at the Chamber of Commerce, which given its proximity to the elections, was clearly an opportunity for him to set out his stall as a confirmed Senatorial candidate, and probable contender once again for the top job, should he find favour with the electorate?
Firstly, all the obvious reference points were there, from the size of the public sector, to tackling the cost of living, to improving the competitiveness of our economy; along with the flagship policy of investing in our infrastructure and public assets.
If we had to draw out key words, we might focus on “stability” or “steadying the ship” – in summary, the argument is it has been “a solid start,” which perhaps confirms that the current Chief Minister certainly wants it to continue.
The electorate will have to decide if “solid,” “steady” and “stable” is indeed true – and if it is enough?
On that note, there was one other word used which was “slightly” in relation to the amount of reduction we might see in the cost of the public sector. Of course, the Chief Minister is picking his words carefully, but it is still hardly a phrase which inspires confidence that the nettle will finally be grasped.
Islanders have long heard about successive spending reviews from “fundamental” ones, to their “comprehensive” equivalent; but despite all that, in the Chief Minister’s own words, “…government became larger, more complex and more expensive than a small island economy should sustainably support.”
What evidence was given that a genuinely new direction has been set?
Interestingly, references to investment in technology to produce better efficiency, service delivery or productivity were missing.
Promising a slight reduction suggests more of a course correction, than a new direction, and that perhaps sums up the argument being made.
It was not a speech advocating major change, it was not a speech unveiling new policies, and it was not a speech which argued the Island was in need of a fresh vision for its future success; it was a speech which accepted that some mistakes had been made, but argued the ship was now steady, and we needed to stay calmly on the course which had been set, for four more years.
In this election the ‘change’ manifesto is yet to be defined; but we have now heard the one for continuity.
