MORE than a third of members were missing yesterday when the States decided to retain Wednesday for the next general election, on 23 April 2008. It was after lunchtime on the third day of the meeting and only 31 out of 47 were in the House.
Later numbers dropped to 21 during one speech.
This brought a stinging rebuke from Deputy Mary Lowe whose amendment to move the election to a Saturday failed.
‘I think it sends out an appalling message to the public. It’s made very clear to keep the three days in your diary for the States meeting,’ said Deputy Lowe.
‘I know people get pretty angry, think deputies get paid a decent wage and should be in the chamber to represent them.’
Illness and Island Games commitments accounted for some of the absentees.
‘With having so many people missing, could it have gone the other way? It’s something we’ll never know.’
In the debate members expressed concern that there was not enough evidence that change would be a better option.
Deputy Lowe refuted this.
‘I had asked people at the Vale parish meeting and deputies’ meeting. It was overwhelming from those present to say let’s give it a go. And I was delighted so many business people and Chamber of Commerce contacted me to say they supported Saturday.’
Those wanting to move the election to Saturday argued that giving people more time to get to a polling station might increase turnout.
But the majority favoured the status quo with fears about getting enough people to run the count and people being away on holiday for the weekend expressed.
Deputies also spoke about voter apathy and disillusionment with the States.
‘When you have a States that haven’t got an attitude for change, or to be modern or try to assist, it’s not encouraging the public,’ said Deputy Lowe.
The amendment was lost by 20 votes to 11.
Article posted on 30th June, 2007 - 12.00am
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