Election clear-out worries directors

By Joel de Woolfson

GUERNSEY’S Institute of Directors is concerned that the next States might not be so business-friendly, according to its chairman. Shelagh Mason said the Guernsey branch was also worried by the possibility that the House will be losing many of its experienced politicians.

It is thought that up to half of the next States will be new members because of the current people stepping down or being voted out.

Experienced members such as Chief Minister Mike Torode and father of the House Dan Le Cheminant have already signalled their intention to step down and Mrs Mason said that could be a problem.

‘The IoD is very conscious that we may be looking at a very different make-up of the States after the April election and we are concerned in two respects,’ she said.

‘Not only about the possibility of a less business-friendly States but also the lack of experience of deputies given that many of the long-standing ones with considerable experience may be standing down.’

She said the IoD wanted to ensure the contribution business made to the island’s prosperity was fully understood by people seeking election so they could work together in the new States.

‘It is well known that we welcome the introduction of the Strategic Economic Plan and that is one of the first attempts, which we believe was very far-sighted by the present States, to put in place the building blocks for a prosperous and socially responsible Guernsey which fully takes into account the role the business community has to play,’ she said.

There had also been fears that not enough people with a business background would stand in April’s election and Mrs Mason said the IoD hoped businesses would support any employees wishing to stand.

‘We would welcome more business people standing, whether from a finance or broader business background,’ she said.

‘If employers felt able to assist in this respect by allowing employees time to carry out this role, albeit with adjustments in their salary to take account of the income they would receive as a deputy, we believe this would be a very positive step.

‘We know there are many people in the business community who are anxious to give something back to the island but we must appreciate that it is not always easy for people in full-time employment to devote the time required for an ever-increasingly complex position.’

Mrs Mason added that the IoD would be happy to meet anyone thinking of standing to discuss its position.