WITH the run up to the general election well under way, thoughts inevitably are turning to what topics will dominate and what themes candidates will highlight in their manifestos that will shortly be landing on electors’ doormats.
From the straw poll we published yesterday, population, spending and the environment are high on the priority list and it would probably be safe to add public services, the States itself and the economy/zero-10 to the list.
For most people, the unspoken issue is local independence, which underpins Guernsey’s way of life and is responsible for so many jobs as a result of the freedom to set a local rate of tax.
But since it is taken for granted, it will only become a doorstep matter if something happens between now and 23 April seriously to threaten it.
In some respects, however, this may be the election that is best remembered for ignoring election issues.
There is already some evidence that the outcome could shape the next House – whether it has a leaning towards tax and spend or towards restraint.
But perhaps overriding that is whether the new States and its members will listen to the wishes of the people, for whether they do or not will have a profound impact on the future of the island.
It is one reason why population is highlighted as a topic for debate. Islanders generally believe enough is enough and so a decision 12 months ago to hold the line is now seemingly in conflict with the growth aspirations of zero-10.
The Government Business Plan is an attempt in a non-party, non-cabinet system to establish a framework and some priorities. Because it was designed by committee – all the States members – it is unwieldy and will have to be trimmed.
Decisions will have to be taken that are in the best interests of the Bailiwick and the long term future of its people, not necessarily because voters want them.
And that’s a particularly hard message to sell ‘on the knocker’.
It’s a hard one to sell
WITH the run up to the general election well under way, thoughts inevitably are turning to what topics will dominate and what themes candidates will highlight in their manifestos that will shortly be landing on electors’ doormats.
From the straw poll we published yesterday, population, spending and the environment are high on the priority list and it would probably be safe to add public services, the States itself and the economy/zero-10 to the list.
For most people, the unspoken issue is local independence, which underpins Guernsey’s way of life and is responsible for so many jobs as a result of the freedom to set a local rate of tax.
But since it is taken for granted, it will only become a doorstep matter if something happens between now and 23 April seriously to threaten it.
In some respects, however, this may be the election that is best remembered for ignoring election issues.
There is already some evidence that the outcome could shape the next House – whether it has a leaning towards tax and spend or towards restraint.
But perhaps overriding that is whether the new States and its members will listen to the wishes of the people, for whether they do or not will have a profound impact on the future of the island.
It is one reason why population is highlighted as a topic for debate. Islanders generally believe enough is enough and so a decision 12 months ago to hold the line is now seemingly in conflict with the growth aspirations of zero-10.
The Government Business Plan is an attempt in a non-party, non-cabinet system to establish a framework and some priorities. Because it was designed by committee – all the States members – it is unwieldy and will have to be trimmed.
Decisions will have to be taken that are in the best interests of the Bailiwick and the long term future of its people, not necessarily because voters want them.
And that’s a particularly hard message to sell ‘on the knocker’.
Article posted on 22nd March, 2008 - 8.00am