Critical election due to ‘bad four years’, says former member

By Nigel Baudains

THIS month’s general election is the most critical since conseillers were abolished, according to a former States member.

Barbara Gaiger (pictured), formerly Nicolle, represented St Martin’s from 1976 to 1988. ‘I think it’s critical this time because we have had such a bad four years,’ she said.

‘If there had been greater understanding within the States, we would not have had so many people departing. There must have been a lot of fighting behind the scenes.’ Mrs Gaiger served on several committees during her time in the States, including the Children Board, Insurance Authority and Board of Health, and was vice-president of the Recreation Committee.

The office of conseiller was abolished in 2000 following a States decision of 1997. Mrs Gaiger thinks there is a great need for the electorate to do its homework in the run up to 23 April.

‘I would ask people to read the manifestos thoroughly, absorb them and put pertinent questions to the candidates,’ she said.

John Gollop’s suggestion that the present States was the worst ever was a fair one, she said, and she had never been as disappointed with government as she had been in the past four years.

The States was losing some valuable politicians and Stuart Falla in particular had received a raw deal.

‘The clinical block episode should never have happened and the matter should have been sursised [postponed] until it was resolved.’

Mrs Gaiger said she was concerned to read a letter in the Guernsey Press from Chief Minister Mike Torode in which he said that ‘backbiting’ among States members had contributed to his decision to step down. She said he would be another great loss.

She hopes that the new States will have greater representation from the business field, particularly finance, and more involvement from people who have worked in the community and its welfare services.

She was head of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service locally for 12 years.

Former deputy Barbara Gaiger, seen with her Golden retriever Honey, was unhappy at the performance of the outgoing House and believes this month’s election is critical. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0557948)