This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

Deputies Bernard Flouquet and Lyndon Trott are the only two vying for the role of Chief Minister at the moment.

NEW deputies met informally for the first time yesterday with the race for chief minister rumbling on in the background.

Those jockeying for the role continued to make phone calls to sound  out their chances.  The nomination of Deputy Bernard Flouquet was received by the Bailiff’s Chambers before 1pm – he is proposed by Deputy Parkinson and seconded by Deputy Mike O’Hara.

Deputy Lyndon Trott has also announced his intention to stand, with Deputy Geoff Mahy proposing and Deputy Peter Sirett seconding him. But there is a push in some quarters to get more than two people contesting the post, with deputies Hunter Adam and Carla McNulty-Bauer believed to be considering putting their name forward.

After a formal presentation by the Bailiff in the morning on procedures and conduct, members met for about 45 minutes at St James for a gathering organised by deputies Flouquet and Parkinson.

The majority of the 19 new faces and some sitting members attended.

Deputy-elect Carol Steere said it was a good chance for people to find out more about each other.

‘Obviously, there were discussions about who was going for chief minister,’ she said. ‘It was good to get to know the initiative but also a chance to drum up support for who wants what.’

Another new member, Roger Domaille, said the informal meeting was a good idea.

‘At least we got to see the other deputies, especially the new ones. It was good to be able to put a face to the name,’ he said.

He was waiting to see who else was nominated for chief minister before forming a view on whom to vote for.

Barry Paint was elected in the Castel.

‘It was good to be introduced to some of the people I didn’t know,’ he said.

He added there was some discussion of the chief minister race, although not a lot.

‘It’s difficult. You don’t want to commit yourself but want to know what they have got to say.’

The morning presentation by the Bailiff has been very useful and educational, he added.

South-East representative Robert Sillars said it had been nice to meet and have an informal chat with other members.

‘The chief ministerial role was discussed, but certainly not being pushed by anyone,’ he said.

‘I’m going to wait and see who comes forward and try to learn as much about the candidates as I can to try to make an informed decision.

‘The important thing is to not rush in and commit to anyone, but do some homework and hopefully come up with a good decision.’