CANDIDATES who received the most votes in their district are not necessarily suitable for the top jobs in government, two deputies successful in the polls have claimed.
Deputy Charles Parkinson and deputy-elect Carol Steere (pictured) were discussing the new States on the BBC Radio Guernsey phone-in yesterday.
They were questioned on whether any member of the previous House who had had a significant drop in support at last week’s election could justifiably be appointed chief minister or given a role on the Policy Council. So far, deputies Lyndon Trott and Bernard Flouquet have thrown their hats into the ring to be the new minister.
But neither was particularly successful in their respective districts.
Deputy Trott took the fifth seat out of six in St Sampson’s and Deputy Flouquet finished sixth in Castel, where there were seven places available.
Mrs Steere said she still hoped more deputies would put their name forward for the job.
‘I have heard from members of the public who think the two names being mentioned are not suitable,’ she said.
‘Poll toppers are not necessarily right for the top jobs.
‘Matt Fallaize topped the poll in the Vale and I think he would admit that he is not ready for a role on the Policy Council.
‘And John Gollop topped the poll in St Peter Port North and while John has many qualities, would you want him to be chief minister?
‘There is a poll topper (Charles Parkinson) who has obvious abilities, so why is he not standing?
‘I have asked him that question.
‘I’m hoping that there may be further developments.’
Deputy Parkinson, who proposed Deputy Flouquet for the top job, agreed that the scores at the polls were not the only consideration.
‘It’s clear that neither of them (Trott and Flouquet) had a strong feeling from their district,’ he said.
‘I think that while district votes are important, they are not the whole issue.
‘Our system is one that allows the States to select the chief minister and that is designed so that members can choose from people who they know and have worked with.’
Article posted on 28th April, 2008 - 2.29pm
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3 Article Comments
Of course Lyndon Trott, a dedicated Guernseyman and astute professional politician, should justifiably be allowed to stand for high office despite a reduced number of votes.
Just because you strike a chord with the general public at election time doesn’t automatically make you adept at strategic planning, financial appraisals or understanding complex projects.
This is the problem with the States. Certain Deputies (who are elected but have no formal training or specific experience) are able to overrule professional advice on complex matters because of personal opinions - look at the Waste to Energy delays for example.
The fact is that at present, rightly or wrongly, the chief minister is not granted full executive power. He or she is predominantly a figurehead. Permanently employed civil servants are perhaps better trained in important issues such as strategic planning. It is the duty of politicians to see that decisions are taken in the interest of the electorate and at the same time act as guardians to the public purse. Open government, accountability and prosperity are probably factors that most people look for when deciding to elect politicians. Honesty, integrity and a first class sense of humour are arguably the finest assets for our chief minister and are probably best judged by the electorate at large. If the majority of people in the island choose who stands at the helm, then he or she will take up the position with strong public support.