FOR an unloved job that is supposedly hamstrung by its lack of raw power, the post of chief minister is generating surprisingly strong interest.
Whether the role is largely one of figurehead leader or a genuine powerbroker will depend on the man or woman elected. But the chance to be the Bailiwick’s third chief minister in just four years is nevertheless causing a buzz on the airwaves as candidates and supporters jockey for position.
The surprise introduction of David De Lisle to the fray, a deputy many thought unlikely to gain enough support for re-election as Environment minister, let alone chief minister, has done little to convince that this is not a two-horse race.
Representatives of both deputies Lyndon Trott and Bernard Flouquet believe they are closer to the finishing post at this stage, presumably because some of their colleagues are playing both sides in a bid to gain maximum advantage regardless of who comes out on top.
While such unedifying shenanigans are part and parcel of politics throughout the world it is unfortunate that two such strong factions should emerge before this States has even had a chance to sit.
New deputies unused to such pressure have little to go on to help them decide which candidate is strongest apart from a watching brief from the outside and the word of their fellow States members.
It is an uncomfortable time for people who no doubt promised their electorate to do their best to rid the island of personality politics.
But within hours of voters deciding who should get the honour of a seat in this House, more than one race for election got under way. Positions as ministers, deputy minister and plain members of departments are also valued commodities, worth both prestige and cash.
At every level there will be disappointment, made all the more bitter by broken promises and empty words as candidates find out who their real friends are.
Once the dust has settled, such differences must be put to one side. This House has much hard work to do and no time for grudges.
All bets off as race goes to the wire
FOR an unloved job that is supposedly hamstrung by its lack of raw power, the post of chief minister is generating surprisingly strong interest.
Whether the role is largely one of figurehead leader or a genuine powerbroker will depend on the man or woman elected. But the chance to be the Bailiwick’s third chief minister in just four years is nevertheless causing a buzz on the airwaves as candidates and supporters jockey for position.
The surprise introduction of David De Lisle to the fray, a deputy many thought unlikely to gain enough support for re-election as Environment minister, let alone chief minister, has done little to convince that this is not a two-horse race.
Representatives of both deputies Lyndon Trott and Bernard Flouquet believe they are closer to the finishing post at this stage, presumably because some of their colleagues are playing both sides in a bid to gain maximum advantage regardless of who comes out on top.
While such unedifying shenanigans are part and parcel of politics throughout the world it is unfortunate that two such strong factions should emerge before this States has even had a chance to sit.
New deputies unused to such pressure have little to go on to help them decide which candidate is strongest apart from a watching brief from the outside and the word of their fellow States members.
It is an uncomfortable time for people who no doubt promised their electorate to do their best to rid the island of personality politics.
But within hours of voters deciding who should get the honour of a seat in this House, more than one race for election got under way. Positions as ministers, deputy minister and plain members of departments are also valued commodities, worth both prestige and cash.
At every level there will be disappointment, made all the more bitter by broken promises and empty words as candidates find out who their real friends are.
Once the dust has settled, such differences must be put to one side. This House has much hard work to do and no time for grudges.
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