Hustings is on

By Nick Mann

CHIEF minister candidates will be grilled by States members this afternoon after last-ditch attempts to save a pre-election hustings were successful.

There were heated exchanges behind the scenes as attempts were made to set up the question and answer session, and by mid-afternoon it had been aborted. But by late last night five of the six candidates had agreed to take part. As of 8am this morning only Deputy Hunter Adam had not confirmed his availability.

Deputy Mary Lowe (pictured) had emailed members on Sunday to ask if they thought the hustings was a good idea – after a positive response she set about making it happen.

‘It’s the top job in the States and there ought to be that facility which we now have where we can ask questions,’ said Deputy Lowe.

‘It’s all very well having phone calls from candidates telling us about themselves, it’s a big difference when you line them up and hear them speak.’

The meeting takes place this afternoon at the Peninsula Hotel and will be chaired by John Langlois.

There will be a chance for deputies and deputies elect to ask questions one-to-one after the question and answer session.

‘It’s good news for the majority of States members who wanted this and I’m delighted it’s back on.’