Governors discuss our relationship with UK

By Nick Mann

The Lt-Governors of the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey, from the left: Sir Paul Haddacks, Sir Fabian Malbon and Lt-Gen. Andrew Ridgway. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0579494)

THE Crown Dependencies’ relationship with the UK was on the agenda as their Lt-Governors met yesterday. Guernsey’s Sir Fabian Malbon, Jersey’s Lt-Gen. Andrew Ridgway and the Isle of Man’s Sir Paul Haddacks discussed common issues and problems.

Representatives from the Ministry of Justice also attended, as did new chief minister Lyndon Trott for part of the meeting. Sir Fabian said the meeting – an opportunity for the Lt-Governors to learn from each others’ experiences – had been a chance to put Guernsey on the map.

‘We discussed issues of common interest, such as the relationship with the UK: are we pursuing the same line?,’ said Sir Fabian. It was useful to find out what was happening in the other jurisdictions, he added. ‘We have no political interest. We’re involved really in liaising with the UK.

‘It’s issues of how we do it, who you speak to, what the issues are from the UK looking back, what we could do to promote the islands, our relationship with other bodies in the UK.’

Sir Paul said the meeting had been hugely valuable.

Although each island was unique, they shared some issues, he said.

‘A lot of the meeting was about the relationship with the Crown Dependencies and the Lord Chancellor [Jack Straw]. Because we had representatives from the MoJ here today, we were able to discuss with them how best to take things forward,’ said Lt-Gen. Ridgway.

He added that the islands were very proud of their relationship with the Crown.

Sir Paul said the differences could provide best practice for others to look at.

‘All three are at different stages of ministerial government.

‘For example, the Isle of Man has had it for over 20 years. We’re fully executive with a chief minister who can hire and fire. If he doesn’t like others’ performance or they start to diverge, he can get rid of them.

‘This allows for much faster decision-making,’ he said.