This Is Guernsey

THE chief minister’s plan to make a “State of the States” speech is poor judgement, according to Deputy Barry Brehaut (pictured).

Deputy Lyndon Trott faced fierce criticism over his handling of the international identity framework agreement – he wanted to sign it without the approval of the Assembly – and is now on a collision course with deputies after announcing he intends to give a speech outlining the key issues and goals of government for the next 12 months.

The framework issue was eventually debated by the States last week after Deputy Matt Fallaize had handed the chief minister a letter signed by 23 deputies urging him to bring it before the Assembly.

Deputy Fallaize looks set to submit another letter signed by more than 20 colleagues offering support to the States Assembly and Constitution Committee, which has opposed Deputy Trott’s speech plans.

Deputy Barry Brehaut sent an email to all deputies, including the chief minister, yesterday bemoaning Deputy Trott’s decision.

‘The speech will be a bemusing, unnecessary, confusing spectacle. There has been no petition for this speech from the floor of the chamber by, shall we say, 16 members or more,’ he said.

‘We have a committee system. We have presidents of committees – we call them ministers. We do not have, and we do not want, Cabinet government.

‘So why on earth act like we have? We have had some poor judgement calls recently and this is yet another.’

Housing minister Dave Jones came out in support of the statement being made.

The Policy Council is to decide its content on Monday.

‘Providing he has the support of the majority of the Policy Council, it’s no different to a minister of a department making a statement. I really don’t understand what the fuss is about,’ said Deputy Jones.

‘As far as I’m concerned, it’s all within the Policy Council mandate. We’ve looked at that carefully and providing the speech doesn’t set in stone what the Policy Council believes future government policy should be – clearly a matter for the Assembly as a whole – I see no real harm.’

Although Deputy John Gollop raised the issue at last week’s States meeting as to whether Guernsey could benefit from such an annual speech, as is common in both the USA and the UK, he sent Deputy Trott a letter yesterday urging delay.

‘Inevitably, the words of the speech will be closely watched and analysed and the views of our parliamentary committee – the States of Guernsey Assembly and Constitution Committee – should be taken seriously with due regard,’ he said.

‘We need unification rather than political division at this very sensitive time.’

Article posted on 5th December, 2008 - 11.30am