This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

BERNARD Flouquet failed to show the judgement, integrity and conduct expected of a deputy chief minister, according to a motion of no confidence.

The required seven States members have signed the proposal being led by Deputy Leon Gallienne for Deputy Flouquet to resign as deputy chief minister following a racist joke that he told at a press conference in December.

An earlier letter calling for Deputy Flouquet to consider his position was signed by 16 deputies in December with 17 more also known to hold that view - it is not clear how much of this support has melted away in the intervening period but it is often a sign of strength in these cases to get a majority of members to sign.

‘After careful consideration, we are of the opinion that Deputy Flouquet has acted in a manner which has discredited, and which has the potential or is likely further to discredit the States and so Guernsey and our community,’ the motion says.

An independent code of conduct inquiry recommended that Deputy Flouquet be reprimanded for his actions.

The no confidence motion uses the findings to back its case.

This said it was for the States to decide whether Deputy Flouquet retain his deputy chief minister role, but did stress a concern that it was also in this capacity that he made the offending remarks.

The motion argues that the States should hold him accountable for his conduct.

He should resign because he ‘failed to show the judgement and integrity, and by leadership and example the conduct, expected from the person holding office as deputy chief minister’.

Deputy Flouquet has apologised for his actions at least twice and some feel that, along with the reprimand, should be enough.

But at least one of those who had made the original code of conduct complaint disagrees.

Royal College of Nursing chairwoman Sandra James posted a comment on thisisguernsey.com asking how Deputy Flouquet’s supporters could not recognise and accept the panel’s findings.

‘Of course he should stand down and avoid any further embarrassment to Guernsey and all those who reside in our wonderful island.

‘If, as he maintains, he has huge support from both States members and the public he can re-stand for the position of deputy chief minister and will have confidence in his re-election.’

She said it had never been a witch-hunt.

‘It was about saying we must leave behind unacceptable behaviour and offensive language.

‘Let’s value and appreciate diversity.’

Deputy Gallienne said that he only got seven signatures on the no confidence motion as that was all that needed.

Accusations had come from Policy Council following recent issues of ‘government by letter’, when a majority of members signed a proposal and had ‘effectively stifled debate’.

Article posted on 13th January, 2009 - 2.29pm