EUTHANASIA continues to dominate the election – and it split candidates in St Sampson’s last night. Many of them said at yesterday’s hustings that it had been the biggest issue they faced while canvassing.

But Les Le Poidevin pointed out that only one candidate had mentioned it in their manifesto.

Deputy Lyndon Trott believed that 60% of States members would be opposed.

‘I think we need a caveat, whatever decision the States reaches, that we are given the chance to endorse or oppose it by an island-wide referendum.’

Douzenier Michelle Levrier said that it was not a black-and-white issue. But, if safeguards were in place, she would support it because she would want it for herself.

Deputy Peter Bougourd had ‘great concerns’ that it could be misused.

For every one person Deputy Sam Maindonald has met who supported the issue, she said 20 had been against.

‘As a deputy, I represent the people,’ she added.

Euthanasia is an issue that needs ‘long, dedicated and delicate discussion,’ which was more than it could be given at the hustings, said John O’Neill.

Dan Le Cheminant, Ron Le Moignan, Keith Tostevin and Harold Allen were all opposed, while Scott Ogier said that it was a shame it had become an election issue.

‘It’s been a very well orchestrated campaign by the pro-euthanasia people,’ said Deputy Ivan Rihoy, who was totally opposed to it.

Brian Le Maitre asked the candidates how they saw Guernsey’s future if and when Britain entered fully into the European Union.

Deputies Le Cheminant and Trott both believed that Protocol Three would protect the island’s independence.

‘I don’t think it helps for us to sit in this island and hurl abuse at it [Europe] every now and again,’ said Mr Le Moignan, who supported adopting the euro if Britain did.

Mr Tostevin said Guernsey could look at alternatives to the euro, such as aligning with the Swiss franc.

Mr Allen said we were safeguarded and should not enter the EU.

Deputy Rihoy believed it was of paramount importance that Guernsey’s independence was maintained.

‘I wouldn’t welcome the euro in Guernsey at all and I think it could prove inflationary.’

Island Development Committee planning decisions came under attack from many of the candidates.

Deputy Le Cheminant was worried that a lot of the new developments would detract tourists.

‘When people come here, they want to see something different.’

Mr Ogier said: ‘There definitely seems to be some strange and unusual things going on in the planning department.’

More transparency was needed within the IDC, according to Mr Le Moignan, while Mr Allen argued that the Strategic and Corporate Plan needed revising.

IDC member Deputy Rihoy said there were too many UK architects and planning officers coming over.

‘The IDC does not design the buildings, it makes the decisions on the designs put in front of it,’ said Douzenier Levrier, who believed the responsibility was with the architects.

Deputy Bougourd said that many of the problems came from the Anglicisation of the planning process.

Deputy Maindonald said that until there was openness from the IDC, the island was not going to have consistency, while Mr O’Neill added it was ‘appalling’ what had been allowed.

Tony Spruce asked the candidates whether St Sampson’s, Vale and St Peter Port should work more closely together, giving a co-ordinated approach to change the Urban Area Plan guidelines.

Mr Le Moignan supported the split between the rural and urban areas for planning, arguing that the alternative would encourage further ribbon development.

The parish should unite more with others over the planning process, said Mr Tostevin, who disagreed with the ‘broad brush’ approach adopted.

Mr Allen said that when he was a deputy, a united stance never happened.

Far too much development was being put in the urban area, according to Deputy Rihoy, who said the Rural Area Plan was certain to be amended when it reached the States.

‘I think it’s right to target development in the urban area; it’s unfortunate we should be in it,’ said Douzenier Levrier.

She added that development should be aimed at brownfield sites.

Deputy Maindonald and Mr O’Neill supported the parishes working together. Deputy Trott predicted that the States would throw out the RAP.

Jean Foreman was upset she was the only woman chosen to ask a question.

She was concerned about the high level of doctors’ fees.

‘I think we need to do more to help people that really struggle, especially the elderly,’ said Deputy Maindonald.

It was something we need to keep on top of, said Deputy Le Cheminant.

‘Those on lower incomes are not getting the financial support they need,’ said Mr Ogier.

Mr Tostevin said that people covered by private medical insurance should pay the full fee.

Deputy Rihoy agreed and said that it was worrying in a modern society to have people who could not afford the fee. He recommended a 50% subsidy for those not covered in this way.

Deputy Bougourd recommended means testing.

‘It’s a problem, there’s no doubt. Equally, there’s no doubt it’s a bigger problem for some than others and we have to find some way of targeting help.’