Minister hits back from green corner

Thursday 28th February 2008, 2:29PM GMT.

Environment minister Deputy David De Lisle has defended himself and his department against attacks. (0509519)

ENVIRONMENT minister David De Lisle has defended his under fire department.

Last week at an Institute of Directors seminar, Confederation of Guernsey Industry chairman Phil Duquemin branded the department ‘dysfunctional’ and a problem for economic growth. Deputy Commerce and Employment minister Carla McNulty Bauer said it had a very green focus and should address its economic mandate.

And Deputy Jack Honeybill said the worst thing you could possibly have as a member of Environment was an environmentalist. ‘People like Phil Duquemin are spokesmen for lobby groups,’ said Deputy De Lisle.