No room for a wild-card deputy chief
Saturday 22nd November 2008, 9:34AM GMT.
A GOLDEN rule for any politician is to be careful what you say. And if you can’t, be extremely choosy where you say it. So the deputy chief minister’s decision to tell a questionable ‘joke’ in front of an audience of journalists with TV cameras running was foolhardy in the extreme. Basing it on a quip – no matter how allegedly funny – that linked US president-elect Barack Obama to golliwogs was simply appalling.
As a result, Deputy Bernard Flouquet now faces calls for his resignation not just as deputy chief minister but from the States itself.
That is not surprising. Islanders have not reacted well to his comments because not only were they a serious lapse of judgement, they were also deeply insulting to a president-elect who is enormously admired for what he has achieved despite racial bias and hostility.
It is irrelevant that Deputy Flouquet meant no harm or racism in what he said. The ‘joke’ was simply offensive irrespective of the tone or intent in its delivery.
In terms of what happens next, the fact that this is an issue of judgement will be critical.
The appointment of a deputy chief minister means that he or she can be called on at a moment’s notice to represent the Bailiwick in a wide variety of forums, from the international to the parochial.
Had Deputy Flouquet chosen to warm up a press conference attended by national reporters in such a way, the outcome would have been disastrous.
Perhaps the minister felt that since he was playing to a home crowd, the reception would have been warmer. Yet the head-in-hands body language of his chief officer when Deputy Flouquet started the story suggested that he knew what was coming – and the likely consequences. Perhaps he had earlier warned against its telling, which would reinforce the judgement concerns.
Bodies politic can cope with what are sometimes referred to as ‘characters’, but in the right place and at the right time. Ministers, too, can sometimes say and do inappropriate things and get away with it.
But those who speak on behalf of this community cannot and islanders do not need a wild-card deputy chief minister.
To survive, Deputy Flouquet needs to resign from that position.
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Good to see the local press holding our politicians to account – but its already in the national media – both the Telegraph and Daily Mail have reported it – very negatively. Its no longer Deputy Flouquet’s reputation on the line – its Guernsey’s. Do we really want to be known as ‘Golliwog Guernsey”? If he doesn’t resign, we will be.
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Absolutley outrageous behaviour from one of our senior politicians. Do we want to be seen as a laughing stock, locally, nationally and maybe internationally over this ill judged crass, racist joke.
Comments like this are not a mistake – quite the contrary – his senior Civil Servants body language clearly indicated he knew what was coming and cringed – he was told by his Deputy colleague, it was ‘not PC’ did he flinch – did he hell! He responded by saying ‘I am interested in jokes like that’ – only when the porverbial hit the media fan did a ‘press officer’ issue and apology on his behalf.
We have heard nothing from the Chief Minister -amazing how they all run to ground.
Only two politicians have had the courage to quite rightly condem his comments – well done Carole Steere and Barry Brehaut. Very disappointed in John Gollop!
As Deputy Flouquet is Head of External Affairs – does this mean ‘he may’ in the future need to meet with President Obama – what colour Flouquets face then?????
Have integrity Bernard – resign before you are pushed!!!
You still have one more attempt before beating Peter Mandelson’s resignation record.
Diversity Champion
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IS BF still clinging on, despite the negative reaction of press, public and fellow politicians?
How can he justify his position after such an overwhelming vote of no confidence from colleagues and those he is meant to represent…the man has no moral compass…not an attractive personal quality to see in a senior politiican with ambition (if not ability) for the “top job”.
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