ONE of the frustrations of watching the States ‘in action’ – is that two words or one? – is how fast it can move when it really wants to.

The latest case in point is the introduction of a depositor compensation scheme following the Landsbanki collapse.

Islanders have been left in no doubt that the speed at which a complicated package was put together was unprecedented.

In September, with financial markets in chaos and no one certain which institution would be the next to totter, Treasury decided a banking compensation scheme was essential. At a stroke the turbo chargers were put on an problem which had been dawdling in the slow lane for decades.

Thirteen key targets were then hit in just over a month as banks and legislators finally got their acts together.

The result was a fast-tracked report approved with minimal debate on Wednesday and members congratulating themselves for a job well done.

So, with a gun at our heads, the island functions very well. But what happens when no such threat exists – when the only pressure is from disgruntled islanders?

Nothing much. Or, quite often, nothing at all.

There are plenty of examples: some from this same States meeting. The Home Department, for example, finally got an amendment to the police disciplinary procedure through the Assembly. There was no debate; there was no need.

Yet, the original proposals were approved way back in January 2005.

It is not just minor legislation that is shod with leaden boots. Animal rights activists despaired of ever seeing the day that a law they had fought hard to get approved would see the light of day. And human rights laws have fared little better.

But before States members cast accusing glances at the legal draughtsmen, they should recall all the projects that stumble through consultation after consultation, report after report, meeting after meeting. Incinerator anyone?

And the list of excuses for extending the housing control law instead of writing a new one would be comical were it not so fundamental to this island’s future.

On that, even Housing minister Dave Jones and his nemesis Mike Hadley should agree.