The speech 24 deputies do not want you to hear
Monday 8th December 2008, 2:30PM GMT.
THE Guernsey Press and This is Guernsey publishes in full today a speech which has divided the States – and one which at least two-thirds of deputies hope will never be heard in public.
The 1,300-word address is the one Chief Minister Lyndon Trott (pictured) wants to give as a State of the States discourse on Wednesday to mark the end of this Assembly’s first year in office.
In it he seeks to assess how the States has performed in the eight months since its election and what its targets are in the coming year.
However, a number of backbench deputies, led by members of the States Assembly and Constitution Committee, and a few ministers are furious that he has presumed to take it upon himself to make a presidential-style ‘state of the nation’ address.
They say that it goes beyond his remit as chief minister and is outside the mandate of the Policy Council.
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Island Life
All about Guernsey
Ambassador of the Year 2011
History & Heritage
Visitor Information
Guernsey's government
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
Useful Links
Well that has made Matt Fallaize and his cronies look like a crowd of dolts!
There is very little in the speech to get excited about. Those of us who keep abreast (Not Barry abreast) of what’s going on will learn little from it, but as John Gollop presumed, it will inform the public of what has passed and what is to be.
The Chief Minister could always have given it outside the States Assembly without challenge, but offered it inside as a matter of politeness/correctness.
Silly “control freaks” did not want anything said without THEIR input, so tried to stop it all together – stupid fools.
We, the public of Guernsey, want leadership and transparency. This was a start. It has happened.
Now Lyndon, get into the Radio and TV studios and speak it to the people. If States members don’t want it – bypass them.
Report abuse
Let the people listen and decide for themselves. Long live leadership and transparency.
Long live Lyndon, little Johnny Gollop and democracy!!
Guernsey politics does NOT have to be as murky as the water from the Red Lion sewage outfall.
Report abuse
Henry
I don’t think they tried to stop it altogether. They don’t want the position of CM to be able to speak on behalf of the States without States authority. What if Deputy Trott had said something disagreeable? He might do next time. That would then tarnish the entire political system. As it is this was a vapid piece that says nothing, but then it would do wouldn’t it, as it is supposed to paint those that care about due process in a foolish light.
I think quite the opposite to you. This smacks of childish petulance from Deputy Trott, and you are wanting to promote a loose cannon, giving him more power than the system should allow, and for what? Transparency? Are you joking? I refer you to his time in T&R and his employment of PR consultants to spin his way through the term.
You obviously have no respect for the people of Guernsey if you want its Chief Minister to ignore the political process and advocate your friends in high places to do as they please, telling offensive jokes while their at it.
This is not about the non-speech, this is about wanting more power. In acting like this the Chief Minister is eroding confidence in the system, along with his continued support for Deputy Flouquet.
And calling Deputy Fallaize a control freak when Deputy Trott is barking for more power! You’re just as funny as your friend!
Report abuse
There is something rather grubby about this. The CMs apparent desire for more executive power; Fallaize has a point about taking these requests through the House. I also have concerns that there seems to be a gaggle of States Members that simply don’t like Lyndon and are using every opportunity to cobble him – under the guise of procedure and due process.
On the face of it the CMs address seems, as I’ve always believed, a harmless round up on what’s been happening in the last 12 months.
However, Fallaize slipped out that Gollop’s question about an Adress was a put up by the CM
And now we have this ‘leak’ which appears a clear counter attack to the letter makes for some uncomfortable reading.
If concencus government fails because of these silly games then those pro-concensus are not being very smart and playing right into the Harwoodistas hands.
All very churlish by all parties.
Report abuse
But Vincent, this is not democracy he is practicing. He is acting out on a limb without the backing of our elected represntatives. Unless the system is changed and the public votes for the Chief Minister, he should not be able to make (future) policy statements. He has no mandate. Granted that this effort was deliberately woolly, but what about next time?
Report abuse
“The Commerce and Employment Department has…delivered a depositor compensation scheme…”
This is an achievement? It was only progressed when Landsbanki Guernsey imploded – even though Andrew Edwards recommended its urgent introduction TEN YEARS AGO!
Report abuse
It seems that Trott was determined to get his statement out no matter what the ordinary members wanted,which does seem a little murky
Report abuse
Once again we see intemperate and vituperative language being used to no good effect. Will anyone’s mind be changed by name calling and insult?
The speech itself is rather soporific when put into print but it’s hard to take offence at much of its content. There are, however, issues here in relation to the “planting” of John Gollop’s question and to the leaking of the text in advance of the States meeting. Neither matters do much credit to those responsible for them.
Report abuse
Lawrence – by all accounts the majority of the Policy Council also wanted the speech to go ahead. Are they all on a journey to get more power as well or does that only apply to Deputy Trott ? Maybe the majority of the Policy Council (who I would remind you were also elected by the other Deputies) also feel that it is vital that the government of Guernsey actually shows some leadership.
There are many, including the media, who demand that the States show more leadership, yet when it happens those who were elected to lead and make tough, unpopular decisions necessary to govern this island get accused of being on a power mission.
Maybe, just maybe, there are deputies who might vote differently for Policy Council members and a Chief Minister in the future if they are aware that the Policy Council and the Chief Minister are going to attempt to show a certain level of leadership, but this whole episode is all about personal conflicts and not at all about getting on with the job of governing Guernsey.
Guernsey is facing a very difficult few years with challenges on many fronts. We really don’t need silly distractions like this one.
How much time has been wasted by our elected deputies in the past month on the “Golliwog” and “State of the States” issues ? It rather suggests, as I have always felt, that we have around 35 too many elected deputies who clearly have nothing better to do. Cut it down to 12 good ones, elected island-wide, and maybe we will get far more done as the amount of petty personal politics between deputies will automatically be cut by 75%. Some of this would be more in place in The Vicar of Dibley ! Let’s get some perspective.
Weak leadership will get us absolutely nowhere.
The people elected our deputies and our deputies elected the our Policy Council and Chief Minister. For heaven’s sake let them get on with the tasks that the democratic system elected them to do and for which they are paid a salary to do. The next elections will decide whether they have done a good job or not, but at least let them carry out those jobs.
Report abuse
Did I miss it?
For someone so determined to communicate in an open and transparent way I found it hard to find any mention, in his lengthy and inclusive address, about him tolerating the racist leanings of his number 2….maybe next time?
Report abuse
Henry says Trott should “..speak it to the people. If States members don’t want it – bypass them.”
Just for Henrys info democracy works when all are consulted and views taken aboard not the views of one Chief Minister from his ivory tower after yet another round of jet-setting globe trotting!
Trott was losing his grip and only just got into the States at last election. There were 4 or 5 candidates ahead of him in the democratic cue. Maybe if he brought in island wide voting and direct elections for the Chief Ministers job instead of smooching with international financiers his dreary speeches would gain some island support instead of constantly alienating us all
Report abuse
Dont politicians hate transparency!
Report abuse