Bill Walden retains his seat in the Alderney States, which is now seeing significant changes. (0583475)

THE island’s political landscape altered significantly at the weekend. On a dramatic Saturday night, four new faces were elected to the States of Alderney, while Bill Walden retained his seat.

Lin Maurice and Barry Pengilley were ousted from the States and their demise could signal the beginning of some big changes in the island. For starters, a smoking ban in public places could be implemented sooner than expected.

Mrs Maurice has led opposition to proposals for a smoking ban over the past few years and the fact she is unable to attack from within on this subject could smooth the way for an outright ban in public places, especially as some current and new members are known to be in favour it.

Of the four new members – which include Peter Allen and John Beaman – two have indicated they favour a ban. Boyd Kelly spoke in support of the idea at the recent hustings, while Geoffrey Sargent said he feels a ban is inevitable. Mr Walden is known to be a firm backer, while current members Richard Willmott, Colin Williams and Liz Bennett are also thought to be of a similar mind, having voted in favour of enabling legislation in the past. Therefore, according to the form book, at least six members are in favour of banning smoking in some capacity in public places.

This information doesn’t necessarily mean Alderney will follow in the footsteps of the UK and implement a blanket ban. However, it is likely the new States will push for laws on smoking to be signed, sealed and delivered just as soon as Royal Assent is received to allow them to enforce it.

The northern isle is experiencing considerable change at the moment and much of that is down to the current States, which will sit for the final time next week. The commercial quay is less than a year away from being redeveloped, tidal power plans are moving along at breakneck speed and the possibility of building a marina seems closer than ever.

Add to these the complete overhaul of the island’s water infrastructure, not to mention various other projects, and it may be correct to say this is the most progressive group of politicians Alderney has ever had.

That said, change is often a good thing in politics.

Fresh ideas and enthusiasm help projects progress further and also allow contemporary schemes to reach the surface.

Building a marina and sports centre are just two items that have long been mooted and it would perhaps not be optimistic to suggest that those particular ideas could advance significantly over the next two years. Alderney’s representatives in the States of Guernsey, Mr Willmott and Mr Walden, are both sports centre champions and it would be short-sighted to suggest that those two won’t push the island’s case for both in the not-too-distant future.

Islanders often say they are disappointed that talented people don’t put themselves forward for election.

However, while everyone won’t be pleased about who has won a seat on the States, I would suggest that the next batch of members, who will meet for the first time in the new year, are potentially the most talented and forward-thinking group of politicians this island has ever had. And now, after the faith shown in them by the electorate, it is up to those members to live up to the expectations.

Just as America is expecting great things from Barack Obama, Alderney is hoping for something similar from our elected representatives.