Reprimanded, but holding on
Saturday 20th December 2008, 9:29AM GMT.
DEPUTY Bernard Flouquet is refusing to resign despite an independent panel finding that he breached the States members’ code of conduct over racist remarks made at a press conference.
The issue will be debated by the House after a three-man panel recommended that he should be formally reprimanded,
In the background is a motion of no confidence that, if placed and backed by the Assembly, would remove him from his deputy chief minister post. Deputy Flouquet said he did not object to the panel’s findings.
‘Once again, I express my deepest regret and apology for the embarrassment caused by my indiscretion and the perceived failure to conduct myself “…in a manner which would tend to maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the States of Deliberation [Rule 8 of the Code of Conduct for States’ Members]”,’ he said.
‘The past month has been a time of reproach for me, only relieved by the overwhelming number of personal messages of support and encouragement: face-to-face, by telephone, in letters, emails and those published in the Guernsey Press. I thank you all.
‘Because of the considerable public support and given that I have the confidence and support of the majority of the Policy Council and fellow States members I shall seek the views of my colleagues in the States of Deliberation before deciding what action to take.’
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Mr Flouquet, here is a message. Your constant lack of judgement, dignity and refusal to step down is an embarrasment. If you think the public support you then i suggest you need to get out more. Those that do support you are supporting a man who qualified his racism by affirming that ‘he found jokes of that nature amusing’ so they and their values are hardly worthy support. You have already highlighted that your values are in the gutter and are dragging our government down there with you. Shame on you.
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Resign! Are you arrogant enough to think that people actually respect you? Unbelievable.
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he clearly doesnt think he has done anything wrong…
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How convenient!
Aren’t the majority of our unelected holding on by their fingetips already?
Vested interests are most not welcme to comment. You have done a bit to much of this already thanks.
Seeya!
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Can Flouquet back up this overwhelming support then?
If he can then that leaves us with a majority of racists then.
In his dreams maybe?
Stop speaking for the majority cos you aren’t!
You and your likes are a very small minority thankfully.
He needs to go. What do other people think?
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Anywhere else in the civilised world and he would have gone by now. Just shows how depressingly behind Guernsey still is – presumably because of dinosaurs like him. Do we want to go forward or not?
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Between him and Jack ‘play the white man/I am influential with the board’ Honeybill we can quite clearly see what direction they wish Guernsey to move along. Backwards.
The man is blinded by his own self worth. I mean, really, it must be a tiny minority of people (the 900 that voted for him, perhaps) that could rely on him to represent them in a public facing capacity. He is making our political system look like a big old boys joke.
It’s no wonder that the ‘bank benchers’ are having to oppose these few with letters. Anything else just gets laughed out by the chortling pompous.
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PLEASE GO
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Public support…not in most of the material I’ve seen and certainly not in any conversations I’ve heard on the topic.
His initial error of judgement is now further compounded by his self seeking arrogance and failure to accept his unsuitability for office.
Regardless of his chums circling the waggons around him he has categorically lost the support of the people he is supposed to represent, so what exactly is he hanging on for?
It is about time that our Politicians started taking personal responsibility/accountability for their words and actions, they should earn our support and deserve our respect, not just assume it.
If he is so sure that he has the support he claims then maybe he should stand down immediately and then re-pitch himself at the next appropriate election, learning from his mistakes, modernising his opinions and rebuilding his reputation on the way.
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As one of the five complainants to the Conduct Committee, on behalf of the Royal College of Nursing, I received the written notification from the panel on Thursday.
The communication informed me the complaint had been ‘substansiated’.
I awaited with baited breath for the announcement Deputy Flouquet would demonstrate some degree of integrity and offer his resignation as DCM to the States.
It seems however he has shifted the responsibility of his political future to States members.
Are we really to believe he has the support of a majority of Policy Council? If this statement is factual what a sad day fo us all.
I have been somewhat disappointed by the lack of leadership by the Policy Council in this regard.
Is this fancy political footwork I ask myself?
Is it delaying tactics – hoping those who have challenged his behaviour will have their efforts diluted by the forthcoming festive period and will go away?
Our reputation continues to be at risk locally, nationally and internationally.
Everyone last one of us will be tainted unless this embarrassing issue is resolved swiftly.
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Politicly Deputy Flouquet is damaged goods whatever the outcome. Even those who support him will have second thoughts of making him Chief Minister. Had he gone straight away his conduct may have been forgiven in the future now it will never be forgotten.
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I can only imagine Bernie is surrounded by sycophants and no other noise gets to his ears…how else can it be explained that he thinks his poltical career has one iota of a chance of survival.
I once knew a boy who was expelled from school, but kept turning up thinking the head teacher would change his mind….Mr. F. seems to have all the attributes of that boy.
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Stick to your guns Bernard.Like most(or all) of us human beings(not many though on this forum)you made a mistake,acknowledged it,so you ought to be able to carry on with the work you are paid to do.Its been blown out of all proportion,so please,all you fair-minded people in Guernsey,bury the hatchet and give the guy another chance.Maybe in a few years time people will say “and to think we nearly threw him out”
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………oh another worrying thought…the boy did eventually get reinstated…I feel a panic attack coming on!
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Christ once said something like ‘let anybody without sin cast the first stone’
Are all of the critics in this stream of messages without such sin as they suggest or are they simply whited sepulchres.
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Taxi driver…I have sinned but I’ve never been in public office and been openly racist.
You apologists keep missing the point, he isn’t down the pub being an irritating bigot in front of his knuckle dragging chums, he’s potentially on the world stage, representing your island, being an embarrassing liability.
“PC” in this case has more to do with public confidence than political correctness. Roundly criticised by a wide spectrum of islanders, reprimanded by his peers but, despite his feigned remorse, he’s still hanging on…what does this really say about his motives for political power and his personal character?
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It is just me that sees this witch hunt as pathetically small minded? I’ve made a few mistakes in my career but delivered an enormous amount of business to my employer since some of those mistakes. I may even have learnt from some of them…..
I’m not 100% certain but I’d guess they’re still happy they took me on.
Hang in there Bernard, and then bury anyone else that makes even the slightest mistake. :)
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To taxi driver and Donald, I challenge you to name one mainstream UK political party (apart from the BNP) that would not have kicked him onto the back benches faster than you can say Robertson’s jam jars?
The fact of the matter is that he has fallen well short of the standards of public life expected (nay, demanded) in the 21st century and, as long as he remains as our DCM, he is an embarrassment to us all. His mindset comes straight from the set of Life on Mars or The Sweeney (ie circa 1973) and he must pay the price for his stunning lack of judgement – not just a slap on the wrist, which is clearly how he regards his formal reprimand.
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Donald “Maybe in a few years time people will say “and to think we nearly threw him out”.
For £40’000 a year I’d like a bit more than a ‘maybe’
Four weeks later and i’m thinking, is he still there?
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James Longbourne is mistaken to see this as a witch hunt. It is just a reaction to an isolated incident of our DCM being a few beliefs short of an acceptable interface between this island and the rest of the world.
James goes on, I think, to imply that the DCM may learn from the incident. I’m sure he will, but his insistence on not resigning demonstrates all too clearly that he has not learned very much.
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Yes, David Cranch, a witch hunt implies that innocents are being targeted by uninformed lawmakers based on superstitious beliefs. Flouquet cleared his throat and delivered a spectacularly misjudged utterance in front of the media. Hardly comparable.
This nonsense needs stamping out at all levels, starting with public servants. Flouquet is absolving his personal responsibilty and letting his fate be determined by his peers. This is arrogance of the highest regard.
The other day I witnessed a young man spout racist invective at a passing foreign worker. Despite protestations from a female partner he expressed he was justified, being a Guernseyman.
This is the message Flouquet’s actions are perpetuating. This is why 99% of the people I have talked to are embarrassed to even talk about it.
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It’s too late now for Mr Flouquet. If he’d wanted to become Guernsey’s “come-back kid”, a la Mandelson in UK, he needed to resign as soon as his faux pas caused public outrage. An immediate apology and resignation would have left the door open to a later recall to office but his stubborn failure to recognise the majority view of his behaviour renders him unfit for public office.
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I have taken some interest in Sandra James’ participation in this sad affair.
Although she claims to have made the complaint “on behalf of the Royal College of Nursing,” there has not been a mention on its otherwise very active website.
Perhaps Sandra you could advise us of exactly what process took place for this to become an official complaint of the RCN. How many members saw the offending video clip and how many signed the complaint? Were local nurses polled? Was the complaint on official heading?
As I recall several nurses called the BBC phone-in to disassociate themselves with the RCN complaint.
As far as the rest of your post is concerned, I believe that Deputy Flouquet indeed has the majority support of the Policy Council and States members who are keen to see him stay in office. I presume they know him better than you do.
Presumably your disappointment at a “lack of leadership shown by the Policy Council” is only because its leadership fails to agree with your view.
As far as Guernsey’s National and International reputation is concerned – it is quite obvious that the only folk from oversees that have shown the slightest interest are those who have been alerted and pressed by “outraged Guernsey residents” (like yourself) who are therefore themselves showing little care for our reputation by spreading the “offensive” news.
Locally based journalists also tried very hard to interest the international media without any result. Why – because it really is a “no story” in the eyes of any reasonably intelligent person.
Perhaps Sandra and the many other poorly informed posters on this thread should wait for the publication of the Code of Conduct Report before calling for blood.
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So we who dare ask Deputy Flouquet to do the decent thing are pathetically small minded!. Is not personal abuse the first resort in a lost argument by the intolerant. There are lots of names that could have been called at those who have supported him from the content of their posts on the issue. But issue is about political competence not about insulting those who disagree with you.
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I do find it of great concern that seemingly educated and mature posters feel that any criticism of racists is somehow “petty” and that Bernie deserves our unquestioning support.
If racial ignorance and intolerance from a public officer is not a sufficient issue then what is?
I was also surprised to see in Henry’s lengthy note not even the hint of one suggestion that BF might have actually done anything wrong…although he seems rather hasty to question Sandra James’ ethics…hypocrisy anyone?
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Henry
You are advocating that a politician that repeats jokes that are routed in a past where ignorant and institutionalised racism was ‘normal’, who deems to ignore advice from his peers, and who then belligerently ‘holds on’ to a point of view that is denigrated by a majority of the public (based on 800 voting on thisisguernsey and countless straw polls) should remain in office because he is your mate.
You and the other apologists seem to be too close to the personalities involved and are not taking an objective view. That view is that someone who can make crass remarks in front of the media is NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE as a globally engaged politician. That is the only issue (other than perpetuating racism).
Your man may be the life and soul of the party, generous to a tee and a keen personal supporter, but that does not mean he represents a majority and the views of the Guernsey people. That is why the Code of Practice has reportedly found him in breach. Is that not serious enough for you? Is it not a serious issue when the SACC have to convene in secret because of ‘sensitivity’?
It may well be that he survives a vote of no confidence, but either way all that it will prove is that he remains a divisive and unpopular ‘personality’ in an evolving political landscape that needs convergence and concensus.
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The supporters of BF are showing their hand with reference to racism.
Our CM has also showed his hand by backing his underdog. I feel that many of our top dogs have so much dirt to dish on each other they all rally around to cover each others backs.
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Is this really about racism or about complete over-reaction to Bernard Flouquet repeating a ‘joke’ (which had been doing the rounds for weeks prior to his airing it in public)?
Many of my friends are black or of ‘mixed race’ and they don’t know what the fuss is all about. Those people who are so upset about this incident appear to be in favour of positive discrimination whilst common sense and freedom of speech are being sacrificed on the alter of political correctness. Culture and Diversity are buzzwords flaunted periodically to underline how we should be acting – but are we are in danger of becoming bigoted ourselves?
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Merlin
Once again, the fuss isn’t about how ‘racist’ someone is. It’s about how sensitive they are around issues that affect a wider population than his ‘spitters’ and how suitable they are to be representing people that don’t think that such crass ignorance is acceptable.
“Those people who are so upset about this incident appear to be in favour of positive discrimination whilst common sense and freedom of speech are being sacrificed on the alter of political correctness.”
Being rubbish at what you do is nothing to do with anything you have mentioned. Part of being a public speaker in the role presumably assigned to an outward looking Guernsey politician is to be diplomatic. There he was, wallowing in self importance (since he had already ‘tested’ his mots-faux) and found himself in front of a silent (but respectfully silent because they were in front of the media) derisory audience AND HE STILL SAID IT.
In the grand scheme of things it is a ‘non’ story. People say foolish things all the time. However, in the light that the Policy Council wants to start making Island affecting decisions without consultation, are we really to believe that such a person can make those decisions on or behalf without wondering what else he has been belching forth without a public mandate?
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Fast Robert – “go on tell us your name.”
I think that if you read my post again you will not see any opinion upon Deputy Flouquet’s transgression – for or against.
If the deputy was a racist then I too would be keen to see him resign – but he is not, and those who elected him to the position of DCM know perfectly well that he is not.
He is already a globally engaged politician and has proved over many years to be perfectly fit for purpose. His colleagues elected him to the position of Chairman of the Guernsey Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
When it comes to taking advice, should he not take the advice from the majority?
Merlin – well said.
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So in challenging racism somehow we are we in danger of becoming bigoted ourselves?
You just couldn’t make it up.
Who has mentioned ‘positive’ discrimination? Can you refer me to any instances of this please?
Culture, diversity, difference, acceptance, equal value, equal worth.
These are not ‘buzzwords’ they are a reality and in some part a vision where people are not discriminated against by those who deem themselves more powerful / superior.
Unfortunately, racism is not a ‘buzzword’ either and to not challenge it is shameful.
To not challenge it from a ‘senior’ representative of our Government would be unforgivable.
Mr Flouquet is a racist, he says racist things and finds racism amusing.
He is not fit for public office.
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majority of the public (based on 800 voting on thisisguernsey and countless straw polls)???? where do you get your figures from? the press? i rest my case.
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Are we still talking about this??
Yes he made a mistake as has everyone of us at some point in time.
It was very wrong, he should’ve resigned or at least been less arrogant about it but it’s done, it’s been discussed and what will be will be.
At the very least he won’t make the next election. I’m sure they’re are more politically minded arguments to be having now. It’s up to the house to consider a formal reprimand which will be out of our hands so what will be will be. People have extensively vented their rage on this page for months now. I have to admit that while i agree with the majority i’m gettin a little bored now. He isnt the only person on island who thinks that racially. Only yesterday i heard a child on the estate outside my house call another a nigger and with no reprimand from parents. It’s disgusting and disgraceful but i think this subject has had a fair run and good airing……time to move on and make our thoughts felt in next election if nothing changes. Merlin i’m sort of siding with your comment on this
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Henry
What rights have got you to ask Fast Robert to identify his actual identity when you log on as Henry then?
It is about time that you showed your hand beore you ask others the same question.
You have called your own bluff. Its as simple as that actually!
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Henry
Further. Read your own posts and also check out Fast Roberts and see which make more sense.
Whilst your at it have a large piece of humble pie to enjoy cos you are going to need it.
You can be swept under the carpet with our DCM and CM and forgotten about!
Seeya
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The next election is too far away for one and Mr Flouquet has yet to have received his reprimand for breaching states members’ code of conduct panel or the vote of no confidence, so yes, we are still talking about this due to it being current.
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Henry
Is that the same fit for purpose that the Waste Disposal People’s Panel agree with? Is that not one of hios major remits? Yet he proves again that vested interests are lurking in the background?
He said a racist ‘joke’, Henry, what is not racist about that?
What a joke, eh?
Still the staid old apologists with their ‘nothing to see here’ arguments, championing a man that is is seen as counterproductive to a progressive Guernsey. We need rid of these dinosaurs. The voters implied that at election time. It is a shame that the newly elected States members may have had stars in their eyes when confronted with more ‘experienced facilitators’ to garner votes for their positions.
A man who can deny a Panel set up with a clear view on a sticky issue their rightful say, whilst in the same breath utter backward ‘humour’ is not fit for purpose. Yet again I ask, please fill me in with a list of achievements that match this unwanted fawning. Having friends in the right places does not satisfy.
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Henry
I have cut and pasted a posting I made on another thread – I hope this goes some way to oferring an explanation why the RCN beleived it was necessary to intervene in this issue -
“Sandra James| December 7, 2008 at 2:20 pm
“Jackie – I would like to advise you, I am not an arrogant and pompus individual who abuses my power within the Royal College of Nursing. I know as Chair of Royal College of Nursing Council my comments may be reported world wide, I therefore take my responsibilities very seriously.
This decision to report the matter to the Code of Conduct Committee was taken after much thought and careful consideration not least with the CEO of the RCN in addtional many members locally expressed concern.
Our organisation stands for much more than pay and conditions for its members. Amongst many of its objectives is promoting and ensuring high levels of care delivery to patients in the absence of any form of discriminatory treatment.
I would hope that if you or any members of your family required healthcare treatment you would want to be assured this was the case.
Our position of valuing equality and diversity is a fundemental principle of our organisation and all members know that on joining, it is nonsensical to suggest we ballot 400,000 to seek their opinion, it would be akin to balloting the memberhsip and asking them ‘do you want us to improvement your pay and conitions of employment’ – that’s why the nursing workforce join us year on year – our membership continues to grow.
This is not just about the RCN’s position every registered nurse on the UK Central Council register – all 600,000 of them are required to value and demonstrate equality and diversity and if it can be proven they fail in this regard they could be struck off.
So as to the suggestion I should apologise to the membership for taking this action, the RCN should be apologising to its membership if it had failed to take action”.
Happy New year to you all.
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