HAVING taken advice from ‘the best brains in the business’, Treasury’s plans now lie in tatters.

Defeated by a group of five determined deputies – led by a States novice – Treasury minister Deputy Charles Parkinson has taken it hard.

For ‘personal and political reasons’ he is highly unlikely to stand for the next Assembly in 2012.

It is not hard to see the minister’s frustration in his decision – and the timing of its announcement.

Known in political and business circles as a clever man, Deputy Parkinson has now failed in two major debates.

The first was in 2007, when he attempted to thwart zero-10 with his own version, dubbed zero-20. It was defeated and, following his ousting as deputy minister, he resigned from Treasury.

Now the Assembly has, by a large majority, rejected complex plans his department has worked on for many months. Treasury must therefore adapt to a scheme which, in terms of resources, was outlined on the back of a cigarette packet.

At such times, the minister’s life as a successful businessman must seem very attractive.

Despite those two losses – which would indicate he does not carry the Assembly’s confidence – there is no doubt Deputy Parkinson’s departure would be a loss.

Among the career politicians and semi-retired in the States, the island needs a leavening of people from the world of business in its government. Along with other attributes, they add knowledge, ideas, incisiveness and an impatience with bureaucracy.

However, business people do not necessarily come with political savvy.

Treasury’s ideas were thought by many to have a good chance of success. The minister himself said he had no hesitation recommending them to his fellow deputies.

But no matter how good an idea, it has to be sold. And that was where the group of five won the day: by lobbying, cajoling, telephoning, meeting and badgering the other deputies until a heavy victory was assured.

It was a fine political coup. And one Deputy Parkinson would no doubt admire, even if he could not achieve it two years ago.