ISLAND politics appears to be shifting.

While it is nothing new for islanders to try to influence States members, it has become clear that there is a more orchestrated, organised, determined air to recent efforts.

And, while previous pressure campaigns have tended to focus on a single issue, such as an incinerator, an extended runway or even abortion, recent pressure seems to be on a much broader political basis.

Business leaders have been at the forefront of that and the banding together of the G4 – IOD, Chamber, Giba and CGi – is a relatively new concept.

The logic is sound: by speaking together they can claim greater authority. No longer can the States ignore one group and put it down to a maverick leader. Instead, the unity of the groups over issues of great importance to the island should give any deputy pause for thought.

That has not stopped some States members from displaying irritation with attempts to influence them from the outside. The view seems to be: ‘We were elected by the people, you were not. We have the authority to govern, you don’t.’

At that point, fingers go in ears.

It is a rather odd philosophy.

Parishioners did not elect States members to be robots, or to stick their heads in the sand. Voters know that circumstances change and expect their political leaders to assess all the information and make the best decision at the time.

And no deputy’s manifesto can foretell all events, so it is pointless politicians shackling themselves to one document for four years.

By all means then, disagree with the message, but do not tell the messenger they are not welcome. It has become painfully clear in the past few months that the States does not know all the answers. Listening to some respected voices outside of the Assembly can only improve the decision-making within it.

It remains to be seen how influential the latest pressure group – the Guernsey Reform Alliance – will become.

But no one should dismiss them before they have even uttered a word.