Politicians’ private lives will influence how some vote

Monday 11th March 2013, 5:00PM GMT.

A POLITICIAN’S private affairs are relevant to their public life, according to voters in the West District.

They were speaking after a judge criticised one of the district’s deputies, Arrun Wilkie, pictured, for making a ‘wholly mischievous’ claim for £3,248 against a client of his plumbing business in the Petty Debts Court.

While the claim was dismissed, judgment for £1,652 plus costs was awarded to the client.

Deputy Wilkie’s fellow Torteval douzenier, finance worker Rob Lenfestey, 43, said he did not want to comment specifically on the matter.

‘But I think an individual’s persona in their private life would influence anybody when it came to whether or not to vote for them,’ he said.

Dean of Torteval douzaine, Pat Le Tocq, said he had discussed the position with some members of the douzaine.

‘As far as we’re concerned it’s a business matter and do not want to comment further,’ he said.

To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.

View more: Arrun Wilkie news.

1
PLP

March 11, 2013 at 5:23 pm

Private lives will invariably play a part in local politics as it does pretty much everywhere. I do think it is accentuated over here though as (a) people stand individually and not as part of a political party and (b) it is a small community. I don’t think it’s necessarily wrong either – after all when someone stands for Deputy their private and working life is often all the electorate has to make a call on who to vote for.

The real issue is where the line is drawn and in my opinion this term it’s gone a bit too far. Robust criticism of policy and decision making is one thing, personal abuse is another. There’s an old saying that you get the government you deserve. I think it’s fair to say that if being a Deputy is going to result in torrents of personal abuse, people of calibre will think twice before standing. It’s therefore in our own interests to make sure we draw the line in an appropriate place.

Report abuse
- Keith Brookfield
  
  March 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm
  
  PLP I agree with you and you can see my comments under the main page about this issue but Deputy Wilkie and any other Deputies should read your last paragraph and maybe he should have had the sense as a serving deputy not to have let this go to court,he has no one but himself to blame for the publicity and should resign his position because after all he was proved in the courts to be in the wrong and he tried to mislead that same court with anything he could think of.PS I do not know either party but my comments are based on the integrity of Mr. Wilkie being an elected deputy.
  
  Report abuse
  - Spartacus
    
    March 11, 2013 at 7:44 pm
    
    I agree wholeheartedly with PLP.
    
    This is not a criminal matter it’s a case of an error of judgement and anyone would be fallible as we are all human and it does seem like he had a lot on his plate at the time this occurred.
    
    It’s not great publicity but it should be kept in proportion it’s a subjective civil matter and it has been resolved by the courts to the satisfaction of the injured party. End.
    
    Report abuse
    - Neil Forman
      
      March 11, 2013 at 10:36 pm
      
      Spartacus
      
      For once I agree with you here:-)
      
      PLP is normally the voice of reason and I totally agree with his post.
      
      I would also say that Deputy Wilkie should be judged on his performance as a Deputy. What happens in his private business should not be counted.
      
      Report abuse