The States will now purchase Aurigny at a cost of about �5m

Deputy Mary Lowe says the policy letter presented to the House by the Advisory and Finance Committee (A&F) was "abysmal" and an "insult" to the States of Guernsey.

And she said she still has major concerns about the decision to buy the locally-based airline.

She said that has been reflected in representations made to her by members of the public.

Swift decision

Meanwhile Guernsey's Tourist Board has welcomed the States decision.

With Tourist Board President Deputy Geoff Norman out of the island and Vice-President Brian Sheriff unable to comment because of his involvement with the Transport Board, Deputy Mike Burbridge made a statement following an emergency Board meeting on Thursday.

In it he expressed regret about the short notice given by A&F ahead of the purchase but recognised that a swift decision was needed to guarantee an uninterrupted service to and from Gatwick.

Additional information

However the Board will be seeking additional information and assurances that the decision has ultimately been made in the best interests of the island.

The Tourist Board also feels that assurances should now be given to all air and sea transport operators to the Bailiwick that they will be competing on a level playing field.

Politicians voted by 38 to 2 in the States on Wednesday in favour of taking over Aurigny, for about �5m, in order to secure links between the island and London Gatwick.