Election 2008

For the last 4 years, the States has focused on meeting the demands of big business for a "competitive" fiscal and economic environment. The cost of this strategy has been passed on, to a significant degree, to the resident population. Many people in the low and middle income groups are now paying more in tax and social security contributions in Guernsey than they would be in Jersey, the Isle of Man or even the UK. And the cost of living in Guernsey, especially the cost of housing, is typically higher.

Vital investment in our infrastructure, e.g. at Les Beaucamps and La Mare de Carteret schools, in replacing the Castel Hospital, in the airport runway and in sewage treatment, has been jeopardised by the destruction of our revenue surpluses and our capital reserve. Where projects have been undertaken, there has been a history of overspends and bungling (Fallagate, the New Jetty, the airport terminal, the SSD computer system etc), for which no one ever seems to be held accountable.

As a result, the States has lost the trust of the people of Guernsey. It is seen as arrogant, incompetent and out-of-touch. 

I believe that the next States must restore the balance and regain that trust. It must demonstrate fairness, competence and good judgement. It must consider the interests of all sections of our community, and restore equity to our tax system. 

The challenges facing the new House are enormous. Not only will it have to deal with the structural deficits and exhausted reserves left by this House, but it must also tackle the big external issues facing us – peak oil, climate change and a political environment increasingly hostile to offshore finance centres.

I believe that my character, qualifications and experience equip me to play a part in meeting those challenges.