Conflicts are actually welcome if...

One of the things that particularly concerns islanders and voters is the issue of vested interests and whether members are acting in their own interests or those of the electorate.

Tales of corruption, backhanders, feathering their own nests and being in it purely for the money are legion. They are also untrue.

Whatever the public perception, Guernsey's government and those involved in it are clean.

All of which means that Sacc's approach – greater scrutiny of whether candidates carry the risk of conflict – is the wrong one.

Given Guernsey's size and the need to attract department or committee candidates of proven ability and/or expertise, conflicts are a certainty at some stage or in some circumstances.

Avoiding them is to ensure an Assembly consisting of people who have never done anything and have no external interests other than staying detached and therefore elected.

It is not what Guernsey wants or needs and electors certainly do not want career politicians specialising in bland.

The correct approach is in recognising that conflicts arise but that when they do, it isn't a surprise and they can be dealt with in an open and satisfactory manner.

Fallagate was the classic example of how not to do it. The Policy Council collapsed as a result and taxpayers spent in excess of £2m. more than they needed on the PEH clinical block.

As the Wales Audit Office inquiry said at the time, the States should debate the compatibility of political and business and other outside interests and have clear guidelines on how to handle paperwork – such as minutes, agendas and reports – when those who have declared an interest are involved.

Fallagate was back in 2006 and something as fundamental as conflicts in a small island remain unresolved eight years later.

Sacc's natural inclination will be to try to banish them, which is utterly the wrong approach.

Guernsey's political and governmental system can only flourish if conflicts are recognised and managed properly.