Government must steer the ship, says IoD head

THE States needs to go down the route of executive government, according to Institute of Directors chairwoman Shelagh Mason (pictured).

Speaking at last night's IoD annual dinner, she said that while the new Assembly appeared more business-friendly there was still too much bickering and an inability to accept past decisions.

'Our chief minister doesn't have the power even if he has the will. Our ministers can only recommend to the House and those voting have 40-odd different parochial agendas.

'We need joined-up executive government not only capable of creating a world-class regulatory environment, which has been created, but of steering a ship on a steady course to provide international credibility and domestic security,' said Mrs Mason.

'Decisions are tough. We are all anticipating the capital prioritisation debate, now postponed until May. Last year I asked, "can the new House mature enough, quickly enough to avoid a deficit and to concentrate on priorities, weighing up conflicting demands sensibly?"

'Well can they? Have they?

'The implications of saving St Sampson's School are only now becoming apparent. Popularity in the short term may be the death knell for our economy and indeed our model of democracy.'