Guernsey Whig Party to ‘represent middle ground’

St Sampson’s parishioner John Semenowicz set up the Guernsey Whig Party in response to recent developments in the island’s political landscape.

‘Along with many other people in Guernsey I am reasonably happy with the non-party political system, after all that is what makes Guernsey so special and we do not need to follow everything that the UK does,’ he said.

‘However, moves have already been made by the Islanders Political Organisation (IPO) to form an association with a group of people who have similar political thoughts and ideas.’

‘Having looked at the deputies involved and seeing that they were charging for membership, I decided that it was time to take action.

‘I looked at what was happening politically around the world with election of the political right and the use of a slogan that appears to be a common thread across the world now – “America First”, “Italy First”, “Britain First” etc.

‘Personally I find it all quite disturbing and would not like to see something similar raising its ugly head here in Guernsey. I certainly wouldn’t want to see a “Guernsey First” mentality develop or even a “Make Guernsey good” adaptation of the phrase being used.’

If party politics is going to gain favour locally, Mr Semenowicz said there should be one that ‘represents the middle ground of politics’ and ‘challenges the trend of people being pulled towards either their left or right respective fundamentalist poles.’

He discovered the Whig Party while looking for a party that shared these principles.

‘For hundreds of years Whigs developed the British constitution by fighting for equal rights for minorities, and promoting democracy and human rights,’ he said.

‘The Whigs established the fundamental principles that all citizens are equal before the law, and that the law of Parliament is supreme over the Crown and the people. It is clear that their principles are also applicable in today’s politics and need defending more than ever. A Guernsey Whig Party would promote decency, progress, and intelligence in Guernsey politics.’

Mr Semenowicz said he saw the Guernsey Whigs as a ‘catalyst for progressive politics.’

‘This is a new and very organic political party that is in its infancy and is building upon the Whig values of the past,’ he said.

‘It is hoped that those interested in developing things further will come forward and volunteer as active members.’

‘It is also known that moves are afoot, by some highly respected deputies, to look into developing an alternative organisation to IPO. Once this association has been formed, and if it encompasses our Whig values, then it could be the case that we merge with that organisation.’

It is conceivable that the recent political developments will come to nothing.

‘However, what if party politics does take off?’

‘Do we want it to be dominated by a few wealthy individuals with their own vested interests? Then I would ask Guernsey voters to see the Guernsey Whigs as a party in waiting that is preparing for the challenge should the need arise.’

Mr Semenowicz described himself as a ‘concerned member of the public’ rather than a future electoral candidate.

‘We are keeping our options open and are very much at this development stage knowing that the next election is in 2020. Just like the IPO we too don’t have policies in place yet, but we have started with a set of values.’