Guernsey Press

‘I just feel that we have lost our way in many, many areas’

THE States has ‘lost its way’ and is not representing islanders, according to a deputy who will step down at the end of this term.

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Deputy Barry Paint. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 16985730)

Barry Paint is one of three deputies, the other two being Laurie and Lester Queripel, who announced in the States last week that they would not be seeking re-election in 2020.

‘When I first stood for election 11 years ago, it was to make a difference and it’s getting harder to do that,’ said the Castel deputy.

‘I am running out of steam, I will be 72-and-a-half [in 2020] so that’s one reason.

‘But the other reason is that I am not very happy that the States are representing the people properly and I think this time has been the worst you could ever wish to get. I just feel we have lost our way in many, many areas.’

Last week’s Budget debate saw amendments signed by Deputy Paint – to retain the age-related allowance and limit a rise in TRP for larger properties – prove unsuccessful.

He said that had been disappointing.

‘This States in particular are living in a dream, spending money without consideration and taxing more than we should,’ he said.

In his time remaining in the States he wanted to see St Peter Port Harbour considered for inert waste over the current first-choice option, which is for reclamation at Longue Hougue South.

‘The ports are 150 years old and need extending. It needs preparing for the future,’ he said.

He said he would remain busy after leaving politics as he cares for his grandchildren and runs a charity in the Far East.

Deputy Laurie Queripel, who intends to return to the construction industry, said he would ‘never say never’, but at this stage was quite certain that he would not be seeking re-election.

‘I reserve the right to change my mind, but it’s unlikely I could be persuaded.

‘Even the president of the United States has to take a break after eight years.

‘I am just starting to feel a bit ragged and careworn.’

He had done a lot of constituency work during his term so far.

‘That can be rewarding, but it can also be quite harrowing,’ he said.

‘You become aware of a lot of harrowing things and people living in bad circumstances.’

The Scrutiny Management Committee member said he had no intention of ‘taking his foot off the gas’ in the 19 months left of the political term.

‘I will do my very best efforts until the end, because there are many things I feel need to be addressed.’