The island’s chief minister, Lyndon Farnham, has replied to an agitated letter sent last week from Policy & Resources president Lyndon Trott, which accused Jersey officials of false claims, misinformation and allegations that Guernsey had derailed the tender process.
As the tenders go live today, and new operators start their services, with Brittany Ferries replacing Condor on the island’s northern and southern routes, Deputy Farnham expressed regret that Deputy Trott had felt the need to write.
‘The relationship between Jersey and Guernsey remains one that is highly valued, so I share your regret that there has been a difference of opinion between our islands. I agree with the sentiment in your letter that there is no profit to be gained for either island in a protracted dissection of past comments, or attempts to apportion blame,’ said Deputy Farnham.
‘We must move forward positively at both political and officer level.’
Deputy Farnham said that his island’s political scrutiny process could be exacting, and had put both ministers and senior staff under the spotlight over the ferry process, and they were obliged to answer questions directly and honestly.
‘Sometimes this creates a spotlight that is uncomfortable for all concerned, but I would be surprised if there were any intention other than to be open in response to the Scrutiny questions.’
He urged Deputy Trott to bury the hatchet and cool the temperatures of the ferry debate, although he said he did ‘recognise your frustration’.
‘I accept that comments have been made in both islands that have raised the temperature, and I believe it is important that we, as chief ministers, lead in building a more constructive dialogue.
'The public interest in our islands is best-served by drawing a line under events and moving forward positively.’
Deputy Farnham said that the two islands would still have to work together on inter-island ferry services – currently still challenged, with no DFDS service announced and Islands Unlimited still to launch its service.
The two Lyndons have been in politics together for much of the past 25 years.
Both are in their second spell as their respective chief minister – Deputy Trott served from 2012 to 2016 and Deputy Farnham led Jersey from 2018 to 2022.
‘Notwithstanding our occasional differences, it is more important than ever that we stand together,’ Deputy Farnham concluded.
