Icy start to make way for hot air

The island’s runway was iced over for three days and it was too dangerous for buses to run or mail to be delivered.

It was a difficult start to what would prove to be a difficult decade.

Rarely has the island had to look outside its shores so much to gauge its fortunes.

First the EU gave our taxation laws and in particular zero 10 a cool reception before the whole saga of Brexit began with the referendum that would divide a country.

At the end of this month the first stage of that journey will be over. The UK will leave the EU, albeit with the trade deal to be negotiated.

Islanders will then be able to focus on their own politics, at least until the next Brexit deadline of 31 December comes into view.

The first island-wide election of deputies will be a defining moment and one which will have consequences for the politics of the coming decade.

For there is no doubt that this will be an election like no other.

With no hustings, some party politics, perhaps as many as 100 candidates and a pick ‘n’ mix of up to 38 names to choose from, no one can be quite sure how it will pan out.

It seems likely that such an election will favour those politicians with established profiles and those who are good at getting noticed.

Hopefully, it does not mean the end of the quiet but effective States member, known in her or his parish for their good work but who might struggle for broader recognition.

Expect the next few months to be loud and brash. Deputies who are standing again will exploit their position in a bid to make sure their contributions are noticed while new candidates will bang the drum over issues that have universal appeal such as air and sea travel, education, public sector pay, new taxes and climate change.

Many of these issues were present at the election four years ago and throughout this century.

The danger is that all the promises for quick fixes will, in the cold light of day, prove little more than hot air.