Parishioners could need a new voice

Once deputies are elected by the whole populace, or at least those who choose to vote, who will stand up for parishioners and champion any particular part of Guernsey?

It is an argument that carried more weight in the era of genuine ‘parish politicians’, such as the late, great Eric Walters, who made it his business to know everything about the Castel and those who lived there.

Modern deputies have their parish surgeries and many will be working hard in support of parishioners with problems.

But the importance of parish allegiance has lessened. Many deputies look to the bigger picture and are focused more on flagship policies, ‘spend v save’ and fledgling parties than geography.

As a result, not all feel a duty to get involved, even if a matter is in their back yard.

Perhaps this retreat of parish politics is why the Island Development Plan got through with so little fuss.

Northern and Town deputies placed what they saw as being in the island’s interests, as outlined in the Strategic Land Use Plan, above what it would do to their home patch.

Having done so, it is difficult for them to complain too loudly now about the increasing urbanisation of the Vale and St Sampson’s.

From large projects such as Pointues Rocques and Cleveleys Vinery to the 17 potential new homes on a small field in the Tertre area of the Vale or the 12 in Les Bas Courtils, St Sampson’s, the north is bearing the brunt of the island’s housing needs.

Yet the political voice of the north is muted on this, seemingly accepting it as a done deal.

It could be just a glimpse of what is ahead. If island-wide voting is voted through islanders will lose some access to a once powerful and partisan means of getting their message across. It will be more about parties and affiliations than parish.

In that new era of politics, the douzaines must be increasingly prepared to take up the mantle of parish champions.