Parish system in need of fresh blood

For a quick glance at recent parish elections in Guernsey does not indicate a democracy in rude health.

At the last count there were no contested elections for any position and several roles left vacant for want of a candidate.

It is sadly symptomatic of our times. A sense of duty to the community has diminished as people focus on their own busy lives.

The same problems afflict many sports clubs and charities as they struggle to find people willing to hold the position of coach, secretary or treasurer.

We are all willing to benefit from the services that give structure to our society, less keen on the work and time that go into that.

In the case of parish posts, that can involve wading through streams, checking for overhanging branches, calculating the rates and waste bill and monitoring planning applications and licences.

The shortage of candidates is of growing concern. Too many parishes rely on the same people year in year out to put their names forward as constable or douzeniers and to sit on school committees. Ultimately, that places too much strain on the willing few, who deserve the chance to step back and share the load.

But if the problem is easy to identify, the solution is not. What would persuade more people to put their names forward? More varied and important work? A more supportive structure? Fewer hours on duty each month?

It cannot just be left to guesswork. There must be common themes across all 10 parishes that could be addressed and douzaines should pool their resources and consult.

Given what is at stake, deputies and civil servants might be willing to lend some help to collate the results.

Regardless, it is clear that simply carrying on with closed eyes and a hopeful heart is not going to work. Something fresh needs to be tried.

Traditionalists might not like some of the answers but the alternative, as with Sark, is a moribund election system that pays lip service to democracy.