No mace – but at least States will get a vote

Nevertheless, by recent standards of this island’s parliament, this week’s States meeting promises to be a lively affair. It is not before time.

We are 32 months into this States Assembly and, besides some legacy decisions, Budget debates and the odd outlier discussion on subjects such as assisted dying, notable achievements are few and far between.

There is the chance today for States members to show their mettle and grasp some nettles.

There are some vote winners – a long overdue relaxation of marriage laws – and some vote losers – a necessary but unpopular introduction of MOT vehicle checks to appease European police.

There are also two chances to discuss air travel, perhaps the most contentious issue of our time outside the transformation of secondary education.

Taken logically – never guaranteed – discussion should open with Economic Development’s scene-setter calling for deputies to decide exactly what it is they want from the island’s air and sea links.

This will be a challenge for those who like to call for cheaper, more reliable, more flexible, subsidy-free flights to multiple airports across the UK and Europe.

They must admit they cannot have it all.

The proposed purchase of three fog-busting planes by Aurigny will follow and no doubt quickly turn into a wide-ranging debate about everything from runway lengths to open skies and ground radar. Priorities will be immediately cast aside and the verdict of independent aviation specialists ignored as deputies indulge in amateur hour.

If all that is not enough to satiate the appetite for debate of States members over their long Christmas break, one further unrelated matter might give them indigestion.

The requete on drug funding will see Peter Roffey and six other deputies test Health & Social Care’s commitment to treating some of the island’s most vulnerable islanders.

All of the above may lack the high drama of the House of Commons’ Brexit debate but, at the very least, islanders can hope that each debate will come to a conclusion – and that a vote will be held.

Outside that, anything is possible.