Guernsey Press

Pick-and-mix populism is bland fare

AS TORY MPs voting today for a new leader will know, it is the differences between candidates, not the similarities, that count.

Published

While everyone from Boris Johnson to Rory Stewart wants the UK to leave the EU, it is the detail of how that is achieved that is key.

Which is why it is a problem that many of the 2020 Association’s freshly-minted ‘principles and objectives’ are so generic as to be valueless.

Every deputy from Gavin St Pier to Barry Paint would happily sign up to 99% of the manifesto.

For starters, the association wants to support economic growth, have ‘reliable and reasonably affordable transport links’ and ‘equip our young people for success’.

Hard to find a single islander, let alone a politician, who will disagree with that.

The 2020 group are also supportive of green finance but not red tape.

It’s hardly a Storming of the Bastille revolution.

Some of the more left-of-centre candidates for the 2020 election might find their hackles gently twitching at talk of ‘small government’. They will wonder what devil is lurking in the detail.

But it is a long way from contentious.

We learn that decent healthcare, a ‘sufficient’ standard of living for all, sustainable energy and a fair tax system are good. Plastic, long speeches, stealth taxes, hydrocarbons, consultants and in-work poverty are bad.

So far so bland. Those looking for an argument have their work cut out. Statements such as ‘respect public opinion, considering pressure from single issue groups with caution and objectivity’ will not generate much heat.

Winnowed down, there are just a few ideas that hint at the type of ‘party’ the 2020 Association might become.

Cutting debate time to allow people who have full-time jobs to stand suggests a business-friendly approach. As does the possible suspension of the population law for a busier, more populous island.

However, ideas like inviting douzaines into the planning process and introducing Freedom of Information come from a different political song sheet.

This pick-and-mix of populism from across the spectrum lacks direction and detail and, as it stands, risks losing much of the electorate through boredom.