Politics is not always about being right

Détente has been declared in the weeklong spat between French fishermen and their island counterparts over fishing rights.

It has been an unfortunate episode. In terms of timing it could not have been worse as the world’s media was on the lookout for any sign of a post-Brexit contretemps with the EU.

It is clear that Guernsey feels bruised by being put in the spotlight, and not a little aggrieved. It was the French authorities who asked at late notice for a new system and all the island had done was rush to comply.

In that light, the reaction by French fishermen looks extreme. Threats to local fishing boats are unacceptable under any circumstances, but when there is no real cause for a grievance it is even harder to stomach.

Hopefully, this row will now blow over as quickly as Storm Ciara this weekend. But if this is a taster of what is to come during the Brexit transition period and beyond it is wise to learn the lessons.

Principal among these is that it is not always about who is in the right, but who has the might.

Guernsey politicians and civil servants might be confident that legally they are in a strong position and that they have played it by the book but it matters not a jot if the other side refuses to agree.

All it took was a few misinformed comments, some by French politicians, to ignite outrage among the trawler captains. The contagion soon spread and righteous outrage was de rigueur in St Malo and beyond.

It seems likely, if not guaranteed, that the island will face similar challenges before the year of Brexit is out. This experience shows us that it is not enough to inform politicians and council leaders and be in the right.

The virus of misinformation must be quarantined early on, going direct to those affected, calming nerves in advance, not allowing populist slogans to take hold.

It may not be enough. Some parties care little for facts, logic, rights or understanding.

But sometimes international politics is not about right or wrong, it is just about damping the ground before a spark catches.