Public voice will be heard in the debate
SOCIAL media has its strengths but, in terms of a powerful public voice, there is nothing like the real thing.
Bearing placards and singing slogans, about 150 protesters gathered outside the Royal Court House yesterday.
With the public corralled behind metal barriers, deputies had to walk the gauntlet of public opinion to get to their meeting.
It is an intimidating prospect. It was too good-natured to be considered a hostile crowd but island politicians by and large go about their business undisturbed except for the odd heated chat in the high street.
Whether such vocal protests change minds is hard to know. There was a feeling similar rallies against the Suez incinerator and, more recently, the broadening of the approved drugs list, did get through to some deputies and shape the debate.
Regardless of the impact, it is just good to see islanders getting involved.
If there has been a problem with the education debate it has been public apathy, with too many sitting back as momentous decisions that will affect the lives of their children and grandchildren have been made by 40 States members.
When thousands took to the streets a month ago to protest against the one-school-two-sites plan, it was a powerful statement. The political environment changed as deputies saw that it was not just a few keyboard warriors who had objections but a large chunk of the population.
As usual, there were those trotting out the tired line that tens of thousands stayed at home. Yet, deputies know it is not easy to get people out on a chilly Sunday in February.
The debate that starts today will be shaped by that public reaction and, to a lesser extent, all the emails to deputies, letters to the media and social media posts from both sides.
States members have the difficult task of responding to the public mood (as they perceive it) and applying their best judgement.
Whatever happens, this debate will not bridge the divide. But if the States believes that those outside the Chamber and those who marched represent an overwhelming public objection to the plans they are bound to reflect on the folly of imposing an unpopular plan on an unwilling public.