No time to waste for new Assembly
THE longer this States sits, the less legitimacy it has.
It is 98 days to the rescheduled election on 7 October. In political terms, the time cannot pass quickly enough.
In practical terms it is not so simple. Government cannot just take a long holiday.
It was with some wrenching on the wheel that the States turned yesterday from the farce that was another debate on election timing to the Revive and Thrive policy letter, probably the single most important discussion of this generation.
Those who had despaired at the dithering ineptitude of the Assembly at handling the election postponement then had to bet everything on the collective wisdom of these 40 States members.
Islanders must hope that after four years of infighting and inertia this Assembly is battle-hardened and ready, not worn out and distracted. These deputies should know how the island ticks and understand how to turn around the Bailiwick’s fortunes after the economic devastation of Covid-19.
It is natural though to wonder what sort of headaches the new intake in October will inherit.
Hopefully, not one where the coronavirus is back. A strong second wave boosted by open borders would scupper not just the election but all chances of a V-shaped recovery.
However, thanks to the slow progress of the Class of 2016, several other Big Issues will remain. The ink is still wet on overdue policy letters covering climate change, the energy policy and education.
Pensions are still to be reformed and now there is the suggestion that family allowance and pensioner homes are no longer sacred cows.
Those preparing to stand in October will need strong constitutions and flak jackets.
Another long term – four years and eight months – will be fraught with difficulties far beyond those that this group of deputies struggled to overcome.
Islanders can only hope that the new Assembly will be a more united, determined and ambitious body. For it does not matter how long the term of office lasts if the politicians are incapable of developing strong policies, driving them through and sticking to them.