Assembly is handing over a bulging in tray

Not that all of it is the current Assembly’s fault.

Brexit is an issue of huge consequence for the island’s future but, beyond making preparations for all possible outcomes of the EU negotiation, deputies have had zero ability to influence a wider national debate or speed up the timing of a deal.

Covid-19 is another subject which will dominate the next Assembly’s workload but over which current deputies can merely throw the ball and hope it is caught.

The Revive and Thrive skeleton plans must be fleshed out quickly with quick delivery ideas to invigorate the economy.

The plan may not survive in its current form. So be it. However, the States members of the October Assembly cannot afford a prolonged argument and the dithering that has blighted this four-year term.

Bringing focus to that task will not be helped by the bulging in tray left by the Class of 2016.

Secondary education has been an open sore throughout this Assembly’s term and well beyond. Pupils, parents and teachers will not thank any of the current deputies for failing to bring the matter to a close.

Nor, with Condor and Aurigny on the ropes after Covid-19 blew a hole in their 2020 business plans, will holidaymakers and business thank this States for their work on air and sea travel.

One of the biggest issues of the last election remains in the red alert status for new deputies four years on.

Joining it is the size and make-up of the population. Taxes, benefits, pensions and the long-term care fund all loom large as the island battles to reform its care system in light of the ageing population.

The new Assembly must develop a coherent strategy which balances the short-term threats of Covid-19 with the long-term risk of a new black hole opening up in public finances.

None of this will be easy. The outgoing Assembly, riven by personality clashes and egos, was incapable of making progress.

We cannot afford to waste another four years.