Dissent has its place, but not bickering

All too often, bubbling just beneath a surface veneer of civility, were early signs of the bickering that blighted the last Assembly.

Quite what the new members made of it as time-worn deputies puffed up their records as political giants and/or titans of industry is hard to fathom.

Certainly, it did few of the combatants much credit. As ever, the ability to focus on policy, not personality, was at times sadly lacking.

Which is a pity, because when the smoke cleared over the battlefield, there was evidence of a valid policy debate to be had.

To borrow or not to borrow? To invest heavily and pump-prime the economy now or wait to see how much damage Covid and a no-deal Brexit has wrought? To broaden/increase the tax base or to cut services and rely on growth?

Each has its exponents, and valid arguments exist on both sides.

Deputies should welcome those arguments being tested in public. It is pointless the Assembly being an echo chamber without a voice in opposition.

Calls for States members to row hard in one direction, in a political version of Guernsey Together, ignore the need for someone to look up and point out where the rocks lie.

If the right course has been charted and the warnings are in vain the majority view of the Assembly should be able to make that case without rancour and move on. To resent dissent smacks of weak government.

It is not too late for this Assembly to find the unity of purpose, if not policy, that eluded its predecessor. Away from the spotlight of the States chamber we are told a can-do attitude prevails and communication between the central command of Policy & Resources and the principal committees is much improved. Good work is being done out of the public eye.

That consensus spirit will quickly be undermined if this Assembly cannot foster greater respect for contrasting views, draw on all of its composite strengths and put aside the past.