Time for ESC to stop digging?
EDUCATION, Sport & Culture appeared to be reluctant to engage with media inquiries yesterday as this newspaper sought to enhance understanding of what constitutes a ‘special interest’ in committee discussions.
The Law Officers of the Crown replied – only to say that it wouldn’t divulge the advice offered to ESC, but still. Maybe ESC recognised the old adage – when in a hole, it’s best to stop digging.
Like many holes stumbled into by the States this term, this one is entirely self-inflicted by the committee and its apparent decision to keep a dissenter very much on the sidelines as it continues to work up its plans for secondary and post-16 education.
Why is Deputy Cameron outside the room? Is it because he won’t work with the committee, offer ideas and constructive feedback? Or won’t sit idly by and watch the committee pursue a proposal he strongly opposes?
Can a dissenter offer constructive views, challenge even, to a proposal they don’t respect? It is possible.
Would the committee rather he left, but doesn’t have the stomach to pursue his exclusion? After all, it’s not the first time he’s opposed the committee on an important policy point.
ESC appears to be way out of step with its approach. There’s been no public political support for it.
The biggest question remaining now is – when will this bizarre decision be reversed?