A show of confidence on the water

One thing was particularly noticeable – the sheer confidence demonstrated by Economic Development president Deputy Neil Inder.

Guernsey’s self-belief over the ferry tender process has been apparent for some time and yesterday, three weeks after the announcement of its winner was made, it was made clear.

The deputy’s often default scratchy and irritable tone was nowhere to be seen. Instead the demeanour was positive, even generous. Although the Bailiff ruled one question out of order, Deputy Inder said he was quite prepared to answer it.

Compared to the ongoing shambles in Jersey, this was an assured display, and though members were curious, they came across as supportive rather than incredulous and hostile.

Meanwhile, today officials in Jersey should be opening the envelopes of the responses to its new, Jersey-only tender exercise. They can expect two responses, though whether either tenderer really wants to engage in a new process after the ham-fisted handling of the first one is open to question.

The sadness of all this, though, is that this ferry service is almost certainly going to be much better and cost-effective, both for Channel Islanders and the operator, if it runs to both islands, a prospect which seems to be no closer.