Beware creating a knowledge void in the States
'A KNOWLEDGE void within States departments will be created if too many new deputies are elected and this will allow the civil servants to step in.' That was the warning made clear by outgoing Home minister Peter Gilson on the BBC Guernsey phone-in on 3 April. I believe this is a very strong message for those currently considering which candidates to vote for.
The 2012 results brought a high proportion of new faces into the States – all of them had first to bed in to a new role working with civil servants, many of whom had been in post for years and clearly knew the ropes far better than fresh faced politicians. Anyone who has been catapulted into a new job, where individuals have steadfastly 'run the ship' for years, hoping to bring about progress and change for good, knows just how difficult that can be. And the deputies have only a four-year term ahead of them.
I don't agree that the current house is the 'worst States ever'.
I believe there has been a lot of very positive progress and policies made, which of course doesn't make headline news.
This time around it will be even more difficult for incoming deputies. All, whether new to the house or returners, will be entering a new departmental structure which the civil servants have been familiarising themselves with for some time. This is in no way intended to be a criticism of the civil service, but they do wield a huge amount of influence, as viewers of the television series 'Yes Minister' will remember.
If we are to overcome the many challenges ahead we need deputies who understand the system, so please don't vote for wholesale change without fully considering the consequences.
MARGUERITE TALMAGE,
St Peter's.
