Crisis has changed political landscape

Until February or early March of this year, there was a general social media atmosphere and climate that the Guernsey States and government was unpopular. Budget increases, the ‘pause and review’ education models debate, and the endless controversies of traffic changes and sea wall programmes dominated the conversation.

But since mid-March, up to 12,000 people per session have been watching the highly professional and effective press and media presentations given by the same regular team, a shrewd communications strategy in itself. The format allowing media and the odd filtered public questions, but without political grandstanding opportunities from other members, has also helped give clarity of purpose and method. The floating political ministerial teams seen in London and Jersey have been less warmly received and arguably less consistent too.

But for me, the salient point has been to follow the trusty Facebook gov.gg feed that has nearly always worked well. All positive thumbs up and lovely heart symbols with the occasional frustrated face. The thousands on both this site and on their own Facebook, Twitter and Press ‘have your say’ sites have been overwhelmingly positive toward the top panel team, especially the regular members like Mr Whitfield, the States chief executive, police chief Ruari Hardy, Dr Rabey and particularly Deputy Soulsby, Deputy St Pier and Dr Nicola Brink.

Hundreds of commentators praise panel members for their clarity, courtesy, patience and wisdom. Many want the key figures to receive extra public recognition and honours and, like me, are very grateful the team works together well and has kept us as a community safe, well and together... full marks to the excellent and considered communications strategy and execution.

But the exponential populist transformation in popularity and satisfaction with Deputy St Pier may in part reflect his excellent shout-outs and virtual hugs for the community, as well as the panel power. I would however draw another conclusion or two.

Firstly, both deputies St Pier and Soulsby have worked very well together politically since the 2012 Sarnian Spring, but their professional qualifications and corporate experience in accountancy have built a solid professional working relationship based on calm, focused leadership and evidence-based factual analysis before politics. And, significantly, the de facto reality of the emergency Civil Contingency Authority is we have moved to an executive ministerial system.

The usual business-as-normal routine of 39 or 40 all-equal members sitting on committees and debating with equal lustre is replaced by a direct, top-down prime ministerial broadcast, almost presidential or Churchillian leadership model of telling what the requirements/regulations are, no debate, no John Gollop types questioning or interrupting.

The public especially in difficult times lusts after clear, focused, well-informed leadership of a more executive and less parliamentary assembly, divisive kind of nature; such an observation carries democratic challenges, and it has to be noted the new normal includes a larger, high profile role for experts and statutory officials. The role of the backbench deputy has to adapt to this new normal with more effective scrutiny and resources. But I suspect thousands of islanders don’t want the old political order back again any time soon.

DEPUTY JOHN GOLLOP

28, Rosaire Court,

Rosaire Apartments,

St Peter Port, GY1 1XW.