Knee-jerk opposition against the wishes of the democratic majority
WE ARE writing in support of Deputy Helyar’s resistance to tax rises and his wish for smaller government with better control of expenditure. Put like that – who would not agree with him? Well Deputy Roffey of course. Even though he says ‘Of course at all times the States should be seeking efficiencies and cost reductions wherever possible’. Nonetheless, without him actually expressing it one knows that Deputy Roffey is in favour of tax increases to be borne by those with higher incomes and that any cuts to services cannot be put on the agenda.
It basically comes down to a choice between a society where people are encouraged and taught from their earliest years to take responsibility for their own lives but know, nevertheless, that they will be cared for in times of need, or a society which seeks to provide for everyone from cradle to grave whatever needs or expectations that they have.
This is a classic left, right wing divide. The last Assembly was dominated by the liberal left and it was clear that the democratic view of the Guernsey public did not favour their policies. The present Assembly therefore has a right wing majority and Deputy Roffey’s knee-jerk opposition is against the wishes of the democratic majority which he should accept, and might have to at the next election.
GEOFF AND JENNIE DOREY