Focus should be on leading in a more collaborative manner

Mr Ferbrache’s letter comes across as a diatribe against the perils faced by every political administration.

It is surely right and proper that every administration faces analysis, scrutiny and, where warranted, criticism in an open, democratic society. This is one of the reasons why we support Ukraine in the struggle against Russian oppression.

Deputy Ferbrache has a lot to say about all that was left undone by the previous Assembly. That complaint must be older than democracy itself. No doubt the Assembly which succeeds this one will find undone those things which should have been done. Not least of which might be the control of public expenditure.

Deputy Ferbrache came to power with promises to control public expenditure, only for him to declare last year that this was not possible. It is small wonder then that many of the population and sitting deputies concluded that if GST were introduced, the rate would simply be ratcheted up in order to fund unbounded expenditure in future. It is surprising that all of this slipped Deputy Ferbrache’s mind while musing on the affairs of the first half of this Assembly’s period in office.

Deputy Ferbrache seeks to defend Deputy Al Brouard and his handling of staff recruitment in the health sector. It seems to me that the solution of this problem requires input from both Home Affairs (over policies regarding licences for essential workers) and Planning (in allowing adequate housing stock to be built). My understanding of the current political system is that it is consensus government which requires input and agreement from at least a majority of deputies. It is very apparent that each committee operates in a silo and there is minimal consultation between committees.

Deputy Ferbrache writes of creating a group designed to solve the housing problem. We already have committees which carry responsibility for this problem. Rather than creating a new group it would be preferable for committees to collaborate together and, if external expertise is required, to co-opt accordingly. And if rules and regulations are too restrictive who better to change them than the ultimate legislative power? I hope that Deputy Ferbrache will be able to focus on leading the Assembly in a more consultative and cooperative manner in his time remaining in office.

RICHARD CORBIN

Les Naftiaux Farm

St Andrew’s