Deputy’s preferred version of GST less painful and more acceptable

As he says, we shall see what transpires in the Assembly, (prevarication not withstanding). Good luck with getting this clever alternative accepted. Deputy Roffey has always shown empathy for people, young or old, struggling with Guernsey’s high cost of living.

I’m sorry M Bourgaize (Letters GEP Thursday 17 August) doesn’t rate Deputy Roffey’s supportive endeavours, but you can’t win them all, and, being a pragmatist, Deputy Roffey takes it on the chin, and journeys on – thank goodness. I agree with some points made by MB. Many of us would like to return to the days of yore, but when the States Assembly decided years ago, to pay a salary to our elected politicians, on the premise that it would give the working man the opportunity to serve in our government, it was irrevocable. I’m totally at one with MB against IWV. It has lowered standards and diluted the quality of government. Apparently, it’s hard to tell sometimes whether States meetings are still States of Guernsey Assemblies or a casual, drop-in centre.

Personally, I don’t give a fig what deputies salaries are. What they do to earn them is the crucial thing to the electorate and no-one can deny Deputy Roffey’s work ethic. The decisions of politicians have an impact on every man, woman and child, to a greater or lesser degree, and my criteria when voting is integrity, intelligence, and respect for the electorate. Some deputies have a horror of dealing with concerns and causes that worry the electorate and bury their heads in the sand. Fortunately for us, some caring deputies have a more inclusive approach to public office.

JILL MARTEL