Chris Blin: ‘Choose wisely and make your vote count’

With another general election approaching, Guernsey once again finds itself at a crossroads. Each of us, as voters, has a chance to influence the direction of our island for the next four years and beyond. That’s not a responsibility to take lightly.

Having served as a deputy since 2020, I’ve seen just how powerful – and how precious – that vote is. The decisions we make in the polling booth don’t just decide policies. They shape the culture of our government, the tone of debate, and the kind of leadership our island chooses. That’s why it’s so important to ask not only what candidates are offering, but who they are – and how they approach public service.

So, what qualities should we be looking for in the people standing for election? What signs tell us whether someone is ready to lead with integrity, strength and effectiveness?

Substance over slogans

It’s easy to say the right things at election time. ‘Let’s cut red tape’, ‘Let’s listen to the people’, ‘Let’s fix the housing crisis’. But the real question is: who’s done their homework? Who understands the trade-offs and complications behind those slogans?

Effective candidates don’t just name the problems. They show an understanding of how to address them – how to work through the details, deal with opposing views, and navigate Guernsey’s unique political landscape.

The best manifestos aren’t the flashiest. They’re the ones that feel grounded and realistic – where the candidate acknowledges complexity rather than offering silver bullets. I’ve learned in my own political journey that being honest about what’s achievable isn’t a weakness. It’s a mark of maturity and integrity.

As you read manifestos this election, look beyond the headlines. Ask yourself: does this candidate show real understanding of the issues? Or are they offering easy answers to hard problems?

A genuine connection to the community

Guernsey is not just a jurisdiction – it’s a community. We live close together, we shop in the same places, we meet each other at events, at the school gate, in bars and restaurants. So we need people in the States who understand island life not just as a theory, but as a lived experience.

That doesn’t mean you have to have been born here. But it does mean you need to be present. I’ve always believed that politics starts with listening. Over the last four years, I’ve met countless islanders who’ve shared their struggles, beliefs and ideas.

Those conversations have shaped how I vote just as much as any official paper or policy meeting.

A good candidate will have spent time with people – not just on doorsteps during campaign season, but throughout their life and work. Whether they’ve volunteered, run a business, worked in healthcare, or taught in our schools, that real-world grounding matters.

And you can spot it in how they talk. Do they speak in a way that connects? Do they understand the pressures people face – with housing, costs, health, or ageing? Or are they speaking from a distance?

Collaboration and respect for the system

Something I didn’t fully appreciate before being elected is just how collaborative politics really is. One person doesn’t change policy on their own. You work through committees, debate in the Assembly, and build consensus across a range of views and priorities.

That’s why character matters. The most effective deputies are rarely the loudest. They’re the ones who can build relationships, persuade others, and know when to listen.

Of course, we want new ideas. But reform doesn’t come from lone crusaders. It comes from people who understand how the system works – and who are prepared to work within it, not just criticise it from the outside.

That’s something I’ve learned first-hand, particularly as chairman of the Offshore Wind Sub-Committee. We’ve made real progress – but only by working respectfully with others, listening carefully, and being open to challenge.

So ask yourself: does this candidate seem willing to collaborate? Or are they focused only on making noise?

Integrity and public purpose

Politics can be a tough arena. The pressure is constant. The scrutiny is intense. That’s why, above all, we need people in public life who are there for the right reasons.

Not to build a platform. Not to settle scores. But to serve.

Integrity isn’t about perfection. None of us gets everything right. It’s about how we respond when we’re wrong. Are we open to changing our mind? Do we explain our decisions honestly? Are we willing to take an unpopular stand when it’s the right thing to do?

When I look back on my first term, some of the decisions I’m proudest of were not the easy ones. They involved extensive meetings, calls, difficult conversations, and trade-offs – and having to explain a position that not everyone agreed with, but that I believed was right for Guernsey.

You can often sense a candidate’s integrity in how they speak. Do they explain the why, not just the what? Do they show respect for people with different views? Do they seem grounded – or are they playing to a gallery?

Diversity of experience and thought

Guernsey is diverse – not just in background, but in business, culture, outlook, and expertise. And our Assembly should reflect that.

We need deputies who come from across the spectrum – finance, healthcare, education, law, retail, hospitality, social work, the arts, the voluntary sector. That’s how we make better policy – by drawing on a range of lived experience.

We also need diversity of thought. People who see things differently. People who are willing to challenge assumptions, ask new questions, and bring long-term thinking into short-term debates.

That doesn’t mean we need extremes. It means we need balance – people who bring fresh ideas, but who also understand the value of continuity and care.

How can you spot these qualities?

In today’s world of digital campaigning and fast-paced media, it can be hard to cut through. But there are ways to get a real sense of who’s standing:

• Read manifestos carefully. Look for candidates who explain why they’re standing, not just what they’ll do.

• Attend hustings or watch Q&As. Do they answer questions with substance? Do they listen?

• Speak to them directly. A five-minute conversation can tell you more than 20 social media posts.

• Check for consistency. Have they stuck to their values, or shifted with the political wind?

• Look at their track record. If they’ve served before, what have they achieved? If new, what have they contributed elsewhere?

A final thought

Guernsey’s political system is unique – and valuable. We elect our whole parliament at once. We vote for individuals, not parties. That puts real power in the hands of voters.

And that’s why every vote counts. Your choice matters.

So let’s use it wisely. Let’s vote for people who bring character, competence and care. People who listen with empathy, work with others, and lead with purpose. People who understand Guernsey – its challenges, its strengths and its potential – and are ready to help shape its future with integrity, determination and a genuine commitment to public service.

The stakes are high – but so is the opportunity. Let’s choose wisely. Let’s make it count.