Reading the detail of the report of the Commissioner for Standards into its latest review of the actions of Deputy Gavin St Pier, one can only wonder if it’s just the controversial deputy who looks to be heading back into hot water.
His argument that the whole of his ongoing ‘issues’ with local paediatrician Dr Sandie Bohin has been ‘relitigated’ in reaching the verdict appears a reasonable reading on first assessment.
But this judgment also appears to open up a much wider prospect of any deputy being sanctioned for taking an interest in a subject and pursuing it.
Leaving aside the depth of Deputy St Pier’s involvement with the Guardian newspaper, and any as-yet unpublished story, it appears from the commissioner's judgment that any States member expressing concerns about any matter relevant to public life may now require the consent of the person who may be the subject of the case; could be branded as tantamount to bullying; would need to think first of how it might damage the reputation of the States; and think about whether they might also breach confidentiality.
It appears that the prospect of future ‘leaks’, even some comments, to journalists could be placed in grave danger.
We could see our deputies rendered hopelessly impotent to act on any concerns they may have if they stretch into the public arena.
For on this basis, given the evidence of the report, surely any complaint would have a good chance of being upheld.
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