Deputies will have to keep eyes on the big picture
The days when a politician got involved in minor parochial matters are about to end, with the impending slimming down of the States likely to mean that all members will have work of a far more...
View ArticleTime for the States to get to grips with housing
When it comes to the housing issue it seems as if the government hasn’t yet figured out its approach – but it’s time that it did, writes Nick Mann. If the States really wants to ensure that young...
View ArticleA lack of trust is no laughing matter
The Environment Department’s refusal to go public over the expert advice given on the Town Quay road layout and courtesy crossing has given islanders even less reason to trust their elected...
View ArticleThere is one answer to Sunday trading question
The thorny subject of Sunday trading returns to the States next month, but the discussion will not be helped by the C&E minister having to represent a board divided over which path to take. Nick...
View ArticleRoll up for election time
The opening today of the electoral roll is the first step in the process that will culminate in the general election next April. But before that is a by-election for St Peter Port North, and anyone who...
View ArticleGrand plans might never leave the drawing board
Seafront ideas set to swallow more time and money
View ArticleCandidates could learn from Labour leadership challenge
In the run-up to Guernsey’s general election in April, Nick Mann looks forward to a period of electioneering and heightened pressure on our current politicians – and points to the recent Labour...
View ArticleC&E not convincing over need for shiny new toy
The jokers liken sea fisheries protection vessel the Leopardess to the Olympic flame – it never goes out. That’s a bit harsh, but, says Nick Mann, Commerce and Employment has a job on its hands to...
View ArticleBudget’s sting will need good arguments behind it
With the release of the 2016 budget today, the island will begin to get an inkling of whether or not the States has made all the savings it promised during the last year. Nick Mann predicts that the...
View ArticleBudget failures show a legacy of broken promises
A detailed look at the latest Budget makes for grim reading – and the string of failures and Treasury’s intention to stall voting on £120m. of projects until next term is a big blow to public...
View ArticleNo magic bullet for the demographic time bomb
The Annual Fiscal Policy Review is out today, and while these things are not known for making gripping reading, there are some sobering comments between its pages, warning of the economic impacts of an...
View ArticleStates’ sweeping statements are too often set on sand
A quick glance at the annual business trends survey released in the summer reveals a drop in confidence in the economy, one that is at odds with Treasury minister Gavin St Pier’s view that general...
View ArticleA time of contradictions as spin cycle kicks in
With the next general election a mere six months away, Nick Mann takes a look at the life cycle of the Guernsey States, starting with the honeymoon period where everyone is getting along but not much...
View ArticlePopulation demographics must accommodate youth
In light of recent debate on population targets and what shape the island should take demographically, Nick Mann writes that although the States has signalled the need for a vital and productive...
View ArticleStates policies subject to fraught money wrangle
With the Treasury department effectively saying no to any new funding requests in an attempt to balance the books, and likely to continue with that stance through to the end of the political term,...
View ArticlePopulation report says little about growth consequences
While removing any actual numbers from their talk of population growth might leave ministers thinking they’re onto a winner, Nick Mann suggests that this will leave the next Assembly with an abstract...
View ArticleStates meeting set to make big changes to island life
Decisions made by the States this week are set to have a major and almost immediate effect on life in Guernsey. With the return of the subject of Sunday trading deregulation and proposals to legalise...
View ArticleLobbying shows power of liberating the people’s voice
Lobby groups have proved very effective in influencing debate during this political term – from Enough is Enough’s demonstrations on taxes to Liberate’s successful efforts on same-sex marriage. But...
View ArticleIt is not just approving new laws that needs speeding up
A suggestion that new laws should be ratified on-island and be sent to the UK Privy Council only for review sounds like an attractive proposition from the point of view of getting these laws approved...
View ArticleThis year’s government will be a very different beast
Predictions indicate that half of this States will not be standing again in April’s general election – and even if that number does shrink, there will still be room for new faces to take vacant seats
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