Manifesto Magic

I would like to introduce an amendment to the Guernsey voting form.
 
After the long list of candidates I would like to see added a small tick box labelled “None of the above”. Then at least I’d have a reason for visiting the parish hall this year.
 
Not only have none of my candidates impressed me with their manifestos, the few I have glimpsed have been more keen on stuffing letterboxes than actually engaging the electorate.
 
Would it be any better with Island wide voting?
 
Not worth considering at the moment as it’s not likely to be debated for a while. There will be far more pressing matters for our new States once elected.
 
So, what would persuade me to vote?
 
Maybe someone who was willing and able to actually mount an election campaign. Someone who had well thought out ideas for moving this Island off of its complaisant behind. Someone who actually wanted to engage Islanders in the running of their country.
 
Instead we get the usual appeals to patriotism, the single issue drum bangers, and the bland generalists who want to improve everything without actually suggesting how to do it.
 
Now I’m not suggestion that these people aren’t well intentioned, it’s just that they don’t inspire confidence from what I’ve seen so far.
 
Does it really matter?
 
Or to put it another way, could it get any worse than it already is?
 
There are a few people who have suggested that the States have the opposite of the Midas touch. Everything they get their hands on turns to - well, the opposite of gold.
 
Maybe they have a point. Think back and try to list any states department which hasn’t had a crisis or two and has shown itself to be truly outstanding and efficient.
 
No, me neither.
 
Perhaps I’m being unfair. Perhaps our politicians are struggling with a system which gives them no teeth and an illusory power over what really happens.
 
The recent scandal in Education has shown just how little accountability there appears to be in public life and public service. 

Also, how little real and effective leadership seems to have been shown at any level.
 
Do we want politicians who have the power to sack their civil servant executives?
 
I’d suggest not.
 
What they should have however is the power to instigate a proper employment tribunal to judge whether those at fault should be sacked or downgraded.
 
What we need is someone to stand up and take responsibility to sort out the mess and to enforce improvements. Someone to do this as a matter of course and not just when the anti-gold publicly hits the fan.
 
Maybe a Chief Minister with some real power and with some real interest in running the Island instead of running abroad.
 
Until we have a system where there are clearly defined responsibilities and powers, and where we have true accountability then ticking a few boxes every four years will change nothing.