TOPICS including Haut de la Garenne and the prospect of a third supermarket in the Island were at the forefront of parishioners’ minds at the Deputies’ hustings in St Lawrence last night.
Hugh Gill, sitting Deputy John Le Fondré, Eddie Noel and Nick Palmer took to the Parish Hall stage to answer questions and convince St Lawrence residents of their suitability for the two seats available. One seat has been left by Constable-elect Deidre Mezbourian, who takes over from Geoffrey Fisher next month.
A total of 17 questions were asked by parishioners, including whether the Island should have a general election, whether Constables and Deputies should be in the States at all and what other industries could flourish in Jersey if the finance sector went into recession.
Former St Lawrence Constable Iris le Feuvre asked whether bringing a third supermarket to the Island would damage the smaller shops.
Deputy Le Fondré said: ‘I am categorically against a Tesco, but there is an argument for a low-budget European franchise, but on a limited basis. I haven’t been updated on the impact of Iceland, but I could see scope for a smallish third European brand. But I would not like to see a supermarket in the large UK style of business coming into the Island.’
Mr Palmer said that he was not in favour of a third supermarket, not even an Aldi or Lidl, as they could harm the existing market.
Mr Noel said that science was the key. Illustrating his point, he said that a major supermarket might get 20 per cent of Island sales, but that 20 per cent could have been spent somewhere else before. ‘Expanding farm shops to provide that third choice in the Island could be an option,’ he said.
Mr Gill said that it was a difficult question, as competition was needed in Jersey. ‘I think it would be dangerous if we had the likes of Tesco coming in,’ he said. He cited the detrimental effect of Walmart on small communities in America to bring his point home.
Paul Mahrer asked the candidates for their views on the latest Haut de la Garenne developments.
Nick Palmer said that he did not know what to believe and called the whole thing a PR disaster.
Mr Noel said that the messages being delivered were very confusing. ‘It would be very difficult to give an opinion, as we don’t know the final outcome,’ he said.
Mr Gill said that if senior police control and political control had been in place, the international press would not have been allowed an inch to then proceed and take a mile.
Deputy Le Fondré said that their thoughts needed to be with the victims of abuse, but people needed to wait until the independent report by the Metropolitan Police was available. He added that he would not be making any political comment until all the facts were available.
On a lighter note, the candidates were asked to describe the dance they would choose from Strictly Come Dancing to best reflect their political stance.
Mr Palmer chose the quickstep, Mr Noel said the samba, Mr Gill opted out by saying he did not watch the TV programme and Deputy Le Fondré said Swan Lake, as he was ‘serene on top, but paddling like mad underneath’.
• Picture: The scene in St Lawrence Parish Hall during last night’s hustings. Picture by David Ferguson(00601588)
Article posted on 18th November, 2008 - 2.52pm
2 Article Comments
What use are any of these people if they cannot see that a third decent supermarket, the likes of Asda is needed. People are living off out of date food because they cannot afford to buy anything else. WAKE UP! I am sorry for those people who may have their businesses affected but my family comes first. My family live off Iceland right now which is not the healthiest option but the only one we can afford! Stop protecting the rich and consider the struggling for once.
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Too many vested interests is what this is about. If a decent supermarket e.g. Tesco’s or Sainsbury’s came over the only major effect is likely to be that scores of customers who shop at the existing supermarkets would leave them preferring the choice and cost the new one could offer. These are not people who would otherwise be doing their shopping in local small businesses they already do their shopping in the local supermarkets. Why not let normal competition apply ? The consumer is the one suffering here and it would be wise of candidates and sitting representatives to consider that.
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