THE president of Environment and Public Services has reacted angrily to reports that manifestos for the Jersey Democratic Alliance have been handed out on buses by at least one Connex driver.

The company yesterday took steps to stop it happening after several complaints, but refused to say whether it would be disciplining the driver concerned.

Two sitting States Members are among those who were shocked to be handed the manifesto as they paid their fare, including Deputy Guy de Faye, who is also standing for Senator and has ambitions to be Transport Minister in the next Assembly.

His president at Environment and Public Services, Senator Philip Ozouf, said that the practice was unacceptable.

‘It is absolutely clear that the drivers should be driving and looking after their passengers, not handing out propaganda on behalf of the JDA,’ he said.

‘I am very disappointed.’ Senator Ozouf admitted that he was ‘no fan’ of the JDA, but said the same rules would apply to any candidate in the elections.

Connex managing director Philippe Juhles believed it was an ‘isolated’ case but said that the company had taken immediate action to remind all staff of their responsibilities.

‘It is for everybody to have convictions, but those convictions have to be followed during private times,’ he said.

Mr Juhles added that the driver would be dealt with internally and he would not say whether or not he would face a reprimand.

Connex drivers are members of the Transport and General Workers Union, but district official Nick Corbel said that the driver involved was not following union orders.

‘All I can say is that there is no instruction for our members while in employment to promote the JDA to customers,’ he said.

JDA chairman Deputy Geoff Southern also said that the party had not asked bus drivers to act on their behalf.

‘It just shows the strength of feeling among people,’ he said.