From Senator Ben Shenton,
Health and Social Services Minister.
I BELIEVE that I would be doing a disservice to the public of the Island if I entered into a public argument with Senator Syvret, who has tabled a vote of no confidence in the whole Council of Ministers, including myself.

There can be no doubt that as politicians we have, at times, made mistakes and let the public down. The important thing is that we learn from these mistakes and acknowledge them.

Perhaps in future we need to be less tolerant of those who fail, less loyal to the people around us if that loyalty is not deserved, and more loyal to our own beliefs and the people of Jersey.

In the eyes of many, the States of Jersey government consists of 53 Members working for the good of the population. The mood of disillusionment among the population is therefore with all Members, and while the focus at this time may be on the ‘executive’, every Member must take responsibility for our failings.

There can be no doubt that the weakness of some ministers, the failure of others to hold ministers to account and the constant bickering have caused the electorate to lose faith.

If we are to achieve good government, we must be stronger and much more professional in the way we govern. We must no longer put up with the lazy, the petulant, the incompetent, the conflicted and those in positions out of their depth. Some people may have no confidence in the past; I cannot change that. However, with a more professional approach we can all have confidence in the future.

I would hope that the no-confidence debate will be used by many to reaffirm their commitment to governing this Island well, to improving the relationship between a vital Scrutiny process and the executive, and to acknowledging the fact that the States of Jersey is still governed by 53 Members and, as such, we are all responsible.
Villa Maritime,
Grande Route des Sablons,
Grouville.