IF the vote is anything to go by, there are a couple of other people who can’t quite make up their minds about the incinerator.

There have been a few big debates recently, at the end of which States Members have decided to abstain – a position which as a natural abstainer I do understand. However, is that really what we want from a States Member?

Haven’t they been voted in for their ability to vote on our behalf? Don’t you want to know what they thought?
There are times when it is a matter of conscience for them not to cast a vote or others where there is simply a conflict of interest.

The latest example included Senator Freddie Cohen, who abstained from the vote on the proposed incinerator and also how it would be funded. His reason for doing was apparently that he would be dealing with the Planning application, which does make some sense.

However, this does rather point to a conflict in his job title as Environment Minister. Surely it would be important to know what the man with whom the buck stops on our environment policy feels about a project with such a potentially huge environmental impact?

The argument is not so much with his decision as with the conflict inherent in the role that he has.