He has served with distinction

Tuesday 28th October 2008, 3:00PM GMT.

From Jurat Peter Blampied.
SIR Philip Bailhache has served Jersey for 37 years with distinction – initially as a Deputy and then as Solicitor General and Attorney General and finally as Bailiff.

Most people recognise his intellectual ability and that he has presided in the Royal Court without fear or favour. Speeches in the States Chamber are now sometimes acrimonious and lack merit, but his presence has ensured that the rules that govern reasoned and reasonable debate have been followed.

It is regrettable that in a recent Channel Television interview two Members of the States tried to denigrate all that he has done for the Island. Molière wrote, ‘One should look carefully at oneself before one considers judging others’.
Most of us wish the Bailiff a long and happy retirement – as I do.
The Croft,
Grande Route de la Côte,
St Clement.