JERSEY has its own legislature with its own elected members and, except in matters such as defence, which remains the concern of the UK government, it governs itself.

Some might imagine that this means that Islanders are merely disinterested observers of the General Election campaign currently reaching its peak on the other side of the Channel. This, however, is not entirely the case.

Aside from being fascinated by the mould-breaking shape that the election appears to have assumed, all Channel Islanders should take a keen interest in which party – or parties – hold the reins of power when the British electorate has had its say. Ancient constitutional privileges continue to protect the bailiwicks from unwarranted political interference, but as events such as the Edwards Inquiry into the regulation of our finance industries have shown, we are not immune from intervention.

No one here should forget that Andrew Edwards involved himself in the affairs of the islands on the orders of the UK administration with no advance notice or negotiation with the Crown Dependencies.

Against this background, it is clear to see that the outcome of the General Election could be of great significance to Jersey, Guernsey and, indeed, the Isle of Man.

Unfortunately, even if the range of potential outcomes – from a straight Tory majority to a hung parliament or some sort of coalition – are considered, it is well nigh impossible to forecast which form of administration would be most likely to show an interest in how we conduct ourselves. It is even difficult to say with any certainty which species of government would be most favourably disposed to our finance sectors and their role in facilitating profitable activity in the City of London.

But, amid all the uncertainty, it is likely that any minority government, any government with a slender majority or any coalition will be too busy firefighting on the home front to worry too much about the Crown Dependencies.

Meanwhile, although we might have only limited lessons to learn from the UK’s democratic processes, the closeness of the present race and the re-emergence of Liberalism as a notable political force are not the only features of interest as Britain prepares to go to the polls. Three television debates between the three main party leaders have been crucial in resetting the political scene.

Given that our electoral hustings are such pale and inefficient instruments by comparison, we could do worse than examine new methods of exposing those who seek high office to more exacting levels of public scrutiny.