Guernsey Residents Want Fewer Politicians, Poll Reveals

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

02 September 2002

Reporting on the results of a recent Mori poll on the machinery of government in Guernsey, the Guernsey Press and Star revealed last week that some 47% of the 1,000 residents questioned opposed the government's decision not to reduce the number of politicians on the Island from 57.

This represents something of a victory for Deputy Bill Bell, whose proposed amendment to the governmental review led to commissioning of the public opinion poll. Speaking to the local newspaper, he observed: 'That is an aspect that I believe the States got wrong and will have to address again.'

However, Advisory and Finance Committee President, Laurie Morgan told the Press and Star that the matter will not be taken back to the House in the near future, as it does not impact on the fundamental governmental and electoral reforms. However, he added that:

'It may be that, in the fullness of time, the number of States members may be reduced. There'll be too many people chasing too few jobs.'

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