“Your talents may no longer be needed,” the Bailiff warned Jersey’s politicians as the final sitting of 2017 came to a close.
But don’t worry. Sir William Bailhache hadn’t not gone rogue, he was merely setting the scene for 2018 which will include a General Election in May in which he reminded States Members their futures were in the hands of voters.
He also hinted his own role may not include that of Presiding Officer in parliament if voters in a referendum next year decide to strip him of that part of his wide-ranging role.
He said: “By this time next year, who knows, I may not be in the States. So it is a particular pleasure to extend to all Members here today the compliments of the season.”
“The work done in this Assembly is just a small part of the work politicians put in. So it is now time for all of us in the Assembly to take some well earned rest from our duties in this place.”
It followed the traditional Christmas greetings from the Senators, Constables and Deputies. Senator Philip Ozouf quoted Dickens in his festive message…
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Constable Simon Crowcroft thanked the tea lady and couldn’t resist a cheeky pop at the media…
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Deputy Judy Martin reminded her peers that 2018 is an election year…
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Footage courtesy of the States Assembly webcast and you can watch the Christmas greetings in full here, beginning around 50 minutes into the video feed.
