There is certainly an air of deperation from the Right now that the economic situation has been revealed to be worse than previously thought. The prospect of a £95 million deficit, now structural, will call for some radical and desperate measures after the election and the Right is securely back in power. The Establishment will be pursuing a policy of Austerity, which amounts to cuts in public services, cuts in public sector jobs, pressure on public sector salaries, GST increases and new "user pays" charges.
We are fully aware of the existence of organised far right groups in the island. Indeed Jersey is famous in political history for its sons and their involvment with organisations like Combat 18, an extremist and racist UK grouplet. Abuse is their hallmark and violence is only the next logical step.
Yesterday as the States met for the final meeting of the term, members arriving at 9.30am were greeted with the sight of a flower basket pole outside the Royal Court steps, bent at an angle of 45 degrees. Quite how this miracle of alcohol fueled strength had been achieved alluded all.
Attached to the pole was one of my elections posters and another for Reform Jersey. Both remained intact, but the obvious conclusion could only be that there was some connection between this act of criminal damage and the presence of political posters. My own thoughts are that it was not directed at the Left particularly but as a protest against the political class in general. Such are the frustrations in society that such acts of criminal violence become an expression of protest.
Approaching the Chief of the States of Jersey Police at lunch time today, (doing the usual PR exercise to reassure the suits there is no crime in King Street at 1pm), I enquired about the pole and whether the culprits might be ascertained. I was referred to the beat officer responsible for the area who noted that no complaints of criminal damage had been notified by TTS. Apparently there is no CCTV in the vicinity of that pole, so once again we see that the omnipotent CCTV fails when it's really needed.
The violence and criminality has not simply been restricted to a poll in the Royal Square, one of my banners on the round about above the underpass has been slashed with a knife. Needless to say, the banners either side of mine; that of Senatorial Candidate Malcolm Ferrey and the Establishment candidate in District No.1 St Helier, remain pristine. Thus political violence is selective and we can draw a conclusion from whence it originates.
It was probably a tts vehicle or dustcart reversing badly that hit the pole. If it was political the posters would have been ripped off.
ReplyDeleteBTW http://www.grammar-monster.com/easily_confused/allude_elude.htm
Nick, if you want my vote then you had better have a good explanation why you were not at the Town Church Hall yesterday to represent the people of No1 who are appealing against the proposed over development on Gas works, we had Deputies Hilton, Mezec and Southern speaking on our behalf, none of whom represent us in No1, they done a good job, but where were you?
ReplyDeleteAt the previous meeting at the Town Hall, you sat there and never opened you mouth once!, what is going on, you are a paid politician, do your job, please explain your position, it better be good!
I was there at the back on the left hand side. You were intently watching proceedings and missed me.
DeleteI noted there was a lot of populisms and electioneering going on. We have at least forced the Planning Minister to delay for a short period. I wonder whether all these vocal critics will be prepare to defend the people of the area when push comes to shove with the interests of property and developers. We need housing for the population but not on the "cram it in sell it dear" basis we have seen in the plans. These developers do not live around St Saviour's road, needless to say. Hope that satisfies and your question is wholly valide. I was there and making notes.
I have no idea what the link between Jersey and Combat 18 is, can you elaborate?
ReplyDelete