Richard Buchanan and the democracy problem

Richard Buchanan is not a man I expected to like.

63 years old, a banker by trade and an ex-copper, Buchanan perhaps exemplifies the classic ultra-conservative Jerseyman the likes of which I would prefer to see flushed along with their ideas about Jersey’s political system back to the 19th century. Having faced no election, since joining the States he has been catapulted into the position of Assistant Chief Minister, where his principal job so far has been to put on John le Fondré’s hat and speak for the Chief Minister while said Chief Minister takes a cosy 3-week holiday.

His latest venture into the spotlight has been in comments made relating to Senator Sam Mézec and his criticisms of the parish system (which we’ve already covered extensively). Buchanan has not only alleged that Mézec is showing a “clear lack lack of understanding of how the parish system worked” and called him “misinformed” - he also called the parishes “inclusive” and said there was “plenty of information” about the upcoming elections!

It’s worth pointing out that our Richard has been involved in with the Parish of St Ouen for over a decade as an honorary policeman and Centinier, and now obviously runs the place. I’m sure that from his perspective, as a paid-up, card-carrying member of the parish establishment, a notification in the Gris Ventre and a small notice in the JEP gazette is just fine, but for ordinary people that just ain’t enough. I like to consider myself fairly politically aware and I found out about the last St Ouen parish assembly by accident browning the A View From the West blog - for someone who isn’t particularly political, this stuff will pass right over their heads.

The Connétable needs to appreciate the reality of the situation. His last rates meeting was attended by about 30 people, the vast majority of which were interested in basically spectating. Two questions from the floor, and a seat on the Accounts Committee left empty. A dry experience? To say the least of it. Of course it is! What do you expect from an antidemocratic system, hijacked by establishment geriatrics and so far removed from the lives of ordinary parishioners that it may as well be taking place on Mars. This isn’t acceptable in what’s ostensibly a 21st century democracy, full stop.   As Senator Mézec said - modernise, or become an irrelevancy. I don’t want to see our parish system retreat up its own arse, but guess who has the power to do something about it? The Comité de Connétables. Write to, phone or email your representatives. Go up to them in Morrison’s, go to their surgeries, graffiti your parish hall with pro-democracy slogans - demand democracy! Democracy is what we all deserve and it’s what we all must have.

Nothing less can be accepted.