Controversial questions and an energetic audience at St Saviour

A vocal audience packed St Saviour's Parish Hall on Monday evening. All the candidates’ speeches were similar in content to previous evenings (read our reports of previous hustings here.)

The candidates received a strong reception to their speeches, giving us a chance to put the Elect Jersey 2005 clapometer into operation. Senator Stuart Syvret clearly won the clapometer test. He explained how he had developed from backbencher to a committee president but did everything in his power to ensure the audience understood that this did not make him a member of the elusive "establishment." This probably depends on your preferred definition.

The JDA candidates managed to split their policies between them in a manner which was presumably designed to disguise the fact that they did not add up. Deputy Geoff Southern explained how he was going to reverse all the proposed tax-raising measures. Denise Carroll then explained how she was going to resolve her valid social concerns by increasing States expenditure. Deputy Southern clearly didn't teach arithmetic in his former life.

Deputy Guy de Faye gave Senator Terry Le Sueur a moment of surprise when he declared at the end of his speech that he would like to be Finance Minister. One "Terry stare" later and Guy was back on his feet explaining to the audience that he actually meant Transport Minister.

Questioning was lively. The Constable ruled two questions out of order, much to the dismay of some of the audience. One questioner wanted to know whether candidates had any criminal convictions, spent or otherwise. Another questioner was concerned about the rejection of her plans to create a sheep farm. Two questions which were allowed related to traffic: one on road tax and another on speed cameras. A third related to taxation policies.

A question was asked as to candidates' views on the use of consultants. By a strange quirk of coincidence, Roy Travert had with him a piece of paper setting out all the relevant numbers. This convenient prop told him that Deputy Terry Le Main's answer to the question was not quite correct.

Elect Jersey 2005's agriculture panel co-ordinator, Andrew Le Gallais, asked candidates what they had achieved during their lives which made them suitable candidates for election.

Here are the highlights from the answers to all the questions.

Roger Bisson regarded the regeneration of the York Street areas as one of his principal achievements. He accepted the necessity of GST and also the "20 means 20" policy but was anxious to restore equity between locally and non-locally owned companies in the 0/10 tax proposals. In place of speed cameras, he preferred the use of signs indicating the speed of approaching cars.

Deputy Jerry Dorey highlighted his achievement and hard work in recasting the decision conferencing process, an important process which determines prioritisation of States expenditure. He also identified his reform of the franchise law. He thought the audience would not be interested in his achievements in crossword competitions.We're not so sure – if Deputy Dorey's obvious intellect was shared by all members of the House, there might be less to complain about. Deputy Dorey had examined all of the taxation proposals. He said the alternatives did not stack up and he had reluctantly supported the proposals put forward by Finance & Economics.

Gino Risoli referred to his previous role as an electrical engineer and more recently his running of two coffee shops. He again called for transparency and openness.

Deputy Terry Le Main referred to his success as Housing Committee president and his previous roles at Gambling Control and Sport, Leisure & Recreation. He was particularly proud that he had managed to avoid any capital overspends. He accepted the introduction of GST on the basis that it spread the financial burden over the entire populace. He was concerned about the position of middle earners following the introduction of "20 means 20."

Senator Terry Le Sueur referred to his achievements at Employment & Social Security and Finance & Economics. In particular, he pointed to his reform of pension policies at Employment & Social Security which he said indicated his long-term vision. He highlighted his proven leadership ability. In relation to taxation he said that his policy was to maintain a strong economy. This gave rise to the 0/10 tax policy and the consequent need to diversify the tax base.

Senator Stuart Syvret said that his principal achievements had been the rejection of stealth taxes, his introduction of freedom of information and his changes to the machinery of government proposals. He also claimed responsibility for the introduction of the competition law. On taxation he expressed concern that GST would not remain at 3% and said that he would prefer to see a pay roll tax introduced.

Roy Travert claimed that his principal achievements were stopping the closure of Fort Regent and the research he had carried out for the election. He opposed GST. He was highly critical of the States' use of consultants.

Ben Shenton again spoke passionately and stirred the crowd. He referred to his success in business and also the organisation of the Dragon Boat race as key achievements. He said that if elected he would wish to investigate alternative tax measures.

Freddie Cohen pointed to his work in an honorary capacity for the Parish of St. John.He referred to his achievements with the Heritage Trust and also the Community Relations Trust where he had organised Live 8. He accepted the need for GST but wished to ensure that medical supplies were exempt. He also wanted to see equity restored between local and non-local businesses in the 0/10 tax system.

Deputy Geoff Southern referred to his success in retaining school milk, raising tax exemptions and reducing residents' parking charges. He said that the JDA proposed three tax measures including increasing the annual fee paid by companies and removing the earnings ceiling on social security contributions.

Deputy Guy de Faye provided detailed answers to the transport questions – as would be expected of a candidate for Transport Minister. He said that he had studied the taxation alternatives and accepted the need for GST. He provided a lighthearted response to Mr Le Gallais' question and referred to his success with ITN World News (including Mr TV in Fiji!) as well as a heroic rescue of a friend's granny from her burning house.

Kevin Lewis said he was opposed to the introduction of GST and also the "20 means 20" policy. He described his principal successes as the Jersey Film Festival which had been nationally acclaimed. He also described his achievement in reopening the Odeon cinema as the New Forum.

Senator Paul Le Claire rejected the new tax policies and referred to the Guernsey taxation model which had been announced. He described his principal achievements as the introduction of the alcohol and tobacco strategies.

Jimmy Perchard referred to his successful farming business and expressed his pride in his achievements. He was concerned as to the JDA proposals on taxation and concerned about considering following Guernsey's lead. He supported the "20 means 20" policy and also accepted that GST was a necessary form of taxation. He would seek to exempt food, clothes and medical services.

Denise Carroll spoke of her presidency of the States Tenants Action Group and her involvement in the Support Through Divorce group. She did not talk about tax raising measures but focused on her spending policies.

Read our previous hustings reports and find the dates of the remaining meetings here.