‘The People’s Deputy’ was a title specifically chosen to emphasise the democratic nature of the role. The ‘People’s’ prefix highlighted that these individuals were elected by the public, distinguishing them from unelected members who hold their positions either through appointment or by virtue of another office – those not chosen by democratic vote.
This was, apparently, significant. It symbolised the democratising of Guernsey, ‘shifting the balance of power towards individuals directly accountable to the electorate.’
This article, perhaps the beginning of a series of thematic pieces, looks at the most dangerous kind of person who could be elected as a States Member – the Do-Nothing Deputy.
The Do-Nothing Deputy professes a commitment to change. And then abstains from, and discourages, all effective action for change. They function as blankets, smothering any dissension that promises to flare up into the fire of action. These Do-Nothings appear publicly as good men and women, humanitarian even, concerned with justice and dignity. In practice they are invidious. They are the ones Edmund Burke referred to when he said, acidly: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
The Do-Nothing Deputy also functions as an enabler. Senior civil servants and Law Officers absolutely love Do-Nothing Deputies – safe in the knowledge the Do-Nothing will never poke around, challenge the status quo, or interfere with their machinations. This type of States Member is, luckily for us, easy to spot. In communications they claim, “I can’t get involved,” and hurriedly pass off any and all issues to their “Officers” [civil servants]. Whether they genuinely believe this is the right thing to do, are in over their head, or are simply lazy, really doesn’t matter – the outcome is the same.
Another way to sniff out a Do-Nothing is by following a trail of statements claiming each and every issue “is a priority,” meaning nothing is. Count the number of times a Deputy states this and you’re on the right track to a Do-Nothing.
Do-Nothings appear incapable of writing (or can’t be bothered to write) their own responses. This takes a little bit more work, but once acquainted with the style and tone in which Officers and Law Officers write, it becomes easier to distinguish an Officer reply from a genuine Deputy reply. If you’re that bothered, and with a little more effort, you can get a greater sense of this by listening in on replies to ‘Rule 11’ or ‘Rule 12’ questions during States Assemblies. Sadly underutilised, the first question under ‘Rule 11’ or ‘Rule 12’ is given to the President of a Committee ahead of time. It is the norm for Officers to author the President’s response. The true value in ‘Rule 11′ or ’12’ questions lies in what comes next: Deputies are allowed to pose two additional questions. Committee Presidents have no idea what they are, and can’t have their officers respond for them. It’s a great way of testing whether a President is on top of his or her brief.
Another flavour of a Do-Nothing is one who adds little to nothing to committee meetings or public debate. Some may not even bother reading the legislation from the committees they sit on. Usually, they vote with the herd, most usually in line with those who they perceive as the strongest amongst them, unsure of what the laws before them say or mean. (If you think this unfair, test it out: pick a Deputy on any committee and quiz them over a recent law the committee they sit on laid before the Assembly.)
The system of Government is broken. This brokers no argument. It is simply a statement of fact. When a Deputy says, “we need to pass this on to the civil service,” they push back the problem, and any solutions and learning that may flow from it, back into a broken system. When a Deputy says this, they become part of the system. When a Deputy says this, they become part of the problem.
Deputies must not forget they represent the people of Guernsey. Deputies must not forget they represent the will of the people. Deputies must not forget they answer only to the people. Refusing to meet the people, the people who put them in power, some consider a dereliction of duty. And what the people give, the people can take away.
The history of prevailing status quo is littered with Do-Nothings. Which is why, generally, nothing much changes (unless you have yourselves a revolution). This is nothing new and not confined to the world of politics only – anywhere you find an organisation with a hierarchy and humans, you’ll find a Do-Nothing. If you want change, real, meaningful change, the task lies in identifying Do-Nothings and then doing something about them. In the case of elected officials, the possibility of doing something about them cycles around every four years or so. Because if nothing is done about Do-Nothings, the likelihood of anything changing is as close to zero as you can get.