St Peter
Please note:- Notes and content should be checked against final delivery
Good evening my name is Philip Ozouf.
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In a few days you will choose 6 of us candidates as Senators.
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It is highly likely the six elected will be called upon to serve as Ministers.
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Those ministers will be called upon to lead their departments, making Ministerial Decisions, be responsible for millions of pounds of your money and representing the Island in London and further afield.
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Most significantly – steering the island through what’s clearly going to more tougher times than we have seen in the last 3 years.
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As one of the Ministers - I realise this election is going to be more testing - and rightly so – of me.
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As Minister this election is a test of my own performance.
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At the same time –I’ve also got to get across that I’ve always been - and will remain so - a very independent politician
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Whilst I have worked as a team - I’m not the team leader – I certainly don’t agree with the Council on everything
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And some things can be done a lot better in a number of areas.
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I’m particularly frustrated that there is a disconnection between the States and the people.
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That has to change
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As far as I’m concerned - 9 years ago I stood as a St Helier Deputy and came through the ranks as Deputy
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When I stood as a Senator – I set out a number of promises
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I was elected and took that responsibility seriously
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Moreover, I have delivered on my promises.
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Not all by myself but – as with all things in the States – working with others.
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Two of those I have delivered were - solving the unfair rates burden and delivering a competition law.
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I worked with the Constables to solve the unfair rates problem and delivered a competition law
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Which – against quite a lot of flack from vested interests - at last – this has outlawed cartels and price fixing –
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Moreover, this has begun to make a real difference on the cost of living.
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For the last three years – in addition to being an independent politician – I have discharged the duties as the Minister responsible for the Economy.
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As you will have seen economic growth numbers which have been published today – I suppose that is my report card!
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Of course as Minister I don’t run businesses – but I am responsible for creating the climate for businesses to operate.
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Over two-thirds of that growth has been delivered by productivity – a really fantastic achievement for Jersey.
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This puts us in a very strong position to weather the storms ahead.
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Ladies and Gentlemen – I’m not one of those politicians you only hear from at election time and my politics is more than just about economics.
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Three minutes is certainly not enough time to explain all our policies.
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I hope you will have the time to take a read of my detailed manifesto which is published on my website: www.ozouf.je
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At the heart of my manifesto are ideas of how I believe the States can – and if I’ve got anything to do with it – can do better
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An island where everyone has the opportunity and encouragement to reach their full potential
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An Island which respects our senior citizens and young people
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And an Island which retains its pride
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I don’t want to see or believe we need any building on a field and am willing to commit to that.
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We need an elderly Health scheme
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I do want to see the goal of owning your own home as being the achievable and legitimate of all islanders.
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Ladies and Gentlemen – you are hearing and will hear from a lot of candidates this evening
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I would urge you to think about those candidates who are up to the challenge of leading Jersey in the next three years.
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If you want a candidate who has worked hard for Jersey with leadership, ability and a proven track record to get things done, that does listen and respond and that can help steer the Island, then I hope one of your votes will be for me.