St Helier

Please note:- Notes and content should be checked against final delivery

Mr Constable, ladies and gentlemen

1. Many politicians start their careers in St Helier. For the last 3 years I have been the minister responsible for the economy and it is in that capacity that you probably know me best.
   
   
2. I believe a strong economy delivers improvements for St Helier and the whole island.
   
   
3. I would like to think that my unofficial title has been the senator who never forgot St Helier.
   
   
4. As a young St Helier deputy 6 years ago I set out a number pledges. One of them was to try and find a solution to St Helier’s unfair rates. I came up with the idea of the Island wide commercial rate and we solved this unfairness for thousands of St Helier rate payers.
   
   
5. This along with the introduction of the competition law is the political achievement I am most proud of. I have worked hard to solve the curse of the Bellozanne incinerator. I set up the St Helier task force. I delivered residential parking schemes. I gave the unqualified a voice - I was proud to have represented more  hardship housing cases than any other states member - with a possible exception of Deputy Breckon.
   
   
6. Against flack I delivered town centre improvements such as Broad Street and as far as the Waterfront is concerned I did not cause the Radisson - I stopped the rot.
   
   
7. Ladies and gentlemen I have never forgotten where my political career started. I want to thank St Helier for the support that you have given me.
   
   
8. I believe St Helier matters. I would like to think that I have played my part in making St Helier a better place.
   
   
9. Ladies and gentlemen in the last few days we have seen turmoil in financial markets. Whilst some criticise I am proud we have created one of the strongest most diverse and resilient economies of any small nation state in the world.
   
   
10. This has not happened by accident.
    
    
11. I am more certain than ever that the measures we have taken, whilst I accept have been challenging, will allow us now to weather the turbulent economic times ahead.
    
    
12. Whatever you hear, deposits are safe in Jersey and our banking system is strong. Thanks to the regulation I am proud to have been part of.
    
    
13. On your seat you will read my election manifesto and on my web site, because I am an inclusive candidate, pages in Portuguese and Polish too.
    
    
14. Constructive solution designed to take Jersey forward.
    
    
15. In 2 days time you will be the largest group that will return 6 senators, probably as ministers. Ministers that will spend millions of pounds of your money, make decisions on your behalf, represent Jersey at home and overseas and you are selecting them for 6 years.
    
    
16. Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you have agreed I have worked hard for Jersey and I have worked hard for St Helier. I don’t make promises I can’t deliver and I hope you agree, I have the ability, drive and enthusiasm to represent you the Parishioners of St Helier for another 6 years.
    
    
17. Thank you.