Former health minister likely to stand down

by GD Thu 03 Apr 2008, 7:11 pm

Jersey's former Health Minister Senator Stuart Syvret has confirmed he's likely to stand down before the end of his term - Although he still has another three years to go Senator Syvret says its unlikely he'll continue in his role.

But he won't be standing down for at least another year because there are a number of projects he wants to complete before leaving the States.

Senator Syvret's decision won't be a surprise to regular reader's of his blog. He's indicated on that for some time that his career in politics is nearing an end. But he has told Channel Television he'd made his decision because he's disgusted with the way States affairs have been handled over the last twelve months.

Earlier he likened the Island's political system to a circus - describing those in charge as a bunch of clowns. He did say though that before he goes he wants to make sure that some of the things he's been campaigning for are put into place.

Making sure future allegations of child abuse are properly investigated and that that kind of crime can't be repeated.

He wants to do what he can for victims including overseeing the setting up of a Jersey branch of the Care Leavers Association and also wants to look at the issue of compensation.

That would mean taking a projet to the States to change the time out rule - but he says he's been advised to hold back on that as it could be used against victims by the defence during a court case.

Senator Syvret says ultimately he's stepping down because he'd tired and bored with the world of politics, but couldn't give a definite timescale for his departure. (From Channel Online)