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Alan Maclean

Senatorial candidate Deputy Alan Maclean says his current role as Assistant Minister for Economic Development means he responsibility for the airport and harbours.

He claims Jersey has benefited from the introduction of low cost airlines he helped secure, that he's expanded ferry routes and helped introduce the Jersey Boat Show.

Manifesto

I was elected to the States three years ago as the deputy for St Helier Number Two District.

I’m standing for senator because I’d like to put my name forward as a Minister, and I don’t feel that’s appropriate without an island-wide mandate.

Since elected I was appointed Assistant Minister for Economic Development, and given specific responsibility for the airport, harbour, lotteries and more recently agriculture. I’m also chairman of the Jersey Conference Bureau.

I’m currently overseeing a significant change programme at the harbour and airport, improvements to date have delivered lower overall fares, more air routes to the UK and Europe, and last year we delivered the largest increase in passenger numbers since 1993.

I took the Harbour Administration Law, a major piece of legislation, through the States earlier this year. It was the biggest change to the way the harbour is administered in more than 40 years, making it far more efficient and more commercial.

I was also responsible for Jersey’s first boat show, thousands of islanders and tourists went to see the exhibits and it was also a huge success in financial terms for small local businesses.

The harbour has adopted eco-active marine, a model that I am determined will deliver wind, tide and solar energy around the port. I too support a greener future for Jersey.

I stood for election in 2005 on a platform that included a desire to control public spending, and deliver a more efficient public sector.

As a newcomer to the States, this has proved challenging, I want to ensure that every penny we spend is not wasted but used wisely – it’s the only way to keep unwelcome taxes as low as possible for as long as possible. But when I talk about controlling public expenditure I don’t mean cuts, I mean efficiency savings that deliver the same service at a better price.

The Controller and Auditor General was a positive appointment, he’s already identified significant savings in a number of States departments. However, his reports are often ignored and I want to ensure he gets more resources and greater political support.

A tougher stance on spending will ensure we don’t need more unwanted taxes. This is a message that the States don’t seem to be taking in.

If we want to reconnect the government with the people of Jersey we have to keep our promises with decisive decisions and clear communication.

I support a strong and diverse economy that offers the local people opportunities to compete for the best jobs in the island, improving the skills of locals will increase productivity, help sustain economic growth and reduce future levels of immigration.

I entered the States just three years ago as a new boy not knowing what to expect, it’s been quite a learning process. With your support I can make a positive contribution to the success of our island, for all islanders whatever their background, circumstance or age.

I have a track record of hard work and success and if elected I give you just one promise, and that’s my 100% commitment. Thank you.