Jersey Democratic Alliance
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| Jersey Democratic Alliance | |
|---|---|
| Leader | - |
| Chairman | Trevor Pitman |
| Chief Executive Officer | - |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | |
| Political Ideology | Centre-Left, |
| European Affiliation | none |
| International Affiliation | none |
| Colours | Blue, Red & White |
| Website | |
See also: |
Politics & Government States of Jersey |
The Jersey Democratic Alliance is a centre-left political party in Jersey. In contrast to the Jersey tradition of independent candidates with no clear ideology, which has prevailed for most of the 20th century, (except for a brief appearance of parties after World War II), it has publicly stated aims and principles.
Contents |
[edit] Aims and Objectives
- To formulate and promote political policies that adhere to the following principles. The JDA may also support candidates for election to the States of Jersey, directly or indirectly.
- Government in Jersey will be open, honest and transparent.
- The public interest will be paramount at all times.
- Trade Unions will be recognized as an important part of Jersey society.
- The role of States Members is to do the greatest good for the greatest number.
- Government in Jersey must assist everyone to achieve their potential.
- The JDA believes that Jersey is a special place with unique laws and customs, countryside, traditions, language and privileges, and that these must be preserved and maintained when it is clear that the retention is appropriate.
- To ensure that policies put forward promote the values enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.
- To raise funds to carry out the aims and objectives of the JDA.[1]
[edit] Formation
With the prospect of ministerial government and the creation of an executive and opposition, it formed as a political party in April 2005 at a mass rally, with the intention of fielding candidates in the elections of October and November 2005. The party was founded by Senator Ted Vibert, a returned expatriate and veteran activist in the Australian Labour Party, who drew about 1,000 people to the rally, recruiting several States Members and numerous others.
Later in 2005 Senator Vibert announced that, on medical advice, he would not be standing for re-election on the party platform.[2] His successor as head of the movement, Tony Keogh, was also subsequently obliged on medical advice to withdraw as a candidate and step down.
Deputy Geoff Southern was elected to the vacant chair.[3] Some members, feared that the party would move too far to the left, and formed the Centre Party, 'remaining true to the original vision of Senator Vibert'[4]
The party produced a manifesto of policies for the 2005 Senatorial Elections. This manifesto has since been a major source of ideas for the non-JDA Council of Ministers, ironically.[citation needed]
[edit] Jersey general election, 2005
Geoff Southern and Denise Carroll stood for Senator, but were unsuccessful polling 10th and 13th of the fifteen candidates with the top six elected.
The Jersey Democratic Alliance followed the Centre Party in announcing that Deputy candidates would not be selected by the party. Geoff Southern was re-elected to serve St Helier district 2, Judy Martin retained her seat in St Helier district 1, and Shona Pitman topped the poll in St Helier district 2, but Denise Carroll was fifty votes short of taking a seat in St Helier district 3&4, and Steve Pallett just seventy votes from taking one of the two seats in St Brelade district 2.[5]
[edit] Between the 2005 and 2008 elections
On 8 May 2006, the party considered reconstituting as a pressure group,[6] but the membership overwhelmingly voted to remain as a party.
Deputy Geoff Southern resigned as Chairman and he was replaced by Steve Pallett as acting Chairman,[7] a position later confirmed by a ballot of the membership.
[edit] Policies
In December 2006 they presented an extensive and detailed proposal for electoral reform, to tackle Jersey's lack of political engagement among the general public.[8]
In February 2007 the Jersey Democratic Alliance released their environmental policy,[9] with a general moderate green outlook, and addressing Jersey's outdated approaches to waste disposal and building insulation in particular[10]
On the 12th July 2007 the JDA teamed up with the Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the Jersey Hospitality Association to address concerns over the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) planned for April 2008,[11] they also issued a statement on the planned 'Zero-Ten' corporate tax rates.[12]
[edit] Criticism
The JDA has faced criticism over their claims that they have elected members in the house. Although several members of the JDA in the house, they had previously stated that they would not be standing as members of the party. After due election, they once again proclaimed their party allegiances.
[edit] References
- ^ JDA Aims and Objectives
- ^ Ted Vibert to step down as leader
- ^ Geoff Southern New JDA Chair
- ^ Centre Party forms
- ^ Jersey general election, 2005
- ^ JDA to reform as a pressure group
- ^ JDA to be pressure group says acting Chair Steve Pallett
- ^ Low turnouts at the polls
- ^ JDA Environmental Policy
- ^ JDA Environmental Policy.
- ^ GST meeting
- ^ JDA Zero Ten statemet
[edit] External links
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