Guernsey Elections 1997

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Conseiller Ivan Rihoy

"I have 12 years' States experience based on honesty and common sense - please re-elect me to help lead Guernsey into the 21st century"

THE PERSON

THE FAMILY MAN I have been married to Diana for 27 years. We have two daughters, Donna and Lisa.

THE BUSINESSMAN I have 25 years' business experience and I am the Managing Director of a large family owned business which employs 20 local staff.

THE POLITICIAN I have served the island as a politician for 12 years. I was first elected as a deputy for St Sampson's in 1985 and topped the poll in the next two elections. In 1994 I was proud to be elected as one of the first ever Conseillers to be elected by the people of Guernsey. I currently serve as President of the States Recreation Committee, Vice President of the Telecoms Board and I am a Member of IDC and Gambling Control.

THE GUERNSEYMAN I am Guernsey born and bred and consider myself to be a true islander.

THE POLICIES

ECONOMY Guernsey's finance industry is of paramount importance and the island should do everything it can to guarantee its future and maintain its advantages over other offshore financial centres. However we should continue to support our other industries including farming, fishing, horticulture and tourism. The value of 'rentiers' must be recognised but jobs must go to locals wherever possible.

HOUSING Affordable housing must be available to everyone. States loans at realistic levels are essential to help young couples to buy their own homes.

EDUCATION It is vital that Guernsey is able to provide its young people with a first class education because the island;s future prosperity depends on a skilled workforce. I have always supported the provision of modern well-equipped schools for children of all ages and I will continue to do so.

SPORT AND LEISURE As President of the States Recreation Committee in an island where 8 out of 10 people are involved in some form of recreational activity, I believe sport and leisure is an important part of our island life and has many social benefits and it should remain high on the political agenda. I am now seeking your support to continue the work I have begun.

BEAU SEJOUR The flagship of our island's sport and leisure facilities is Beau Sejour and the people of Guernsey should feel very proud of it. It must remain attractive, accessible and affordable.
OTHER FACILITIES The island's many sporting clubs and associations, together with the arts organisations, should be supported as much as possible in their efforts to improve their own facilities which are a valuable addition to those owned by the States.
ISLAND GAMES 2003 I would like to see Footes Lane, one of the many States owned facilities, developed further to become Guernsey's 'national stadium' and our showpiece home for the 2003 Island Games. I am working hard with the Guernsey Island Games Association to secure Guernsey as the venue for this major event which now provides our local sports stars with their ultimate goal.

ENVIRONMENT I believe Guernsey needs a new Environment Committee to uphold the island's global and local responsibility to the environment. This includes the preservation of Guernsey's remaining green land - because over-development is ruining our precious island - and the reduction of traffic congestion. The dispersal of sewage into our seas is unacceptable and has to stop. Enough is enough.

HEALTH the possibility of the new 'health scheme' including dental and optical care should be investigates. However, future costs should be closely monitored.

SOCIAL SECURITY Guernsey must be a caring society and should offer practical methods to improve the lives of people of all ages and personal circumstances. Anybody that genuinely needs help should receive it. A phased approach to retirement at the age of 60 should be considered.

LAW AND ORDER Law and order is essential to our quality of life. Violence and drug abuse should be countered with improved community policing, effective surveillance and stronger sentencing. Our youth workers must be supported.

BUREAUCRACY Legislation for legislation's sake is a problem. 'Big brother' laws lead to discontent. However, legislation to protect animals against cruelty is needed - because animals cannot protect themselves.

QUALITY OF LIFE Guernsey is in good shape as we approach the Millennium. It is important that those entrusted with governing the island realise that their primary aim must be to safeguard this whilst continually endeavouring to improve our quality of life.

THE PROMISE

I have always believed in government for the people, by the people. At the same time as representing the whole island, it has always been my priority to represent the individual by being approachable and understanding. As a 'man of the people', my time is always available and my door is always open.

I am not afraid to make 'unpopular' decisions if I consider them to be in Guernsey's best interest. The only way to avoid upsetting anyone is to say and do so little as to be largely ineffectual.

With the help of my family and friends who have supported me during the past 12 years, 'politics' has become an important part of my life and, with your support, it will continue to be so.

My word is my contract with the people of Guernsey and I am a Conseiller who is active, forceful and consistent, working for common sense and prosperity with honesty, conviction and without fear or favour.

Please feel free to contact me on 44481 any time. Ivan Rihoy, Jules Rimet, L'Islet, St Sampson, Guernsey GY2 4RJ. Facsimile 48851

On Wednesday 19 March please use one of your votes to re-elect