SENATOR Paul Routier is standing for re-election.
The Social Security Minister is the eighth candidate to declare for the coming Senatorial polls. He was a St Helier No 1 Deputy from 1993 to 2002 and came third in the Senatorial election six years ago. Senator Routier, a member of the Council of Ministers whose main responsibility has been the introduction of the Income Support benefit package, said that he wanted to continue his 15 years in the States.
He said: ‘After serious reflection and consideration I have decided to allow my name to go forward in the elections for Senator on 15 October. Several people have asked me to continue to serve the Island for another term and having discussed with my family and business colleagues I have come to the conclusion that I am able to offer myself to the electorate for another term. I hope that I have shown that by my commitment to hard work and my ability to take on challenging tasks that I can fulfil the requirements of electorate as a Senator for the next term of office.’
The Senator added that after six years in charge at Social Security he would be looking for a different ministerial role, saying that he wanted to stand for Health Minister. He has stood for the job twice before – he was beaten by Senator Stuart Syvret to the job in 2002, and by Senator Ben Shenton in the contest to replace Senator Syvret.
Aside from his ministerial role, Senator Routier also sits on the Overseas Aid Commission and the Waterfront Enterprise Board.
