THE potential for another controversial Christmas greetings speech in the States by Senator Stuart Syvret still remains.
But there could be a mass walk-out by other politicians in protest to show their anger at the traditional Christmas greeting being hijacked for political purposes. Yesterday Senator Syvret deferred a proposition that was designed to thwart attempts to prevent him making the traditional speech in his role as Father of the House.
The Senator had tabled a proposal after learning that Housing Minister Terry Le Main wanted to get all 12 Senators together and agree that one of them make the greeting. ‘It is a shame we did not have the debate yesterday. We know Stuart is up to something but don’t know what,’ said Senator Le Main.
Senator Le Main’s move followed last year’s controversy when Senator Syvret used the speech as an opportunity to raise issues related to the historical child abuse inquiry. He was repeatedly ruled ‘out of order’ by the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, but the Senator continued to speak in defiance. Some Members walked out of the Chamber and others reacted angrily. In the end the Bailiff suspended the final sitting of the year while Senator Syvret was still delivering his speech.
