First candidate throws hat in the ring for 2022 election

Saturday 04 September 2021

A local businesswoman and Party Secretary for the new Alliance Party has become the first person to officially declare their candidacy for the 2022 election.

Mary O'Keeffe has previously worked in the charity sector as a non-executive director for the Jersey Opera House, sat on the Jersey Cheshire Homes board and has been Vice Chair of Crimestoppers Jersey.

The 'centre-right' Jersey Alliance party was first established in July, founded by Home Affairs Deputy Gregory Guida (Chair), alongside Deputies Rowland Huelin (Treasurer), Lindsay Ash (Membership Secretary). 

Its membership includes current-Chief Minister John Le Fondré, Assistant Chief Minister Constable Richard Buchanan, Treasury Minister Deputy Susie Pinel, Education Minister Deputy Scott Wickenden, Social Security Minister Deputy Judy Martin and Trinity Constable Philip Le Sueur.

"I was delighted to have been approached by the Jersey Alliance to join their party. I am already familiar with the world of Jersey politics and I knew that this would be a good fit for me," Ms O'Keeffe said.

"I am a believer in positive politics. We have all witnessed the destruction of negativity in politics and it is ugly. We want to be an open and communicative party and hope people will listen.”

Pictured: Ms. O'Keeffe has already been acting as Party Secretary.

She added: "I am no stranger to the business world of Jersey having had a previous career in healthcare, the arts and property.

"I have nearly always been self-employed so when policies are being discussed I will always consider the impact they will have on local businesses.

"I also believe in extending our global links and working with other jurisdictions. Since Brexit we have learnt that our horizons must be expanded, and we need to keep our vision focused and outward looking".

In July, the Alliance Party explained that their manifesto was "the Government Plan - it's what we are doing already."

Their website reads that: "The members of the Jersey Alliance believe in protecting Jersey's uniqueness, our own language and culture. It hopes to improve the collaboration between the Crown Dependencies but to also turn further towards our neighbours Brittany and Normandy.

"We want to keep the independence of the Parishes and foster our unique honorary services, maintain the Bailiff as head of the States and speaker of the Chamber and promote and maintain a Strong Parish System and Links. The Jersey Alliance believes that a carefully managed population control is vital to retain Jersey's open spaces and quality of life."