Eleven people have put themselves forward for next month’s by-election, all hoping to be Guernsey’s latest States member.

But which former Guernsey Deputy – dead or alive – would you bring back if you had the choice?

In a not-entirely-scientific poll, Express asked readers what they thought and there were two very clear winners, “man of the people” Dave Jones, with 20 votes, and “true Guernsey man” Eric Walters, with 18.

Meanwhile, cartoon sheriff Deputy Dawg and comic book hero Superman topped the “fictional” category – though it was unclear how Guernsey voters would feel about having Jersey-born Superman actor Henry Cavill in charge.

There were honourable mentions for several other past deputies including Dan Le Cheminant, Barry Paint, Peter Bougourd and Carol Fletcher.

Peter Roffey and Al Brouard were the only Deputies from the last States to get a mention, with one vote each.

‘Man of the people’

The “no nonsense” former Housing Minister, Deputy Jones was first elected in 2000, spending 16 years in the States representing the Vale parish until his death in 2016.

He was a “man of the people”, according to Express reader Kate, who added: “I felt he listened to the community.”

He transformed social housing on the island

Christine Foster

It was a sentiment echoed by Pierre Esteves who said Deputy Jones was “more connected with local issues than many”.

Born in the UK and raised in a Barnardo’s home, Deputy Jones worked in the heavy plant industry when he moved to the island in 1970.

He died in 2016, aged 66, following a long battle with cancer, shortly after being elected for a fifth term.

Following his death, a tree was planted in his memory behind the Vale Douzaine rooms.

‘A true Guernsey man’

Eric Walters served in the States for 26 years as a Conseiller and Deputy, standing down in 2008.

He served on a variety of committees during his time, including as President of the Water Board.

Gill Syvret-Berboda said Deputy Walters, who represented Castel, was a “true Guernsey man who respected our lovely island and understood what was important to islanders”.

Ms Syvret-Berboda said Deputy Walters, who worked as a tanker driver, “wasn’t paid and always made time for all”.

He would always listen to the people’s voices

Anon

Luke Roussel said Deputy Walters was someone “who kept his word”.

Another Guernsey voter said he was “a working deputy… that looked after the locals’ interests”.

“He would always listen to the people’s voices,” they added.

Deputy Walters died in 2010, aged 79.

What do you think?

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