Shown below is a brief interview Frank Walker gave to the BBC immediately following his election as Chief Minister, just over two years ago.
The big question, did he change?
BBC: Senator, I was intrigued to hear you say that you'll have to be a changed man now, what do you mean by that exactly?
FW: What I meant by that is that I'm perceived as having concentrated virtually all my political time and effort on behalf of the economy. And I'll continue to obviously support the economy in every possible way, but I recognise now that I have, in this new role, an absolute responsibilty for all the people of Jersey - no matter what age they may be, no matter where they live, no matter what they do. And I will have to concentrate more of my time on all the people, particularly the elderly, the less well-off and the underprivileged.
BBC: One of the big differences I noticed between you and Senator Syvret in the question and answer session was that he said there was a low priority on government reform, you said there was a high priority?
FW: Oh absolutely. The people of Jersey have been calling on us for years to sort out our overspends, which we've very largely done, for years to get more cohesive and joined-up, which is exactly what we're doing. And what we're going to end up with - what I'm now determined to end up with - is an efficient and effective States, recognised as being efficient and effective, and one which is saving the island many millions of pounds in the process.
BBC: Your main difference was on your approach to electoral reform?
FW: I believe electoral reform is top of the agenda.I think it's unacceptable in a good democracy to have such low - poor - election turnouts as we've had in recent years. And I think we can learn fron Guernsey and similar jurisdictions we do need to reform, in my view to move to the way States members are elected, we do need to move to constant terms, probably 4 years of office, and we certainly need to have a general election.
BBC: Congratulations again.
FW: Thankyou very much indeed, it's a proud moment, but one full of responsibilty which I fully recognise, and one which I intended to live up to.
