Yesterday, Monday 19th July 2010 saw the surprise (for some) announcement by Home Affairs Minister, Senator Ian Le Marquand, that Acting Chief Police Officer David Warcup no longer wants to become the Chief Officer.
Among the “reasons” for Mr Warcup’s decision is that he is/was facing “political hostility” and slurs have been made on his character. Which, to my way of thinking, brings into question the calibre of Mr. Warcup as a potential Police Chief, or Deputy Police Chief for that matter.
During the “Historic” Abuse investigation, former DCO Lenny Harper, it has been reported, was subject to DEATH THREATS, IMMENSE POLITICAL INTERFERENCE AND PRESSURE. Ridicule, character assassination, the list goes on, so too was Chief Officer Graham Power, although I’m not sure about the death threats. But like seasoned professional cops THEY GOT ON WITH THE JOB of attempting to bring the guilty to justice without FEAR or FAVOUR. Can the same be said for Mr.Warcup?
Acting Chief Police Officer Warcup, believes, unless I am mistaken, that due to the political opposition against his appointment as CPO that his position is now untenable……and there’s the rub.
Home Affairs Minister, Senator Ian Le Marquand has said that if David Warcup does not receive the confidence of the House, then he (ILM) would resign. Now I have repeatedly asked the question what does he mean by “the confidence of the House?” We all know that “the establishment” hold the majority vote in the House, so it could be seen as an empty promise.
In ILM’s own words, he knows that there will be between 18-20 votes against the appointment of Mr.Warcup so he would not have had the full confidence of the House. With so many predicted votes against Mr.Warcup, it would appear, his position would be un-tenable.
So time to fall on your sword Senator and salvage what little credibility you have left. David Warcup does not have the full confidence of the House, you backed the wrong horse. Do “the honourable thing” and resign as Home Affairs Minister. But before you do you might want to consider an apology the Former CPO Graham Power QPM for the disgraceful way he has been treated by you and this government. And then ask yourself, what self respecting Law Enforcement Officer would want to apply for the job as Chief Police Officer in Jersey knowing that what has been done to CPO Graham Power, could be done to them?
Submitted by VFC.