MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

?Do you seriously want to be a Councillor'.

That was the question put to those interested at a seminar last Monday night. The order of the evening was firstly an analysis of the numerous committees attended by Councillors. Chief Executive, Michael Blanch also gave a picture of the big issues in departments such as Health, Fisheries, PWD and Education. The budget process was explained by Derek Howatt, the financial secretary and David Lang, the Attorney General, dealt with legislation matters. He explained that Legislative Council enacts 25 to 30 bills a year and makes 30 to 50 pieces of subsidiary legislation. And lastly Claudette Anderson gave an interesting talk on expected overseas trips planned for Councillors and the support system available to them. There was a fair turnout of 15 plus and some amusing moments to lighten the tone. Michael Blanch quoted from a rather ?unprincipled' politician, Machiavelli but with the serious message that Councillors should expect little praise and lots of criticism. Quotations were the theme with David Lang, attempting to allay people's fears of the law using a quotation saying ?I think it was Bismarck who observed that those who love law, like those who love sausage, should take care not to enquire too closely into how it is made'. All in all a good reception from the public with one member saying it was an excellent insight into the workings of government especially for those who work outside it.

No Councillor Realistically Earns More than £15,000 a Year

No councillor can, realistically earn more than £15,000 a year. Clerk of Councils, Claudette Anderson explained this at Monday's Seminar on "How to be a councillor". She said they could claim for 36 portfolio days as well as expenses. And the argument for full time Councillors may have been strengthened on Monday night. ?Time' and ?Money' seem to be two main concerns for anyone contemplating being an honourable member. Chief Executive, Michael Blanche said that at least two full days were needed each week but a member of the public questioned whether this was enough time. In a general discussion, previous Councillors and those holding the seminar admitted that two days might be a conservative minimum at