Calls for watchdog's independence

The new chairman of Guernsey's Public Accounts Committee says it needs to prove its worth and earn the respect of the island's politicians.

Deputy Leon Gallienne has taken up the post after the resignation of Deputy Rhoderick Matthews earlier this month.

Mr Matthews complained the committee did not have the independence it needed to carry out its States watchdog role.

Deputy Gallienne said the committee was an important aspect of the government system and it could not afford to fail.

The Public Accounts Committee was formed to scrutinise the spending of public money by the States when the island moved to its ministerial system of government last year.