The veteran politician cites his 'full tilt' attitude to work and needing to come to terms with personal loss as reasons to take time out.

Peter Roffey was first elected to the States in 1982.

He was famous then for wearing a blue Guernsey on the campaign trail and a pin striped suit with trainers in the Assembly.

Age may have mellowed him but he's always had an immense appetite for work.

He describes his drive over the past eight years as "full tilt, eyeballs out."

He currently heads two committees, Employment and Social Security and the States Trading Supervisory Board.

He says if he could take a year out then that would be his preferred option as he's lost none of his enthusiasm or passion for serving Guernsey.

However, after the loss of his wife some years ago he feels a break will allow him space to adjust to the reality of life without her.

Deputy Roffey says he'll continue to follow politics with interest and will no doubt continue to write articles for the Press.

He is not ruling out standing again in 2029.