Monday 30 April 2007
Sunday 29 April 2007
Tribalism and politics
You must read this excellent article by Patrick McGuiness which was printed in yesterday's Western Mail. While you are doing that, I'm off to read up on the enlightening viewpoint of Gordon Brown in the Observer that next week's Assembly elections, local election in England, and Scottish Parliament are of little importance to him ( !), and to prepare myself mentally for a hard week of campaigning up until Thursday. I will probably watch the BBC Leader's debate tonight, but I must say that I was disappointed earlier with the standard of debate on the Politics Show. Jane Davidson's patronizing smirk was enough of a switch off!
It's getting to the point where I am increasingly nervous about the election. I can't sleep, I can't relax, and I'm so engrossed in this election now that I seriously don't think that I would be able to predict how it goes for fear of cursing the whole affair!
What did make me feel good today though was that on my weekly last minute rush around the supermarket, I overheard two people talking glowingly of Plaid, and how we were a threat to Labour in this election. Made my day!
Tribalism the Enemy- Patrick McGuiness
Politicians will blame everyone but themselves for our cynicism and apathy about politics. But cynicism and apathy are our way of protecting ourselves against the routine deceits and disappointments of the political class in Wales. When the government announced, earlier this month, that it would not meet its own child poverty targets, when Unicef statistics revealed the UK’s children were at the bottom end of the scale in the developed world in terms of welfare, or when New Labour and the Tories voted through billions of pounds for Thatcher’s Trident system, our first reaction was disappointment. Our second was to say to ourselves: ‘What did we expect?’, ‘They’re all the same’, ‘Why bother to vote’. Apathy and cynicism are not always the opposite of political passion and engagement – often they are their flip side. It’s much safer to be cynical – the cynical can never be let down.
But the biggest reason for ordinary people’s apathy and cynicism about Welsh politics is Tribalism. Tribalism is the cancer in our system, and it comes in two forms: the first puts party gain over the both the electorate and the political institutions; the second is negative campaigning, where a party spends more energy and initiative creating fear and suspicion of others than it does creating trust and belief in itself. In Wales we’ve seen plenty of both from our ruling party.
The 2003 Assembly election campaign saw some of the dirtiest politics in recent years waged against Plaid Cymru: extreme emails claiming to come from Plaid members were traced to Labour’s Millbank HQ and accusations of ‘racism’ and ‘xenophobia’ bandied around with chilling abandon. There is nothing nastier than a party on the ropes, but perhaps the lowest point in Welsh Labour’s campaign history is a website called ‘Natwatch’, which mocked not only the Welsh language (we’re never far from the anti-Welsh underbelly here) but attacked a Plaid politician for being English, stooping so low as to mock her North East England accent! To think we were told that the Assembly would put an end to Westminster posturing and bullying. Instead, they are replicated on a smaller scale, like watching charmless children act out adult arguments in a playground.
This time around, Labour’s sole weapon (ironically in a month when used Tory votes to get Trident through parliament) has been ‘Vote Plaid Get Tory’. What is most depressing about this is that Labour is effectively saying: ‘your vote has no positive value, only a negative one’. After all these years in power in Westminster and Cardiff Bay, is this the best a ruling party can offer? They value our vote – our opinion – so little that they only want us to use it negatively.
This strategy looks set to rebound on them with the kerfuffle caused by rumours of possible Labour/Plaid deals. Judging from the overwrought contribution, on Tuesday’s Good Evening Wales, of Huw Lewis, one of Labour’s most obsessive Plaid-bashers, there could be some blood-letting ahead. He was already making serious threats against whoever in his party had the audacity to think in these terms. What! Co-operate with another party? String ‘em up!
But Tribalist ranters aside, do we really think that political co-operation is such a bad idea? After all, there is plenty of common ground between Plaid and Labour voters, and it is a fair bet that many people in Wales would be in favour of some form of Plaid/Labour partnership. It would reflect a large and coherent voting base, and it would reach across different parts of the spectrum.
But Labour won’t hear of it – power is not there for the sharing. They think they’re the natural party of government, and they’re prepared to do some pretty unnatural things to keep it that way. Anyone who dares to challenge Labour on the territory to which it feels entitled – John Marek, Dai Davies or Trish Law, not to mention Plaid – has felt the force of an exceptionally wealthy and ruthless machine that now puts more effort and money into negative campaigning than it does into running things properly.
Much of this obsessive negativity comes from Tribalism. For the Tribalist, any form of co-operation with other parties is an abomination.
But in real life, that strange rumoured realm politicians rarely visit, we are all different. Different people work together at home, in business, in offices every day. Are our politicians so stupid or mean-spirited that they can’t do something similar? Diversity is good, they keep telling us, yet do their utmost to avoid any form of political diversity.
Labour’s Tribalists have succeeded only in damaging the possibility of a progressive consensus in Wales and lowered the esteem in which our new political institutions are held. They have also done untold damage to their own party’s standing as a mature political force, and alienated swathes of voters from the relevance and seriousness of politics. It is sincerely to be hoped that in the post-Rhodri leadership struggle, they are pushed into the margins of the party they have already so badly damaged.
As for May 3, there is a simple solution, and Labour don’t want you to see it: vote for who you want, for the reasons you want. If someone represents what you believe in, vote for them.
Your vote is your expression, not a politician’s means to power. Though they have forgotten that, but next week there’s a chance to remind them.
It's getting to the point where I am increasingly nervous about the election. I can't sleep, I can't relax, and I'm so engrossed in this election now that I seriously don't think that I would be able to predict how it goes for fear of cursing the whole affair!
What did make me feel good today though was that on my weekly last minute rush around the supermarket, I overheard two people talking glowingly of Plaid, and how we were a threat to Labour in this election. Made my day!
Tribalism the Enemy- Patrick McGuiness
Politicians will blame everyone but themselves for our cynicism and apathy about politics. But cynicism and apathy are our way of protecting ourselves against the routine deceits and disappointments of the political class in Wales. When the government announced, earlier this month, that it would not meet its own child poverty targets, when Unicef statistics revealed the UK’s children were at the bottom end of the scale in the developed world in terms of welfare, or when New Labour and the Tories voted through billions of pounds for Thatcher’s Trident system, our first reaction was disappointment. Our second was to say to ourselves: ‘What did we expect?’, ‘They’re all the same’, ‘Why bother to vote’. Apathy and cynicism are not always the opposite of political passion and engagement – often they are their flip side. It’s much safer to be cynical – the cynical can never be let down.
But the biggest reason for ordinary people’s apathy and cynicism about Welsh politics is Tribalism. Tribalism is the cancer in our system, and it comes in two forms: the first puts party gain over the both the electorate and the political institutions; the second is negative campaigning, where a party spends more energy and initiative creating fear and suspicion of others than it does creating trust and belief in itself. In Wales we’ve seen plenty of both from our ruling party.
The 2003 Assembly election campaign saw some of the dirtiest politics in recent years waged against Plaid Cymru: extreme emails claiming to come from Plaid members were traced to Labour’s Millbank HQ and accusations of ‘racism’ and ‘xenophobia’ bandied around with chilling abandon. There is nothing nastier than a party on the ropes, but perhaps the lowest point in Welsh Labour’s campaign history is a website called ‘Natwatch’, which mocked not only the Welsh language (we’re never far from the anti-Welsh underbelly here) but attacked a Plaid politician for being English, stooping so low as to mock her North East England accent! To think we were told that the Assembly would put an end to Westminster posturing and bullying. Instead, they are replicated on a smaller scale, like watching charmless children act out adult arguments in a playground.
This time around, Labour’s sole weapon (ironically in a month when used Tory votes to get Trident through parliament) has been ‘Vote Plaid Get Tory’. What is most depressing about this is that Labour is effectively saying: ‘your vote has no positive value, only a negative one’. After all these years in power in Westminster and Cardiff Bay, is this the best a ruling party can offer? They value our vote – our opinion – so little that they only want us to use it negatively.
This strategy looks set to rebound on them with the kerfuffle caused by rumours of possible Labour/Plaid deals. Judging from the overwrought contribution, on Tuesday’s Good Evening Wales, of Huw Lewis, one of Labour’s most obsessive Plaid-bashers, there could be some blood-letting ahead. He was already making serious threats against whoever in his party had the audacity to think in these terms. What! Co-operate with another party? String ‘em up!
But Tribalist ranters aside, do we really think that political co-operation is such a bad idea? After all, there is plenty of common ground between Plaid and Labour voters, and it is a fair bet that many people in Wales would be in favour of some form of Plaid/Labour partnership. It would reflect a large and coherent voting base, and it would reach across different parts of the spectrum.
But Labour won’t hear of it – power is not there for the sharing. They think they’re the natural party of government, and they’re prepared to do some pretty unnatural things to keep it that way. Anyone who dares to challenge Labour on the territory to which it feels entitled – John Marek, Dai Davies or Trish Law, not to mention Plaid – has felt the force of an exceptionally wealthy and ruthless machine that now puts more effort and money into negative campaigning than it does into running things properly.
Much of this obsessive negativity comes from Tribalism. For the Tribalist, any form of co-operation with other parties is an abomination.
But in real life, that strange rumoured realm politicians rarely visit, we are all different. Different people work together at home, in business, in offices every day. Are our politicians so stupid or mean-spirited that they can’t do something similar? Diversity is good, they keep telling us, yet do their utmost to avoid any form of political diversity.
Labour’s Tribalists have succeeded only in damaging the possibility of a progressive consensus in Wales and lowered the esteem in which our new political institutions are held. They have also done untold damage to their own party’s standing as a mature political force, and alienated swathes of voters from the relevance and seriousness of politics. It is sincerely to be hoped that in the post-Rhodri leadership struggle, they are pushed into the margins of the party they have already so badly damaged.
As for May 3, there is a simple solution, and Labour don’t want you to see it: vote for who you want, for the reasons you want. If someone represents what you believe in, vote for them.
Your vote is your expression, not a politician’s means to power. Though they have forgotten that, but next week there’s a chance to remind them.
Saturday 28 April 2007
Vote Plaid to save Neurosurgery!
I've just got in after returning from the Swansea Save our Health Service rally, and from canvassing in Neath. The rally went really well I think. There were speakers from all involved in the campaign locally- nurses from Fairwood Hospital, staff at Morriston, Hill House workers, alongside all political parties. Even though Plaid was the only party to vote unanimously to keep Neurosurgery in Swansea, all the other main parties were totally defiant( as you would expect before an election) that Neurosurgery would stay at Morriston after the election. Alun Cairns was booed to high hilt( bless!), nobody seemed to believe a word Andrew Davies had to say, and Peter Black was keeping a low profile.
Surprise surprise, Brian Gibbons didn't turn up to give his opinion on why key local decisions with regards the health service has been deferred until after the election! The Socialist candidate for the election made the biggest gaff of the day, by stating something along the lines of 'The NHS should stay within the private sector'. Whoops!
One issue that I was certain would be raised was that the campaign was 'political' and that this was undermining the cause. I did an interview for BBC, therefore, stating that the Labour party had politicized this issue long ago by kicking the issue in to touch until after the election, and for showing clear lack of leadership in the process of re-organising the Health Service here in Wales.
I also thought it quite ironic that Alun Cairns accused Dai Lloyd's speech at the rally of being 'political' when he was glued to the front of the demo ( pushing a coffin along the road) for the whole time! As our candidate for Neath, Alun Llewelyn later commented- anything that they do not agree with is 'political'! If, as politicians, we cannot get involved in local campaigns to help, and to protect local services, then what is the point of standing for elections, and trying to make a difference?
Overall, I thought that the rally was well organised and effective, especially as health is a key election issue. If anything is achieved from today, let's hope that it will inspire more people to vote on May the 3rd, and vote out a failing Labour Government.
Surprise surprise, Brian Gibbons didn't turn up to give his opinion on why key local decisions with regards the health service has been deferred until after the election! The Socialist candidate for the election made the biggest gaff of the day, by stating something along the lines of 'The NHS should stay within the private sector'. Whoops!
One issue that I was certain would be raised was that the campaign was 'political' and that this was undermining the cause. I did an interview for BBC, therefore, stating that the Labour party had politicized this issue long ago by kicking the issue in to touch until after the election, and for showing clear lack of leadership in the process of re-organising the Health Service here in Wales.
I also thought it quite ironic that Alun Cairns accused Dai Lloyd's speech at the rally of being 'political' when he was glued to the front of the demo ( pushing a coffin along the road) for the whole time! As our candidate for Neath, Alun Llewelyn later commented- anything that they do not agree with is 'political'! If, as politicians, we cannot get involved in local campaigns to help, and to protect local services, then what is the point of standing for elections, and trying to make a difference?
Overall, I thought that the rally was well organised and effective, especially as health is a key election issue. If anything is achieved from today, let's hope that it will inspire more people to vote on May the 3rd, and vote out a failing Labour Government.
Friday 27 April 2007
5 days, 22 hours to go!
It's now 11pm and now is the first chance I've had to sit down properly all day. I've been in Maesteg today, ( where Labour's Janice Gregory was spotted-looking scarily pleased to see us!) and also Sandfields in Aberavon where we found quite a lot of Plaid support, followed by an evening session in Glyn Neath, where, to be frank, most people wanted to be left alone to watch the rugby/football on telly... Such is the way of the world!
I had a productive day today, but I must admit that I've been up and down this week. It's probably the tiredness. There's only so much canvassing I can do in a week! The HTV poll and the Western Mail poll did lift my spirit somewhat today, but as I've commented on a few other welsh blogs- we can't be complacenct just because we've had a few good polls- far from it. If anything, these polls should be an incentive to work even harder to make sure we get a Plaid Government after May the 3rd.
The election debates on the BBC have been quite interesting, and I enjoyed Adam Price's contribution on Question Time last night ( although on the question of Harry going to Iraq, my answer would have been very different!)
I'm going to the Swansea Health Service rally tomorrow at the Guildhall. Plaid's Dr Dai Lloyd will be speaking at the rally to give a few home truths about the whole saga regarding Neurosurgery. It should be an interesting day! I wonder how many Labour candidates will be there... after all, the candidates in South Wales West have all said very clearly on their leaflets that they are at the forefront of the campaign to retain the Neurosurgery Unit at Morriston. Ohhh, fair play to them!
See you tomorrow if you are at the rally. If it's another day of glorious sunshine, I don't mind canvassing and campaigning one bit!
I had a productive day today, but I must admit that I've been up and down this week. It's probably the tiredness. There's only so much canvassing I can do in a week! The HTV poll and the Western Mail poll did lift my spirit somewhat today, but as I've commented on a few other welsh blogs- we can't be complacenct just because we've had a few good polls- far from it. If anything, these polls should be an incentive to work even harder to make sure we get a Plaid Government after May the 3rd.
The election debates on the BBC have been quite interesting, and I enjoyed Adam Price's contribution on Question Time last night ( although on the question of Harry going to Iraq, my answer would have been very different!)
I'm going to the Swansea Health Service rally tomorrow at the Guildhall. Plaid's Dr Dai Lloyd will be speaking at the rally to give a few home truths about the whole saga regarding Neurosurgery. It should be an interesting day! I wonder how many Labour candidates will be there... after all, the candidates in South Wales West have all said very clearly on their leaflets that they are at the forefront of the campaign to retain the Neurosurgery Unit at Morriston. Ohhh, fair play to them!
See you tomorrow if you are at the rally. If it's another day of glorious sunshine, I don't mind canvassing and campaigning one bit!
Thursday 26 April 2007
History on Plaid's Side in Swansea!
Dyma lun o ymgeiswyr Plaid yng nghanol Abertawe heddiw- fi, Dr Dai Lloyd,Ian Titherington gyda'r hanesydd John Davies. Roedd John Davies 'Hanes Cymru' wedi dod i gefnogi ein hymgyrch. Mae hanes ar ein hochr ni! ...Mae'r ymgyrch yn mynd o nerth i nerth. Wythnos i fynd!
Here is a picture of Plaid candidates in the centre of Swansea today. In the picture- me, Dr Dai Lloyd, Ian Titherington alongside John Davies the historian. History is on our side! The campaign is going form strength to strenght. A week to go!
Wednesday 25 April 2007
Young people at heart of Plaid Manifesto
I must say that I am quite annoyed at the Greens for attacking Plaid in the Evening Post for our Youth Manifesto. Yes, the Youth Manifesto does re-iterate some of what is said in our main Manifesto- but surely this is a good thing, of repeating key election messages for the electorate? It is a sign that Plaid is putting youth issues at the top of the political agenda. Not only that, but the Greens criticise us, only to follow on with a quote on how they would do it differently- introduce voting at 16, a policy which we included in our Youth Manifesto!
Of our main 7 4 '07 policies, many are youth orientated- laptops for school children, first time buyers grants, addressing the student debt issue. Not only that, but Cymru X, our Youth Movement, has organised campaigns throughout the year, and has organised events over Wales for young people.
Of course we must get young people making decisions for young people. By encouraging more young people to stand for election, and to vote, this will be a way of starting the process of engagement. It won't happen over night! I also think that there needs to be a total re-think about how young people can feed in to policy on a local and National level. How this is done must be decided upon by politicians alongside young people, as young people are often sick of being patronized and told what to do.
I'm disappointed with the Greens because I thought that they had more to offer than negative comments with regards young people. At the end of the day, all parties need to take a hard look at themselves and ask why only 16 % of 18-25 year old's voted in the last Assembly election, and how we can improve on this disasterous percentage to make sure that politics is something which is central to their lives.
Of our main 7 4 '07 policies, many are youth orientated- laptops for school children, first time buyers grants, addressing the student debt issue. Not only that, but Cymru X, our Youth Movement, has organised campaigns throughout the year, and has organised events over Wales for young people.
Of course we must get young people making decisions for young people. By encouraging more young people to stand for election, and to vote, this will be a way of starting the process of engagement. It won't happen over night! I also think that there needs to be a total re-think about how young people can feed in to policy on a local and National level. How this is done must be decided upon by politicians alongside young people, as young people are often sick of being patronized and told what to do.
I'm disappointed with the Greens because I thought that they had more to offer than negative comments with regards young people. At the end of the day, all parties need to take a hard look at themselves and ask why only 16 % of 18-25 year old's voted in the last Assembly election, and how we can improve on this disasterous percentage to make sure that politics is something which is central to their lives.
Plaid female AM's and Western Mail poll
In case you don't already know, the Western Mail is carrying out a rating of all AM's this week, and Wales Elects 2007 is doing the maths on what party gets the best ratings.
Currently, Plaid are in the lead, and that's got to be a boost before the election! What's also good to note is that in comparison to Labour's female AM's who are unfortunately rated as low as 2, ( Irene James of Islwyn being one of those!) Plaid female AM's are currently doing rather well, I must say.
Plaid's Helen Mary Jones has been rated 8 out of 10, Elin Jones 7 out of 10, Jocelyn Davies I believe is on 6, Janet Davies on 5.
Plaid's Helen Mary Jones has been rated 8 out of 10, Elin Jones 7 out of 10, Jocelyn Davies I believe is on 6, Janet Davies on 5.
Although I would agree with the Western Mail in saying that many of the Labour female AM's are total nonentities, I would say that some of the male Labour AM's who have had fairer scores than their female counterparts are equally as ineffective.
Women often have a harder time of it in the world of politics, but it's great to see Plaid AM's up at the top of the scoreboards. Let's hope that the others can keep this level up, and give the men a run for their money!
Plaid Aberavon on the campaign trail...( or Cafe trail!)
Plaid's Linet Purcell in La Cucina- a lovely little Cafe in Skewen, where we have a Plaid Cymru notice board until the election on May the 3rd. We happened to pass by a few weeks ago when out canvassing, and jumped at the opportunity to let the people of Skewen know about all the campaigning that Linet and Plaid Afan are doing in the area- from supporting the planning protestors in Llandarcy, to sorting out the parking issue in Taibach, to collecting thousands of signature for the Neurosurgery petition by cycling around the constituency, and supporting the cleaners of Port Talbot Hospital in their fight against cuts in working hours.Pop in and have a look if you are in the area... you might as well try a Caramel Latte while you are there!
Tuesday 24 April 2007
Lansio Maniffesto Ieuenctid Plaid launch Youth Manifesto
Gwenllian Lansdown, ymgeisydd Plaid ar rhestr Canol De Cymru, Matthew Rees o Ysgol Glantaf, Owain James o Ysgol Glantaf a fi. Fe wnaethom ni lansio Maniffesto Ieuenctid y Blaid yn yr ysgol y bore ma, gyda sesiwn cwestiwn a holi difyr gyda'r disgyblion i ddilyn!Gwenllian Lansdown, Plaid candidate for South Wales Central, Matthew Rees from Ysgol Glantaf, Owain James from Glantaf and myself. We launched our youth Manifesto at the school this morning, which was followed by some lively discussion with the students.
Darllediad etholiad Cymru X election broadcast
Dyma darllediad gwleidyddol Cymru X, sydd wedi ei greu gan aelod Cymru X yn Aberystwyth, Rhys Llwyd. Ewch i'n wefan www.cymruifanc.plaidcymru.org am fwy o wybodaeth am ein hymgeisyddion ifanc, ac am faniffesto ieuenctid y Blaid.
Here is Cymru X's youtube election broadcast, which was created by a Cymru X member in Aberystwyth, Rhys Llwyd. Go to the website www.youngwales.plaidcymru.org for more info on our young candidates, and to read our youth manifesto.
Monday 23 April 2007
Save the NHS
Even if Plaid turn up to this, granted Peter Black and the Lib dems will try and paint it as if we are 'hijacking' the event, just like we are doing all over Wales, is it Peter? This, regardless of the fact that we were the only party to fully support the retention of Neurosurgery in Swansea during the vote at the National Assembly. All other parties were split on this issue along geographical lines....( don't expect to see any Lib dem diamond posters on the day, therefore, because they ALWAYS take the moral high ground, don't you know!!!)
SAVE OUR SERVICES
• SAVE MORRISTON NEUROSURGERY
• SAVE FAIRWOOD HOSPITAL!
• SAY NO TO CLOSURE OF WARD 1 AT HILL HOUSE!
• STOP THE 200+ BED CUTS AT SWANSEA NHS TRUST!
DEMO
SATURDAY 28th APRIL
Assemble at 11.30 am at SWANSEA GUILDHALL
Then march to rally at CASTLE SQUARE
Supported by SWANSEA TRADE UNIONS COUNCIL
incorporating SWANSEA HEALTH UNISON BRANCH
and CITY & COUNTY OF SWANSEA UNISON BRANCH
For more information contact Pat Dwan on 0788 591 7370
SAVE OUR SERVICES
• SAVE MORRISTON NEUROSURGERY
• SAVE FAIRWOOD HOSPITAL!
• SAY NO TO CLOSURE OF WARD 1 AT HILL HOUSE!
• STOP THE 200+ BED CUTS AT SWANSEA NHS TRUST!
DEMO
SATURDAY 28th APRIL
Assemble at 11.30 am at SWANSEA GUILDHALL
Then march to rally at CASTLE SQUARE
Supported by SWANSEA TRADE UNIONS COUNCIL
incorporating SWANSEA HEALTH UNISON BRANCH
and CITY & COUNTY OF SWANSEA UNISON BRANCH
For more information contact Pat Dwan on 0788 591 7370
Saturday 21 April 2007
Sunny Swansea
I'm not going to write much today, just stopping by after leafleting in Swansea West today with our candidate Ian Titherington. Another gloriously sunny day in Swansea it must be said. My sunburn is turning in to a tan, so thankfully I don't look like a beetroot anymore.
Supposedly it's going to rain on Tuesday, which I hope will stop the other parties from getting out canvassing!!
Didn't realise that my blog on coalition would create such a stir yesterday ( I'm not sure why I didn't expect it, mind you!) It's totally ironic, that in my bid to say, 'come on people, let's stop talking about coalition', my blog managed to be spun as a total anti Tory blog, and re-opened the discussion about coalition prospects post election- which I did not intend. Ah well, there we are. If I must be vocal, that is what I should expect, I suppose!
I'm going for a meal tonight in Swansea. I desperately need a break from canvassing and leafleting, or I will lose my mind!
Enjoy!
Supposedly it's going to rain on Tuesday, which I hope will stop the other parties from getting out canvassing!!
Didn't realise that my blog on coalition would create such a stir yesterday ( I'm not sure why I didn't expect it, mind you!) It's totally ironic, that in my bid to say, 'come on people, let's stop talking about coalition', my blog managed to be spun as a total anti Tory blog, and re-opened the discussion about coalition prospects post election- which I did not intend. Ah well, there we are. If I must be vocal, that is what I should expect, I suppose!
I'm going for a meal tonight in Swansea. I desperately need a break from canvassing and leafleting, or I will lose my mind!
Enjoy!
Friday 20 April 2007
Coalition. The dirty word of Welsh politics?
All this talk of coalition is really getting under my skin, I must admit. If I try and be the 'Honest John' of Blamerbell Briefs fame, I would say that I am not buying in to the media's obsession with 'coalition'. The reason being that this election has been marred with discussion of coalition, which I think has played a huge part in putting voters off. Many people that I have met on the doorstep don't want Labour back in power, but neither do they ever want to see the Tories in power in Wales again. Nick Bourne's arguments on Radio Wales yesterday don't seem to hold ground as much as he would like, therefore. Yes, voters do not like Labour at the moment, but they definitely do not see the Tories as 'an alternative' in Wales as part of a coalition or not.
To be honest, I don't want to get too embroiled in this coalition debate because I want to campaign to win seats for Plaid, to form a Plaid Government in May. It's frustrating that to say the above is just swept under the carpet and scorned at, as if by stating that I want to win an election on Plaid's own merit is dodging the question of coalition! It is not!
In my opinion, two weeks before an election is not a time to be discussing the ins and outs of coalition or co-operation post election- of who is phoning who, and who will be getting the top jobs. This confusion is only turning potential voters away, and allowing Labour to scaremonger in all their election leaflets about letting the Tories in through the back door.
Yes, I am something of an idealist. Some people say it's because I am young. They say I will soon grow up, be sensible, and realise that it's not a perfect world. Until ' I grown up', I do not sit comfortably with working with the Tories- new image, shiny new leader, whatever. Call me what you like- backward looking, naive etc. I'm not particularly bothered. My politics is driven by my heart, and I don't see the point in being in politics if at the first sniff of power, I sell my principles. Is ousting Labour at any cost a real, legitimate reason for forming a Goverment anyway?
In cases like this, it's better to be honest than to shy away from discussion. I know that there could be difficult decisions to make post May the 3rd, and I will, if elected, be part of such discussions, no doubt. If consensus needs to be reached between certain parties to form a Government, then that shall take place after May the 3rd, and not a minute before that.
To be honest, I don't want to get too embroiled in this coalition debate because I want to campaign to win seats for Plaid, to form a Plaid Government in May. It's frustrating that to say the above is just swept under the carpet and scorned at, as if by stating that I want to win an election on Plaid's own merit is dodging the question of coalition! It is not!
In my opinion, two weeks before an election is not a time to be discussing the ins and outs of coalition or co-operation post election- of who is phoning who, and who will be getting the top jobs. This confusion is only turning potential voters away, and allowing Labour to scaremonger in all their election leaflets about letting the Tories in through the back door.
Yes, I am something of an idealist. Some people say it's because I am young. They say I will soon grow up, be sensible, and realise that it's not a perfect world. Until ' I grown up', I do not sit comfortably with working with the Tories- new image, shiny new leader, whatever. Call me what you like- backward looking, naive etc. I'm not particularly bothered. My politics is driven by my heart, and I don't see the point in being in politics if at the first sniff of power, I sell my principles. Is ousting Labour at any cost a real, legitimate reason for forming a Goverment anyway?
In cases like this, it's better to be honest than to shy away from discussion. I know that there could be difficult decisions to make post May the 3rd, and I will, if elected, be part of such discussions, no doubt. If consensus needs to be reached between certain parties to form a Government, then that shall take place after May the 3rd, and not a minute before that.
Cracks appear in New Labour's 'green' agenda.
The Guardian reports that the DTI has forced Renewables firms to halt production and lay off staff due to their decision to stop grants schemes until they have time 'to better assess how to run it'. Those in the Renewables industry are furious with the DTI and Lord Truscott, the Energy Minister, who has allegedly threatened to put a halt to key development grants if they contact the press with their grievances.
The Renewables Industry has an important part to play in developing low carbon building programmes, and in encouraging people to implement new energy conservation technologies in their homes eg solar panels. If Government doesn't put investment in to such industries then it will be impossible for people to play a role in embracing the renewables agenda. It will also stall the development of a sector that so desperately needs to be at the top of the political agenda.
It is obvious that New Labour do not prioritise renewables, and their 'green credentials' are only a show of tokenism - which is of little comfort to those who make a living in this line of work.
The Renewables Industry has an important part to play in developing low carbon building programmes, and in encouraging people to implement new energy conservation technologies in their homes eg solar panels. If Government doesn't put investment in to such industries then it will be impossible for people to play a role in embracing the renewables agenda. It will also stall the development of a sector that so desperately needs to be at the top of the political agenda.
It is obvious that New Labour do not prioritise renewables, and their 'green credentials' are only a show of tokenism - which is of little comfort to those who make a living in this line of work.
Lib dem Councillor endorses BNP candidate
Chocking on my Bran flakes this morning( I'm trying to be healthy, not pretentious;-)), I read in the Independent that a Lib dem Councillor in Darlington has been waylaid- signing a nomination form of a BNP candidate for the local elections this May. All legitimate and mainstream political parties should unite against the BNP, in my opinion.
It shall be interesting to see whether Campbell expels the Councillor from the party. I certainly think that this would be the appropriate action to take.
It shall be interesting to see whether Campbell expels the Councillor from the party. I certainly think that this would be the appropriate action to take.
Thursday 19 April 2007
Music and politics. Do they mix?
I did an interview with 3 school students from Ysgol Gyfun Llanharri today that will be broadcast on BBC Radio Cymru C2 youth music show next Tuesday night. They asked me a series of questions about issues affecting them, and it was very challenging!
I have to say that farming is not my forte, and I was asked 3 questions on farming. I managed to answer using snippets of information from our agricultural policies and our work on Tir Mynydd, but having not seen the questions before today, I was quite impressed by the depth of the research the students had put in to the task, with A- levels coming up and all! If you want to listen, tune in next Tuesday.
I also chose 2 music tracks for the show next week. It was quite hard to do! I had to choose a Welsh language song as it's a welsh language station, and so Radio Luxembourg was the natural choice, as they are by far one of the better bands on the Welsh music scene at the moment. I also chose a Manics song- Prologue to History, but I was refused it because it has lyrics that show Kinnock in a bad light( BBC election rules!) I chose 4Ever Delayed instead from the B side album Lipstick Traces.
So I've done a blog on parental influences on my political persuasions. Now for the music! I could be here all day- from the Manics,to the Super Furries, Bob Delyn, to The Sex Pistols, Gill Scott Heron, India Arie, to Y Tystion, Nirvana, to Christy Moore and many many more........ I shan't bore you with them now though. It's too late in the night, and I'm tired!
Wednesday 18 April 2007
Democrazy 2007- inspiring the youth to vote....
Jamie Hepburn, an SNP candidate has posted this you tube video created by the Electoral Reform Society in Scotland on his blog. The intention of the video is to encourage young people to vote.
I'm not sure if such a video has been made for young Welsh voters, but it's important to get young people out and taking part in politics here in Wales. The question is- Does this you tube video inspire you? Will it make any difference?
Do parents shape your political belief?
Part of a blog by the Green candidate in Mid and West Wales, Leila Kiersch encouraged me to write this blog. (It may be a bit long, and if you don't want to know anything about me don't read on!)
Leila Kiersch mentions how different people from different backgrounds become interested in politics, and comments on parental influence upon the type of politics pursued in later life. It made me question whether my background had any connection with my political views, and how they were shaped....
I can honestly say that my parents' political persuasions did influence me and my actions to a large extent. I soaked up so much from their political action. I can remember taking part in numerous protests outside Tesco's in the valleys as a child, when we were encouraging people to boycott South African goods as part of the Anti- Apartheid movement. Becuase I was young, it was always easier for me to shove a leaflet in people's faces politely ( believe it or not, my brother, Ciaran, was always the charmer when it came to handing out the leaflets, with his cheeky smile and blond curly hair- how things change!)
I remember Desmond Tutu coming to speak at a Chapel in Dowlais, which was jam packed. I also recall being quite upset at seeing many of the older activists being carted away in a police van when they took part in direct action!
These examples of experiences must have had some baring on my views and political actions- the campaigning, the organising, the drive to try and change the world!
But what made more of an impact on me than the active side of my childhood experiences of campaigning against open cast, to attending peace rallies with my parents etc , was their personal views and backgrounds.
My father, an ' anarcho-syndicalist' has always supported me in what I do, but I could never say that he is a Plaid supporter! He stood in the first National Assembly election against Huw Lewis, ( but what the exact party name was I cannot remember!) and I admire him for that. He has always been involved in left wing politics since I can remember- anti-poll tax campaigns and so on, and is very vocal about those beliefs! Nevertheless, he is now somewhat disillusioned with politics given that small factions of 'the left' seem always to be split. I also think that he was put off organising such a chaotic mixture of minds. Now his politics is his poetry, which has an important part to play in shaping Welsh politics and culture.
My mother is more subtle in her politics than my dad. She is much more ready to embrace Plaid's politics. She moved to Wales from Belfast nearly 30 years ago- learnt Welsh, taught Welsh, and embraced Welsh cultural life. Coming from a place like Belfast, I think that she took joy in the fact that she could enter politics without sectarianism and violence involved. Her background and history has always inspired me to become active, and my fascination with Irish politics has shaped much of my eagerness to get up and be passionate about developing the political process here in Wales.
I have many other political influences which I could write an essay about, but will not do so here! My background from growing up in the valleys, and the people around me, will always shape my way of thinking, and so will my family.
Whether I would have followed this path regardless of my parents is hard to answer. I'm not sure that I would be as passionate about politics had I not had such experiences as a young person.
Obviously you meet people throughout life who inspire you, but many key influences do stem from childhood. I was quite rebellious as a child, and hated conforming to the norm, but oddly I never rebelled against my parents' political beliefs, or feel the need to distance myself from their way of thinking.
Things may change with time of course, but I'd like to think that I would never let them down by becoming a Tory!!
Leila Kiersch mentions how different people from different backgrounds become interested in politics, and comments on parental influence upon the type of politics pursued in later life. It made me question whether my background had any connection with my political views, and how they were shaped....
I can honestly say that my parents' political persuasions did influence me and my actions to a large extent. I soaked up so much from their political action. I can remember taking part in numerous protests outside Tesco's in the valleys as a child, when we were encouraging people to boycott South African goods as part of the Anti- Apartheid movement. Becuase I was young, it was always easier for me to shove a leaflet in people's faces politely ( believe it or not, my brother, Ciaran, was always the charmer when it came to handing out the leaflets, with his cheeky smile and blond curly hair- how things change!)
I remember Desmond Tutu coming to speak at a Chapel in Dowlais, which was jam packed. I also recall being quite upset at seeing many of the older activists being carted away in a police van when they took part in direct action!
These examples of experiences must have had some baring on my views and political actions- the campaigning, the organising, the drive to try and change the world!
But what made more of an impact on me than the active side of my childhood experiences of campaigning against open cast, to attending peace rallies with my parents etc , was their personal views and backgrounds.
My father, an ' anarcho-syndicalist' has always supported me in what I do, but I could never say that he is a Plaid supporter! He stood in the first National Assembly election against Huw Lewis, ( but what the exact party name was I cannot remember!) and I admire him for that. He has always been involved in left wing politics since I can remember- anti-poll tax campaigns and so on, and is very vocal about those beliefs! Nevertheless, he is now somewhat disillusioned with politics given that small factions of 'the left' seem always to be split. I also think that he was put off organising such a chaotic mixture of minds. Now his politics is his poetry, which has an important part to play in shaping Welsh politics and culture.
My mother is more subtle in her politics than my dad. She is much more ready to embrace Plaid's politics. She moved to Wales from Belfast nearly 30 years ago- learnt Welsh, taught Welsh, and embraced Welsh cultural life. Coming from a place like Belfast, I think that she took joy in the fact that she could enter politics without sectarianism and violence involved. Her background and history has always inspired me to become active, and my fascination with Irish politics has shaped much of my eagerness to get up and be passionate about developing the political process here in Wales.
I have many other political influences which I could write an essay about, but will not do so here! My background from growing up in the valleys, and the people around me, will always shape my way of thinking, and so will my family.
Whether I would have followed this path regardless of my parents is hard to answer. I'm not sure that I would be as passionate about politics had I not had such experiences as a young person.
Obviously you meet people throughout life who inspire you, but many key influences do stem from childhood. I was quite rebellious as a child, and hated conforming to the norm, but oddly I never rebelled against my parents' political beliefs, or feel the need to distance myself from their way of thinking.
Things may change with time of course, but I'd like to think that I would never let them down by becoming a Tory!!
Tuesday 17 April 2007
19% sales rise for Burberry.
Just a brief one- this article today in the Guardian shows that Burberry has reported a 19% rise in sales for six months up until March 2007. Supposedly the reason for this is the growth in demand for their 'luxury handbags' which no doubt only the rich and famous can afford, or women with very large credit card debts! ( the bag pictured is a hefty £1,150. Think what Plaid could do with that kind of money?!)
And the reasons for this growth, according to Burberry?
'The significant investment initiated during this financial year to enhance the luxury component of the brand, advance retail expansion and evolve our operating model is driving accelerated growth across all three channels: retail, wholesale and licensing."
The workers of the late Rhondda Burberry factory will no doubt read from the phrase evolving of the operating model to mean closing factories, making people redundant in Wales, and moving jobs elsewhere.
You know how to rub it in, don't you Burberry!
Is Rhodri Morgan against Iraq War?
So I learn that Rhodri Morgan is 'probably' against the Iraq war. Well how very nice of him to let us share with him the trials and tribulations of his complex thoughts. You'd think that by now, after seeing thousands of Iraqi's dies, and 142 British soldiers, that he could have at least started to make up his mind before now.
Some commentators may say that Rhodri Morgan's view is irrelevant in this context, but I would beg to differ. Not because I believe that despite the war being a non-devolved issue that he should necessarily comment, but because Rhodri Morgan is Wales's Prime Minister, or Leader of Welsh Labour as is correct during election time;-)
The fact that he is a figurehead in Wales, a leading politician, means that he should communicate with the people of Wales his views on the most pressing issues of the day. As we all know, Rhodri Morgan has previously expressed opinions on numerous issues that are beyond his control, and his opinions on the Iraq War shouldn't be any different.
Had Rhodri Morgan said last year during Question Time that he found the issue complex and that supporting his wife through the debate in Westminster etc was testing, I think the audience might have given him an easier ride, might have empathised with him a little. But he chose to sit on the fence, and for that reason showed a clear lack of political leadership- leadership which Wales desperately needs.
This latest admission by Rhodri Morgan has come too late in my opinion. I'm not saying that because it's election time, and because all parties are competing for precious Assembly seats, but because Rhodri Morgan should have been ready to make a statement either for or against the war when he could have perhaps influenced decision makers in their London towers, and Labour colleagues, and when I, like thousands of other people in Wales protested against the war.
A statement now, when the Iraq war is quickly degenerating in to chaos, and when the Labour Party's legacy will be associated with this dreadful decision to enter an illegal war, is far too late.
Some commentators may say that Rhodri Morgan's view is irrelevant in this context, but I would beg to differ. Not because I believe that despite the war being a non-devolved issue that he should necessarily comment, but because Rhodri Morgan is Wales's Prime Minister, or Leader of Welsh Labour as is correct during election time;-)
The fact that he is a figurehead in Wales, a leading politician, means that he should communicate with the people of Wales his views on the most pressing issues of the day. As we all know, Rhodri Morgan has previously expressed opinions on numerous issues that are beyond his control, and his opinions on the Iraq War shouldn't be any different.
Had Rhodri Morgan said last year during Question Time that he found the issue complex and that supporting his wife through the debate in Westminster etc was testing, I think the audience might have given him an easier ride, might have empathised with him a little. But he chose to sit on the fence, and for that reason showed a clear lack of political leadership- leadership which Wales desperately needs.
This latest admission by Rhodri Morgan has come too late in my opinion. I'm not saying that because it's election time, and because all parties are competing for precious Assembly seats, but because Rhodri Morgan should have been ready to make a statement either for or against the war when he could have perhaps influenced decision makers in their London towers, and Labour colleagues, and when I, like thousands of other people in Wales protested against the war.
A statement now, when the Iraq war is quickly degenerating in to chaos, and when the Labour Party's legacy will be associated with this dreadful decision to enter an illegal war, is far too late.
Monday 16 April 2007
Cymru X gigs
Gigs Cymru X yng Nghaerfyrddin, Llanelli a Rhydaman.
Cysylltwch ag anthonyjohnrichards@hotmail.co.uk am fwy o wybodaeth.
Cymru X gigs in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford.
Contact anthonyjohnrichards@hotmail.co.uk for more information.
Sunday 15 April 2007
Labour meltdown in Scotland
I think that this SNP billboard ad is very effective and simple. It defines the difference between their priorities for Government, and Labour who wish to invest billions in renewing the trident nuclear programme.
It seems that Labour are in meltdown in Scotland, what with Labour considering to move operations to develop Trident from it's Scottish base to Devon due to mounting opposition in the country to new nuclear arms, and following the latest revelation that Labour in Scotland have used high ranking party officials posing as members of the public in their party political broadcast!
I've been watching some of the BBC Scotland election coverage when I find the time, and I must say it's quite exciting, especially given that the SNP are doing so well in all the polls. Independence is obviously a hot election topic. We will know soon after May the 3rd whether the SNP's hopes of initiating a referendum on the issue will become a reality.
Saturday 14 April 2007
On the campaign trail. 14/4/07
Tim ymgyrchu etholiad etholaeth Castell Nedd allan yn canfasio heddiw gyda Adam Price AS yng Ngwaun Cae Gurwen a Chwm Gors. Rwyf wedi blino'n lan, ond yn edrych ymlaen at noson yn y Smith's gyda Dafydd Iwan heno ma!
Plaid Neath's campaign team out canvassing in Gwaun Cae Gurwen and Cwm Gors today with MP Adam Price. I'm shattered, but still looking forward to a sing along with Dafydd Iwan in the Smith's tonight!
Friday 13 April 2007
Dafydd Wigley in Neath today
Dyma lun o Alun Llewelyn, ymgeisydd Castell Nedd, Carolyn Edwards sydd ar rhestr rhanbarthol Plaid Gorllewin De Cymru, Dafydd Wigley a fi yng nghanol Castell Nedd y bore ma. Fe ddaeth Dafydd Wigley i estun ei gefnogaeth i'r ymgyrch yn yr ardal, ac fe gafodd croeso gwresog gan bobl y dre.
Here is a picture of Alun Llewelyn, Plaid's Neath candidate alongside Carolyn Edwards who is on the Regional list in the area, Dafydd Wigley, and myself in the centre of Neath this morning. Dafydd Wigley came to show his support for the campaign here locally, and the local people gave Dafydd a warm welcome.
Any Questions?
Mae Adam Price, AS Plaid ar rhaglen Radio 4 y BBC 'Any Questions?' heno yn fyw o Mumbles am 8 yr hwyr. Y pobl eraill ar y panel yw Cheryl Gillan, Peter Hain a Lembit Opik. Dylse fe fod yn drafodaeth ddiddorol felly. Cofiwch wrando! Pa mor sicr ydyw y bydd y Cheeky Girls yn cael ei drafod?...
Adam Price, Plaid MP is on the Radio 4 BBC programme 'Any Questions?' tonight which is live from Mumbles at 8pm. The other politicians on the panel are Cheryl Gillan, Peter Hain and Lembit Opik. Should be an interesting one. How sure can I be that the Cheeky Girls will be mentioned...?
Maniffesto Iaith y Blaid/Plaid Welsh Langauge Manifesto
Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales
Dydd Gwener 13 Ebrill 2007
Lansio mini-maniffesto iaith Plaid Cymru
‘Mae’r Gymraeg yn perthyn i bawb yng Nghymru’
Mae angen pecyn cyflawn o bolisïau i adfer iaith sy’n mynd i’r afael â gwaith, addysg, yr economi a’r gwasanaeth iechyd er mwyn sicrhau ffyniant y Gymraeg.
Dyna yw neges Plaid Cymru heddiw wrth lansio mini-maniffesto sy’n crynhoi ei pholisïau i sicrhau ffyniant y Gymraeg dros y ddegawd nesaf. Yn wahanol i faniffesto traddodiadol, mae fformat dogfen polisi’r Blaid wedi ei ysbrydoli’n rhannol gan Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd, nofel enwog Islwyn Ffowc Elis a gynigiodd cipolwg ar ddyfodol Cymru a’r Gymraeg.
Mae’r ddogfen yn cyflwyno gweledigaeth i sicrhau ffyniant yr iaith trwy gyfrwng cyfres o bytiau o fywydau Cymry yn y flwyddyn 2015. Cawn gipolwg ar fywyd Jac, Ffion, Owain, Sara, Iwan, Eirian, Jonathan, Elin, Rhodri, Jenny, Sioned, Justin, Mari, Fatima, Rhonwen – 15 bywyd erbyn 2015 sydd wedi profi newid er gwell o ganlyniad i bolisïau Plaid Cymru.
Dywed Ieuan wyn Jones:
‘Mae’r Blaid yn cyflwyno ystod eang o bolisïau i greu cymunedau hyfyw ar draws y wlad - gydag unigolion a chymunedau yn gallu byw eu bywydau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg.
‘Cyfrifoldeb llywodraeth yw creu’r amodau lle gall hynny ddigwydd ac mae rhaglen lywodraethol Plaid Cymru yn cynnig y cyfle hynny i wneud gwahaniaeth.
‘Mae’r Gymraeg yn perthyn i bawb sy’n byw yng Nghymru ac mae gennym ni gyd gyfrifoldeb i greu’r amodau cywir i sicrhau ei ffyniant a’i thrysori.’
Mae’r polisïau’n cynnwys y canlynol :
Gofal plant fforddiadwy yn y gymuned trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg
Asesiadau rheolaidd gan awdurdodau lleol o’r galw am addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg
Dydd Gwener 13 Ebrill 2007
Lansio mini-maniffesto iaith Plaid Cymru
‘Mae’r Gymraeg yn perthyn i bawb yng Nghymru’
Mae angen pecyn cyflawn o bolisïau i adfer iaith sy’n mynd i’r afael â gwaith, addysg, yr economi a’r gwasanaeth iechyd er mwyn sicrhau ffyniant y Gymraeg.
Dyna yw neges Plaid Cymru heddiw wrth lansio mini-maniffesto sy’n crynhoi ei pholisïau i sicrhau ffyniant y Gymraeg dros y ddegawd nesaf. Yn wahanol i faniffesto traddodiadol, mae fformat dogfen polisi’r Blaid wedi ei ysbrydoli’n rhannol gan Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd, nofel enwog Islwyn Ffowc Elis a gynigiodd cipolwg ar ddyfodol Cymru a’r Gymraeg.
Mae’r ddogfen yn cyflwyno gweledigaeth i sicrhau ffyniant yr iaith trwy gyfrwng cyfres o bytiau o fywydau Cymry yn y flwyddyn 2015. Cawn gipolwg ar fywyd Jac, Ffion, Owain, Sara, Iwan, Eirian, Jonathan, Elin, Rhodri, Jenny, Sioned, Justin, Mari, Fatima, Rhonwen – 15 bywyd erbyn 2015 sydd wedi profi newid er gwell o ganlyniad i bolisïau Plaid Cymru.
Dywed Ieuan wyn Jones:
‘Mae’r Blaid yn cyflwyno ystod eang o bolisïau i greu cymunedau hyfyw ar draws y wlad - gydag unigolion a chymunedau yn gallu byw eu bywydau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg.
‘Cyfrifoldeb llywodraeth yw creu’r amodau lle gall hynny ddigwydd ac mae rhaglen lywodraethol Plaid Cymru yn cynnig y cyfle hynny i wneud gwahaniaeth.
‘Mae’r Gymraeg yn perthyn i bawb sy’n byw yng Nghymru ac mae gennym ni gyd gyfrifoldeb i greu’r amodau cywir i sicrhau ei ffyniant a’i thrysori.’
Mae’r polisïau’n cynnwys y canlynol :
Gofal plant fforddiadwy yn y gymuned trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg
Asesiadau rheolaidd gan awdurdodau lleol o’r galw am addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg
Cliniaduron am ddim i ddisgyblion ysgol uwchradd
Sefydlu Coleg Ffederal Cymraeg yn cynyddu darpariaeth addysg brifysgol drwy’r Gymraeg
Addysg alwedigaethol tan yn 18 oed
Cynlluniau marchnata trwy’r Gymraeg
Cymorth i ad-dalu benthyciad myfyrwyr
Grant prynu tŷ cyntaf
Cefnogaeth i ffermwyr ifanc
Torri trethi busnes
Symud adrannau’r Cynulliad allan o Gaerdydd
Gwella ffyrdd a rheilffyrdd
Deddfwriaeth ieithyddol i gynnwys gwasanaethau’r sector breifat
Cynlluniau amgylcheddol a chefnogi adeiladau cynaliadwy
Twf mewn siaradwyr Cymraeg yn sail i dwf mewn gwasanaethau aml-gyfryngol
Dosbarthiadau Cymraeg i rieni
Mwy o wasanaethau iechyd lleol ar gael trwy’r Gymraeg
Sefydlu Coleg Ffederal Cymraeg yn cynyddu darpariaeth addysg brifysgol drwy’r Gymraeg
Addysg alwedigaethol tan yn 18 oed
Cynlluniau marchnata trwy’r Gymraeg
Cymorth i ad-dalu benthyciad myfyrwyr
Grant prynu tŷ cyntaf
Cefnogaeth i ffermwyr ifanc
Torri trethi busnes
Symud adrannau’r Cynulliad allan o Gaerdydd
Gwella ffyrdd a rheilffyrdd
Deddfwriaeth ieithyddol i gynnwys gwasanaethau’r sector breifat
Cynlluniau amgylcheddol a chefnogi adeiladau cynaliadwy
Twf mewn siaradwyr Cymraeg yn sail i dwf mewn gwasanaethau aml-gyfryngol
Dosbarthiadau Cymraeg i rieni
Mwy o wasanaethau iechyd lleol ar gael trwy’r Gymraeg
Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales
Friday 13 April 2007 – for immediate release
Launching Plaid’s mini manifesto for the Welsh language
‘The Welsh language belongs to everyone in Wales’
We need a comprehensive package of policies to support the Welsh language relating to work, education, the economy and the health service to ensure Welsh can thrive
That’s Plaid’s message today as it launches a mini manifesto drawing together its policies to ensure the Welsh language can go from strength to strength over the next decade. In contrast to traditional manifestos, the format of Plaid’s policy document is partly inspired by Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd or A Week in a Future Wales, the famous Islwyn Ffowc Elis novel which looked to the future of Wales and the Welsh language.
The document presents a vision to ensure the future success of the Welsh language through a series of portraits from the lives of Welsh speakers in the year 2015. We take a brief look at the lives of Jac, Ffion, Owain, Sara, Iwan, Eirian, Jonathan, Elin, Rhodri, Jenny, Sioned, Justin, Mari, Fatima, Rhonwen – 15 lives that by 2015 have benefited thanks to Plaid policies.
Ieuan Wyn Jones said:
‘Plaid Cymru is putting forward a broad range of targeted and focussed policies to support flourishing communities across the country, where individuals and communities can live their lives through Welsh or English
‘It is the responsibility of government to create conditions where this can happen, and Plaid’s programme of government offers that opportunity to make a difference.
‘The Welsh language belongs to everyone in Wales and we all share a responsibility to create the right circumstances for it to survive and to thrive.’
The policies include the following:
Affordable Welsh medium childcare in the community
Regular local authority assessments of the demand for Welsh medium education
Free laptops for secondary school pupils
Establish a Welsh Medium Federal College – increases provision of Welsh medium university education
Vocational education up to 18 years
Welsh medium marketing schemes
Student debt relief
First home grant
Support for young farmers
Cut in business taxes
Move Assembly Departments out of Cardiff
Improve roads and railways
Language legislation to include private sector services
Sustainable buildings regulations
Increase in number of Welsh speakers supports increase in multi-media services
Welsh classes for parents
More local health services available through Welsh
Friday 13 April 2007 – for immediate release
Launching Plaid’s mini manifesto for the Welsh language
‘The Welsh language belongs to everyone in Wales’
We need a comprehensive package of policies to support the Welsh language relating to work, education, the economy and the health service to ensure Welsh can thrive
That’s Plaid’s message today as it launches a mini manifesto drawing together its policies to ensure the Welsh language can go from strength to strength over the next decade. In contrast to traditional manifestos, the format of Plaid’s policy document is partly inspired by Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd or A Week in a Future Wales, the famous Islwyn Ffowc Elis novel which looked to the future of Wales and the Welsh language.
The document presents a vision to ensure the future success of the Welsh language through a series of portraits from the lives of Welsh speakers in the year 2015. We take a brief look at the lives of Jac, Ffion, Owain, Sara, Iwan, Eirian, Jonathan, Elin, Rhodri, Jenny, Sioned, Justin, Mari, Fatima, Rhonwen – 15 lives that by 2015 have benefited thanks to Plaid policies.
Ieuan Wyn Jones said:
‘Plaid Cymru is putting forward a broad range of targeted and focussed policies to support flourishing communities across the country, where individuals and communities can live their lives through Welsh or English
‘It is the responsibility of government to create conditions where this can happen, and Plaid’s programme of government offers that opportunity to make a difference.
‘The Welsh language belongs to everyone in Wales and we all share a responsibility to create the right circumstances for it to survive and to thrive.’
The policies include the following:
Affordable Welsh medium childcare in the community
Regular local authority assessments of the demand for Welsh medium education
Free laptops for secondary school pupils
Establish a Welsh Medium Federal College – increases provision of Welsh medium university education
Vocational education up to 18 years
Welsh medium marketing schemes
Student debt relief
First home grant
Support for young farmers
Cut in business taxes
Move Assembly Departments out of Cardiff
Improve roads and railways
Language legislation to include private sector services
Sustainable buildings regulations
Increase in number of Welsh speakers supports increase in multi-media services
Welsh classes for parents
More local health services available through Welsh
Thursday 12 April 2007
Save our Health Service!
Dyma lun o ymgeisydd Plaid Castell Nedd, Alun Llewelyn, fi, Jean Jenkins sydd yn aelod o'r RCN, a Carolyn Edwards sydd ar rhestr rhanbarthol Gorllewin De Cymru. Fe wnaethom lansio'r poster mawr yma ar gyfer Castell Nedd Port Talbot heddiw. Ar ddiwedd y dydd, iechyd yw un o'r materion pwysicaf ym mywydau pobl pob dydd, ac mae'n hen bryd i ni ddod a rheolaeth aneffeithlon Llafur Newydd i ben yn etholiadau'r Cynulliad ar Fai y 3ydd.
Here is a picture of Alun Llewelyn, Plaid candidate for Neath, me, Jean Jenkins, a member of RCN, and Carolyn Edwards who is on Plaid's Regional list for South Wales West. We launched the billboard for Neath Port Talbot today. At the end of the day, health is one of the most important election issues for thousands of people in Wales, and we owe it to them to get Labour out on May the 3rd, after they have made a mess of our health service fo so many years.
Croeso i Gymru, Tony!
Fel rwyf wedi dweud yn y gorffennol, ac fel mae'r blogwr Guerilla Welsh Fare wedi ategu, mi oedd ymweliad Tony Blair i Gymru yn bell o fod yn arwydd negyddol i'r gwrthbleidiau, yn enwedig i ni ym Mhlaid Cymru. Ar stepen drws, mae ynganu'r enw 'Tony Blair' yn cael ei weld fel rheg i nifer fawr o bobl. Roedd yr ymweliad ddoe ond yn pwysleisio'r amhoblogrwydd hynny, am nad oedd croeso mawr iddo yn y ddinas fawr nac ym Mhort Talbot ychwaith!
Mae Tony Blair wastad wedi cael problem gyda twymo tuag at y Cymry ac at wleidyddiaeth datganoledig Cymru. Yn wahanol i Ogledd Iwerddon lle mae e wedi ceisio chwarae rol blaenllaw mewn siapio dyfodol gwleidyddiaeth datganoledig, mae Cymru wastad wedi bod yn boendod iddo, ac yn fwrn. Dyw e byth yn dod ma hyd nes bod etholiad, neu nes bod angen iddo chwipio Rhodri Morgan a'i ACau Llafur Newydd ym Mae Caerdydd mewn i drefn.
Gobeithio fydd effaith yr ymweliad ddoe yn troi mwy o bobl tuag at Blaid Cymru gan mai ni yw'r unig blaid lle nad yw'n harweinydd yn ymateb i gofynion o Lundain. Rydym yma i wasanaethu o Gymru, ar gyfer pobl sydd yn byw yng Nghymru. Mae Cameron wedi bod 'ma yn pwyso ar agenda'r Ceidwadwyr Cymraeg, sydd ond yn tanlinellu bod eu harweinyddiaeth nhw hefyd yn dod o'r canol yn Llundain.
Mae Tony Blair wastad wedi cael problem gyda twymo tuag at y Cymry ac at wleidyddiaeth datganoledig Cymru. Yn wahanol i Ogledd Iwerddon lle mae e wedi ceisio chwarae rol blaenllaw mewn siapio dyfodol gwleidyddiaeth datganoledig, mae Cymru wastad wedi bod yn boendod iddo, ac yn fwrn. Dyw e byth yn dod ma hyd nes bod etholiad, neu nes bod angen iddo chwipio Rhodri Morgan a'i ACau Llafur Newydd ym Mae Caerdydd mewn i drefn.
Gobeithio fydd effaith yr ymweliad ddoe yn troi mwy o bobl tuag at Blaid Cymru gan mai ni yw'r unig blaid lle nad yw'n harweinydd yn ymateb i gofynion o Lundain. Rydym yma i wasanaethu o Gymru, ar gyfer pobl sydd yn byw yng Nghymru. Mae Cameron wedi bod 'ma yn pwyso ar agenda'r Ceidwadwyr Cymraeg, sydd ond yn tanlinellu bod eu harweinyddiaeth nhw hefyd yn dod o'r canol yn Llundain.
Wednesday 11 April 2007
New Labour Wales fail to rule out top-up fees in Manifesto
Having been a President of a Student's Union, and the first Union Officer to organise a mass lobby to the National Assembly against top-up fees, this issue shall always remain close to my heart- whatever my age. I am fundamentally opposed to top-up fees, as it does in fact price people out of education, and it creates a market of our education system.
We already see Vice Chancellor's in England wanting to push the fees up further from the current £3000, and research showing that the bursary scheme, which has been introduced to supposedly offset the top-up fee, is fraught with complications and is very ad hoc. In Wales of course, top-up fees were ruled out for Welsh domiciled students by the opposition parties, and it should remain so. Nevertheless this policy is up for review soon, which is why it galls me to read in Labour's Manifesto that there is no commitment on their behalf to rule out top up fees for Wales for the future.
Page 24 of Labour in Wales's Manifesto reads as follows:
'“The new funding arrangements that we have put in place for higher education and students from 2007/08 will support the sector in delivering for Wales. During a third term we will maintain this level of funding and monitor progress on widening access. We would anticipate reviewing these arrangements before the end of a third Assembly term.”
But over the border in Scotland, the Labour party, on Page 3 state:
' We will rule out top up fees in Universities for a third term'.
It seems that contrary to their Scottish colleagues, Labour in Wales are set upon pushing forward a regressive policy of top-up fees as they have purposely failed to rule out introducing such fees if they form a new Government in May. The Labour party have been very quiet of late on the whole issue of top-up fees and student funding, and they must hope that their page 24 pledge to review the situation will keep people happy! I am not so sure about that!
At the end of the day, the Russel Group of elite Universities want to increase fees to £7000. This group includes Cardiff University. If Labour wins an overall majority, Welsh students wanting to go to Cardiff could be faced with a hefty bill.
I hope that Student's Unions across Wales will take note of this, and prepare for a vigorous campaign ( again!) against top-up fees in Wales.
We already see Vice Chancellor's in England wanting to push the fees up further from the current £3000, and research showing that the bursary scheme, which has been introduced to supposedly offset the top-up fee, is fraught with complications and is very ad hoc. In Wales of course, top-up fees were ruled out for Welsh domiciled students by the opposition parties, and it should remain so. Nevertheless this policy is up for review soon, which is why it galls me to read in Labour's Manifesto that there is no commitment on their behalf to rule out top up fees for Wales for the future.
Page 24 of Labour in Wales's Manifesto reads as follows:
'“The new funding arrangements that we have put in place for higher education and students from 2007/08 will support the sector in delivering for Wales. During a third term we will maintain this level of funding and monitor progress on widening access. We would anticipate reviewing these arrangements before the end of a third Assembly term.”
But over the border in Scotland, the Labour party, on Page 3 state:
' We will rule out top up fees in Universities for a third term'.
It seems that contrary to their Scottish colleagues, Labour in Wales are set upon pushing forward a regressive policy of top-up fees as they have purposely failed to rule out introducing such fees if they form a new Government in May. The Labour party have been very quiet of late on the whole issue of top-up fees and student funding, and they must hope that their page 24 pledge to review the situation will keep people happy! I am not so sure about that!
At the end of the day, the Russel Group of elite Universities want to increase fees to £7000. This group includes Cardiff University. If Labour wins an overall majority, Welsh students wanting to go to Cardiff could be faced with a hefty bill.
I hope that Student's Unions across Wales will take note of this, and prepare for a vigorous campaign ( again!) against top-up fees in Wales.
Tuesday 10 April 2007
Heddiw- dydd o brotestio a ffilmio!
Dyma llun o fi gyda'r protestwyr yn Ysbyty Port Talbot a oedd yn streicio yn sgil penderfyniad OCS Limited i lleihau eu horiau gwaith, ac yn sgil penderfyniad y Llywodraeth Toriaid, a nawr Llafur i breifateiddio gwasanaethau allweddol. Mae'r gweithwyr yn bwriadu streicio am 2 dydd arall yn y dyfodol agos er mwyn dwyn perswad ar y cwmni ac ar y Rheolwyr i ail ystyried eu penderfyniad. Mi roedd y streic heddi yn lwyddiant, ac fe cafodd y gweithwyr cryn gefnogaeth.
Yn y pnawn mi oeddwn i'n ffilmio ar gyfer y rhaglen Ffeil i S4C. Rhaglen newyddion i bobl ifanc yw Ffeil, ac mi oedd yn rhaid i mi ateb 8 cwestiwn am nifer o bolisiau gwahanol mewn 10 eiliad yr un. Mi oedd o'n anodd iawn i gynhwyso polisi i 10 eiliad, rhaid dweud. Bydd rhaid i chi gwylio yn yr wythnosau nesaf i weld sut nes i!
Yn y pnawn mi oeddwn i'n ffilmio ar gyfer y rhaglen Ffeil i S4C. Rhaglen newyddion i bobl ifanc yw Ffeil, ac mi oedd yn rhaid i mi ateb 8 cwestiwn am nifer o bolisiau gwahanol mewn 10 eiliad yr un. Mi oedd o'n anodd iawn i gynhwyso polisi i 10 eiliad, rhaid dweud. Bydd rhaid i chi gwylio yn yr wythnosau nesaf i weld sut nes i!
Monday 9 April 2007
Another day campaigning...
I am far too tired to blog of substance this evening after being on the campaign trail in Port Talbot and Neath Constituency all day today. Many people were out today for Bank Holiday( oh, they have lives! I am jealous!)- probably at the beach or enjoying a family day out. As a result it wasn't the most productive of days for canvassing, although we did meet quite a few supporters here and there!
I am going to a protest organised by Unison tomorrow at Neath Port Talbot Hospital regarding the cuts in staff cleaning hours by the private company OCS Limited. This is just another issue in a long line of New Labour failures with regards the Health Service.
140 workers are taking part in a day long strike, and the demonstration takes place at 9.30am if you are in the area and fancy coming along to support the workers....
I am going to a protest organised by Unison tomorrow at Neath Port Talbot Hospital regarding the cuts in staff cleaning hours by the private company OCS Limited. This is just another issue in a long line of New Labour failures with regards the Health Service.
140 workers are taking part in a day long strike, and the demonstration takes place at 9.30am if you are in the area and fancy coming along to support the workers....
Saturday 7 April 2007
Happy 10th birthday to the blog!
According to a Guardian article today, it's been 10 years since the first ever blog. There are now supposedly 70 million bloggers worldwide, with 1.5 million blogs being written a day! I'm a relative newcomer to the blogosphere, and I have to admit that I am something of a blogaholic! If I go at least a day without checking the blogs that I read frequently, I feel that I am being left out of the loop, and that I will miss out on a story. This may sound really sad to some, but to others no doubt the symptoms are well and clear!
Of course, blogging in most places is now a popular pastime, and a 'norm'. Although some bloggers have been unfortunate enough to be taken to court due to their blog content, others have reaped the benefits, and have become famous through the blogosphere alone. In many countries where blogging is not a norm as in Iraq, or where freedom of speech is suppressed, however, blogging is still a controversial hobby.
Before I started blogging I really did not see the benefits of it at all. My negative viewpoint stems from taking part in some web forums where, in my opinion, the voices of women were effectively ignored, and discussion was male dominated and cynical. Blogging is somewhat different in that you can create the story on your own agenda, shape it to how you would like it to sound, and engage in discussion on a far more equal playing field. It also sharpens your mind, and allows you to practise arguments (political in my case) that can be used in other areas of life.
I started blogging to air my opinions, not as a narcissist who likes the sound of my own voice. I want to engage with different people of different political persuasions, and hopefully encourage people to empathise with my way of thinking. As Glyn Davies has said on many occasions, blogging allows for you to become your own media, and highlight issues which other mainstream media channels may choose to ignore.
For now I will continue blogging. Nevertheless, my appetite for all things technological has grown, and I'm currently working on getting you tube films/ pod casts up and running, but that will be one for the future...
Of course, blogging in most places is now a popular pastime, and a 'norm'. Although some bloggers have been unfortunate enough to be taken to court due to their blog content, others have reaped the benefits, and have become famous through the blogosphere alone. In many countries where blogging is not a norm as in Iraq, or where freedom of speech is suppressed, however, blogging is still a controversial hobby.
Before I started blogging I really did not see the benefits of it at all. My negative viewpoint stems from taking part in some web forums where, in my opinion, the voices of women were effectively ignored, and discussion was male dominated and cynical. Blogging is somewhat different in that you can create the story on your own agenda, shape it to how you would like it to sound, and engage in discussion on a far more equal playing field. It also sharpens your mind, and allows you to practise arguments (political in my case) that can be used in other areas of life.
I started blogging to air my opinions, not as a narcissist who likes the sound of my own voice. I want to engage with different people of different political persuasions, and hopefully encourage people to empathise with my way of thinking. As Glyn Davies has said on many occasions, blogging allows for you to become your own media, and highlight issues which other mainstream media channels may choose to ignore.
For now I will continue blogging. Nevertheless, my appetite for all things technological has grown, and I'm currently working on getting you tube films/ pod casts up and running, but that will be one for the future...
Friday 6 April 2007
BBC Complaints Choir. I've heard it all now.
The BBC's election idea to organise a 'BBC Complaints Choir' to sing a song of complaints from those who email in to 'moan' about politicians, is absurd. ( the choir title is bad enough) The song is set to be aired on election night, of all nights! The choir, CF1, are mostly made up of young people from Cardiff, and I think that this is a somewhat negative idea on behalf of the BBC. We need to encourage young people to take part in politics in a positive way, and to engage with politicians as such, but this 'song of complaints' will only add to many people's stereotypical perception of politics, which I for one am trying to change.
If the BBC wanted to do something with a choir for the election they could perhaps have adapted the popular idea of the S4C show Codi Canu, where rugby supporters from rival teams battled it out to sing at the Millenium Stadium recently. Plaid v Labour choir would definitely be one to see! They could even have chosen a delegation of people to compose a song about issues that are important to them in their area. But a song of complaints really is pushing it too far. The thought of a ream of complaints sung to a traditional welsh tune is more than I can bare as a musician. ( although I am sure that the choir will give it their best shot;-))
All I can say is that I'm glad that I will be otherwise engaged on the night of the election, and I won't be watching this spectacular sing song on the BBC.
If the BBC wanted to do something with a choir for the election they could perhaps have adapted the popular idea of the S4C show Codi Canu, where rugby supporters from rival teams battled it out to sing at the Millenium Stadium recently. Plaid v Labour choir would definitely be one to see! They could even have chosen a delegation of people to compose a song about issues that are important to them in their area. But a song of complaints really is pushing it too far. The thought of a ream of complaints sung to a traditional welsh tune is more than I can bare as a musician. ( although I am sure that the choir will give it their best shot;-))
All I can say is that I'm glad that I will be otherwise engaged on the night of the election, and I won't be watching this spectacular sing song on the BBC.
Lib dem embrace 'happy meal' politics with free toothbrush
Just thought that it would be interesting to comment that a while back the Lib dems accused Plaid and other parties, of ' Happy Meal politics' - offering 'freebies' to electors in the Manifesto. Now it seems that the Lib dems are happy to follow suit, if a little less adventurous. They are offering all children under 4 years old a free toothbrush.... Perhaps they could include it in the McDonald's Happy Meals to balance out the damage done to our children's health.
Thursday 5 April 2007
So your grandfather was 'Old Labour'?...
It's really grating me at this stage in the election that New Labour in Cardiff Bay think that by making last ditch statements on the health service and hospital reconfiguration that people will miraculously forget about their initial plans to downgrade services in Llandudno and the Royal Glamorgan in Llantristant, amongst others. Jane Davidson may appear all mighty on her myspace blog for declaring that Brian Gibbons has said that services at the Royal Glamorgan will be retained, but this wasn't the case a few months ago. The fact of the matter is that New Labour in Cardiff Bay are panicking about the result of this election, and are trying to get themselves out of a black hole.
They can accuse us of scaremongering on this issue if they so wish, but at the end of the day, they are the ones who have been in Government for the last 8 years. It is New Labour who proposed this reconfiguration plan without due consultation with service users or those who work in the NHS, and it is New Labour that has failed to deliver- nobody else.
As an opposition party, it is our duty to scrutinise the government, to hold them to account, and to criticise them for ineffective past policies. If we cannot take on that role head on, then I am baffled. If we wish to field candidates under the title of ' Save Llandudno Hospital' or ' Save Withybush Hospital,' it is our democratic right as a party dedicated to retaining key services locally.
Labour's actions with regards recent announcements to save key hospitals in key seats is nothing new of course. They have always managed to say one thing, and do another. For example, Labour AM's and MP's have appeared on civil service picket lines, have smiled their blairesque smiles in photo op's with local postmasters, while their London colleagues slash services. We've seen Labour ministers cry crocodile tears when there have been factory closures in their area, and AM's trying to distance themselves from unpopular Westminster decisions such as trident and the war in Iraq.
It's about time people realised that they will always be the centralised, big business driven 'New Labour' - that they can never return to the 'old Labour' past. People such as Ray Davies, a Labour Councillor in Caerphilly, stay in the party in a somewhat dream like belief that the party will someday return to its socialist roots!
They can accuse us of scaremongering on this issue if they so wish, but at the end of the day, they are the ones who have been in Government for the last 8 years. It is New Labour who proposed this reconfiguration plan without due consultation with service users or those who work in the NHS, and it is New Labour that has failed to deliver- nobody else.
As an opposition party, it is our duty to scrutinise the government, to hold them to account, and to criticise them for ineffective past policies. If we cannot take on that role head on, then I am baffled. If we wish to field candidates under the title of ' Save Llandudno Hospital' or ' Save Withybush Hospital,' it is our democratic right as a party dedicated to retaining key services locally.
Labour's actions with regards recent announcements to save key hospitals in key seats is nothing new of course. They have always managed to say one thing, and do another. For example, Labour AM's and MP's have appeared on civil service picket lines, have smiled their blairesque smiles in photo op's with local postmasters, while their London colleagues slash services. We've seen Labour ministers cry crocodile tears when there have been factory closures in their area, and AM's trying to distance themselves from unpopular Westminster decisions such as trident and the war in Iraq.
It's about time people realised that they will always be the centralised, big business driven 'New Labour' - that they can never return to the 'old Labour' past. People such as Ray Davies, a Labour Councillor in Caerphilly, stay in the party in a somewhat dream like belief that the party will someday return to its socialist roots!
....OK, so your father's grandfather was the Labour Mayor of Merthyr all those years ago, but times really have changed. How many more times will you let New Labour pull the wool over your eyes?
Tuesday 3 April 2007
Plaid v Labour- South Wales West campaign trail
This blog with no doubt be turning more in to an election campaign diary, as I will have little time to sit and read online articles or put sophisticated opinions over via my wonderful blog!
Nevertheless, a campaign diary should be interesting. I've had a long, but fruitful day. I filmed a piece for Maniffesto today, which will be aired on Sunday, (Welsh language politics show) in the village of Cilfrew near Neath.
The Journalist asked me about Plaid's priorities for the election, and the main issues locally. Of course, we had come to Cilfrew because the LNG gas pipeline has been a pressing issue in the village, and recently a few local people appeared in court to appeal the decision of placing a blasting station in their village. They were successful in Court, but now it seems that the vote as to whether the blasting station has the OK must return to the local Council.
The people of the village seem to be totally disillusioned with Labour as the pipeline has been thrust upon them with little local consultation, and little if any support from our beloved Hain. I've been involved in the campaign/ supporting the work of the group Safe Haven Network since the middle of last year, and it's commendable how hard they are fighting this development.
While we were up in Cilfrew, Gwenda Thomas's campaign car- loud speaker and all, came up the hill and drove past our 15 strong canvassers. Regardless of her voice resonating around the village, Gwenda was nowhere to be found. Local residents were not impressed.
'She can't even get out of the car to speak to us! If she did, we'd tell her what we think of Labour,' they shouted as the car drove past them.
Little did they know that it was her cronies in the car, not Gwenda herself!
An exciting day then, and the campaign getting off to a competitive start between Plaid and Labour in the area... There shall be more to come, no doubt!
Nevertheless, a campaign diary should be interesting. I've had a long, but fruitful day. I filmed a piece for Maniffesto today, which will be aired on Sunday, (Welsh language politics show) in the village of Cilfrew near Neath.
The Journalist asked me about Plaid's priorities for the election, and the main issues locally. Of course, we had come to Cilfrew because the LNG gas pipeline has been a pressing issue in the village, and recently a few local people appeared in court to appeal the decision of placing a blasting station in their village. They were successful in Court, but now it seems that the vote as to whether the blasting station has the OK must return to the local Council.
The people of the village seem to be totally disillusioned with Labour as the pipeline has been thrust upon them with little local consultation, and little if any support from our beloved Hain. I've been involved in the campaign/ supporting the work of the group Safe Haven Network since the middle of last year, and it's commendable how hard they are fighting this development.
While we were up in Cilfrew, Gwenda Thomas's campaign car- loud speaker and all, came up the hill and drove past our 15 strong canvassers. Regardless of her voice resonating around the village, Gwenda was nowhere to be found. Local residents were not impressed.
'She can't even get out of the car to speak to us! If she did, we'd tell her what we think of Labour,' they shouted as the car drove past them.
Little did they know that it was her cronies in the car, not Gwenda herself!
An exciting day then, and the campaign getting off to a competitive start between Plaid and Labour in the area... There shall be more to come, no doubt!
Love music, hate racism
Dyma wybodaeth i chi am ddigwyddiad ym Mhenybont ar nos Sadwrn sydd wedi ei drefnu gan Unite Penybont. Dewch i gefnogi'r achos da yma. Am fwy o wybodaeth ewch i wefan Love Music Hate Racism.
Here is some information about a gig in Bridgend this Satruday evening. It's being organised by Bridgend Unite. Please support this important event. For more information go to the website Love Music Hate Racism.
Monday 2 April 2007
Vote on May the 3rd
The election is looming, so I have been out canvassing in Aberavon today with our pro active and enthusiastic candidate, Linet Purcell. It was a beautiful day to be in the Afan Valley- the mountains were spectacular in the day's sunshine. We picked up a lot of local issues, and a lot of the same responses on the doorstep- 'One thing is certain, we're never voting Labour again'. If they all go out and vote differently this time, the election is set to be very exciting indeed. It's all about making the campaign vibrant and radical enough for them to actually vote, hence Plaid's launch today of a billboard with the word ' Vote' shaped in plaid's poppies. Considering that the % of people who are registered to vote is currently very low, we must make sure that people register before the 18th of April so that they can take part in this important election.....
Sunday 1 April 2007
Candidate or AM? That is the question.
It seems that some politicians always manage to live up to the image of being difficult- in this case it's in the shape of Leighton Andrews, New Labour candidate for the Rhondda, who has commented on BBC election guidlines.
Once the Assembly has been dissolved for an election, all candidates, whether they have been AM's for the last 4 years or not must be labelled 'candidates', and ministers must be 'spokespeople.' Leighton Andrews said of the matter- 'I think what they are creating is a sort of real world and a BBC world in the real world we are AMs, talking to constituents, holding surgeries.' His comment is a little confusing, but basically hints that the policy is uncalled for.
Personally I do not think that there needs to be a debate on this. When the Assembly has been dissolved, AM's are candidates like everyone else, and shouldn't be treated any differently. This safeguards the BBC's impartiality, and our ability to assess all candidates on a level footing.
What interests me more as an election issue is that the BBC must give an equal platform to the main political parties during interviews and news stories from now until the election. This must have annoyed Leighton Andrews during the Burberry protest on Friday, as other parties were given a chance to air their opinions on the closure. Other parties that perhaps haven't commented before, or whose views have not been broadcast to a large majority of the population via the BBC.
Is there an argument that this practise should be implemented all year round? There may be, but I am sure that it would create much tension amongst AM's and political parties alike, especially in the context of the BNP. I do not sit easy with the idea of debating with the BNP for example, or giving them coverage on TV. Nevertheless, in the next few weeks all political parties will have to decide whether or not they share a platform with them, or take part in discussions with this blatantly racist party.
I have heard rumours that South Wales Central list candidates have taken the stance not to share a platform with the BNP during the election. Does this only serve to push the BNP underground, and confirm their anti- establishment arguments, or should this party be refused a platform as is the view of the organisation Unite and Searchlight?
I would be very interested in hearing well thought out comments on this pressing issue.
