I'm sorry that I haven't blogged for so long. Did you miss me?!
I've been appointing staff, I attended a local meeting against an open cast development tonight, took part in a panel discussion on post 16 education today at the Millennium Centre, and did my first Short debate this Wednesday, on Student debt in Wales.
All that, and Plaid's Assembly group has finally decided to propose the Red- Green deal to our National Executive. It's a very good document, which includes exciting policies on housing(suspending the right to buy in areas of housing pressure), health (rejecting privatisation of NHS services), rejecting the implementation of top-up fees in this Assembly term, a Welsh Language education strategy and a Welsh Federal College, as well as making Welsh an official Language of Wales, and establishing the role of the Commissioner. The issue which makes the document much more robust is obviously the referendum on a Parliament for Wales, and the convention which will engage with people from all parts of society to set the terms of reference for the referendum.
I think that we've encouraged Labour in to accepting concessions that they never would have considered before May the 3rd, and I hope that Plaid can continue to be a positive influence on the governing of Wales for the next four years. What's important is that we can deliver on what has been agreed between the two parties if, of course, it is ratified in both the Labour Special Conference and at our National Council on the 7th of July. I will be posting an executive summary of the document here but I'm sure you can find it in full on other blogs ( the recently retired blogger Ted Jones has it on his blog)
No doubt if this deal comes about the Lib dems and the Tories will be attacking us, but that is to be expected.
I must say, ( shock horror) that I favour this deal to the three party coalition. For one, both parties have agreed to campaign for a successful outcome to a referendum on a Parliament for Wales. We need a 2/3 majority to trigger a referendum, and as a Nationalist, who wants to further the constitutional question, I believe this is an historic opportunity for Wales- that we will have a referendum either before or at the next Assembly election in 2011.
I also support this coalition as we will show that we have rejected the concept of realigning our party to the right of the political spectrum. By entering this coalition, I do not feel that Plaid is abandoning its key left of centre stance, which we would undoubtedly be doing if we were to enter Government alongside the Tories. Some will of course argue that Labour are not following a left agenda. That may be so in Westminster, but I certainly hope that we can kick New Labour in to touch here in Wales. Politics is about perception, and I don't think that the perception of us entering a coalition with the Tories would have enhanced our credibility as a party who has historically placed ourselves on the left, and rightly so.
I am confident that we can unite the party to support the implementation of the programme, and be positive about the next four years. It will be a challenge, especially at grassroots level, but it's a challenge that we should grasp with enthusiasm, not with negativity.
10 of us voted in favour of this deal- a majority amongst the Plaid AM's. We have to make it work now so that people have confidence in the National Assembly as an Institution. I must say that I am quite shocked that there are accusations that the party's left have blackmailed Ieuan Wyn Jones in to accepting this deal. I said from the beginning of the negotiations, that even though I didn't support the three party deal, if that's what the party voted for, then I would work to make it a success. It's an easy hit for critics to continually attack 'the left' in Plaid, especially those who wanted the three party deal for the sake of getting more interesting stories!
At the end of the day, Ieuan Wyn Jones is our leader, and therefore has the ability to make informed decisions. It is totally preposterous to make claims that he has been pushed in to making a decision to support red-green. Some Rainbowistas might not like it, but that's the reality of the situation!
Thursday 28 June 2007
Friday 22 June 2007
'A decision will be made soon.....'
Reality hit home on Thursday evening when I took part in a Youth Forum event in Cardiff's County Hall. I was questioned on all manners of topics- from racism and Big Brother, to immigration, to the Thomas Cook affair. The problem arose when a question was posed on the National Assembly and coalition. All eyes were on me, expecting some new updated information on how thing's were going.
Well, I found myself having to explain to a room of very keen and political young people that 'negotiations like this are normal for Institutions elected via PR', that 'a decision will be made soon', and that ' it will all work out for the best' ( I have to convince myself of the above on a regular basis as well, believe it or not!). While I am very confident that a decision is imminent( our group will decide on Tuesday), I can understand the frustration that they felt by the fact that I couldn't give a definitive answer. It didn't help that I was also a bit worried that I couldn't tell them outright what was happening, and that they'd give up and label me as just another politician dodging answering the question!
Having said that, I hope they understood the fact that a deal WILL be brokered soon, and that the Assembly's 'coalition' bubble WILL be broken. I think that most would agree that we must work on securing the best deal. If we rush anything, people will be very quick to judge. Any agreement can't be a case of a few days bargaining here and there. It has to be robust and deliverable.
I am therefore looking forward to next Tuesday when we can finally take our views forward to the National Executive and the National Council. Until then I won't be letting any secrets out of the bag in terms of what has been discussed between Plaid and the Labour Party. Vaughan Roderick notes on his blog that Plaid AM's have been disciplined in keeping negotiation information firmly within the negotiation process( which is more than can be said for some 'Senior Plaid sources!')
Early next week all will be out in the open, when we will say 'yes' to a formal deal with Labour, or 'yes' to a three party coalition............unless of course everything has changed by then by which point I will be going out of my mind!!!
Well, I found myself having to explain to a room of very keen and political young people that 'negotiations like this are normal for Institutions elected via PR', that 'a decision will be made soon', and that ' it will all work out for the best' ( I have to convince myself of the above on a regular basis as well, believe it or not!). While I am very confident that a decision is imminent( our group will decide on Tuesday), I can understand the frustration that they felt by the fact that I couldn't give a definitive answer. It didn't help that I was also a bit worried that I couldn't tell them outright what was happening, and that they'd give up and label me as just another politician dodging answering the question!
Having said that, I hope they understood the fact that a deal WILL be brokered soon, and that the Assembly's 'coalition' bubble WILL be broken. I think that most would agree that we must work on securing the best deal. If we rush anything, people will be very quick to judge. Any agreement can't be a case of a few days bargaining here and there. It has to be robust and deliverable.
I am therefore looking forward to next Tuesday when we can finally take our views forward to the National Executive and the National Council. Until then I won't be letting any secrets out of the bag in terms of what has been discussed between Plaid and the Labour Party. Vaughan Roderick notes on his blog that Plaid AM's have been disciplined in keeping negotiation information firmly within the negotiation process( which is more than can be said for some 'Senior Plaid sources!')
Early next week all will be out in the open, when we will say 'yes' to a formal deal with Labour, or 'yes' to a three party coalition............unless of course everything has changed by then by which point I will be going out of my mind!!!
Wednesday 20 June 2007
Daily events at the Senedd
I'm in the Chamber at the moment and things are getting quite heated about the fact that Rhodri Morgan is not here today. He is in London I understand, talking to Welsh Labour MP's about the Red-Green deal.
The debates this afternoon have centred on business rate relief and Climate Change. I have been somewhat frustrated in the last few days, as none of my questions have been called due to time restraints in the Chamber. I understand that we can't be here all night debating, and I don't think it would hold with other AM's!
I have a short debate next week which I am preparing for now. Such debates are important in terms of setting the agenda, and in encouraging real discussion in the Chamber- which is sometimes stifled.
Now, the Lib dem debate on the Barnett Formula is taking place. Nevertheless, this might be hugely out of date by next week as a decision on a coalition is finalised, and when issues surrounding Barnett will hopefully be addressed. Alun Cairns is speaking now, saying that we need evidence that the Barnett Formula doesn't work before calling for a review. I am sure that the Rainbowista's won't be pleased with that intervention.
For now, I will return to my work. I haven't had the benefit of receiving a 'special' keyboard like Peter Black has, so typing is not that enjoyable.
The debates this afternoon have centred on business rate relief and Climate Change. I have been somewhat frustrated in the last few days, as none of my questions have been called due to time restraints in the Chamber. I understand that we can't be here all night debating, and I don't think it would hold with other AM's!
I have a short debate next week which I am preparing for now. Such debates are important in terms of setting the agenda, and in encouraging real discussion in the Chamber- which is sometimes stifled.
Now, the Lib dem debate on the Barnett Formula is taking place. Nevertheless, this might be hugely out of date by next week as a decision on a coalition is finalised, and when issues surrounding Barnett will hopefully be addressed. Alun Cairns is speaking now, saying that we need evidence that the Barnett Formula doesn't work before calling for a review. I am sure that the Rainbowista's won't be pleased with that intervention.
For now, I will return to my work. I haven't had the benefit of receiving a 'special' keyboard like Peter Black has, so typing is not that enjoyable.
Monday 18 June 2007
Student loan interest rates to double
DATGANIAD I'R WASG - PRESS RELEASE - DATGANIAD I'R WASG
Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales
Monday 18 June 2007
Student Loan interest rates to double
Interest rates on student loans are set to double if the Student Loans Company (SLC) continues to use the same source figure for setting rates. The current rate of interest has been 2.4% but a large increase in the inflation rate (RPI) on which the figure is based means that students and graduates could see interest rates of 4.8% on their outstanding loans.
Figures released last week also showed the huge scale of the debt that students have built up with the SLC. The total amount owed is now over £1.1bn and averages £7323 per person (154,000 students/graduates) in Wales alone. In England the figure is £15.3bn and £6224 per person (2,458,000 students/graduates).
Last year the total interest charged to welsh domiciled students was £24,742,000 but this will more than double next year if the rate goes up to 4.8%. A typical graduate leaving university with a student loan of £12,000 will be paying interest of £576 per year compared with £288 this year.
Plaid AM Bethan Jenkins said,
"The student loan system is a complete scandal. 154,000 Welsh people have taken out these loans. If interest rates double many people will be charged £50 per month in interest alone. We can not allow this to continue.
"Plaid has always opposed tuition fees and the huge debts that that they have burdened Graduates with. In our manifesto we proposed support to help Graduates repay their loans. I intend to start a campaign to try and persuade the Westminster government and the Student Loans Company to set a more reasonable rate."
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editors
Since 1994 the student loans company interest rate has been set at the RPI of March. In March 2006 this was 2.4% and that is the rate set from September 06 to August 07. March 2007 saw the RPI reach 4.8% twice the figure of the year before.
Statistical release with details of scale of debt and numbers effected available from: Wales: http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr022007.pdf
England: http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr012007.pdf
Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales
Monday 18 June 2007
Student Loan interest rates to double
Interest rates on student loans are set to double if the Student Loans Company (SLC) continues to use the same source figure for setting rates. The current rate of interest has been 2.4% but a large increase in the inflation rate (RPI) on which the figure is based means that students and graduates could see interest rates of 4.8% on their outstanding loans.
Figures released last week also showed the huge scale of the debt that students have built up with the SLC. The total amount owed is now over £1.1bn and averages £7323 per person (154,000 students/graduates) in Wales alone. In England the figure is £15.3bn and £6224 per person (2,458,000 students/graduates).
Last year the total interest charged to welsh domiciled students was £24,742,000 but this will more than double next year if the rate goes up to 4.8%. A typical graduate leaving university with a student loan of £12,000 will be paying interest of £576 per year compared with £288 this year.
Plaid AM Bethan Jenkins said,
"The student loan system is a complete scandal. 154,000 Welsh people have taken out these loans. If interest rates double many people will be charged £50 per month in interest alone. We can not allow this to continue.
"Plaid has always opposed tuition fees and the huge debts that that they have burdened Graduates with. In our manifesto we proposed support to help Graduates repay their loans. I intend to start a campaign to try and persuade the Westminster government and the Student Loans Company to set a more reasonable rate."
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editors
Since 1994 the student loans company interest rate has been set at the RPI of March. In March 2006 this was 2.4% and that is the rate set from September 06 to August 07. March 2007 saw the RPI reach 4.8% twice the figure of the year before.
Statistical release with details of scale of debt and numbers effected available from: Wales: http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr022007.pdf
England: http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr012007.pdf
Sunday 17 June 2007
Continued talks with Labour 'predictable'?
So we decided to continue negotiations with Labour. Some of you, namely Peter Black, is not surprised. He seems to think that this was in fact 'predictable'. I have to disagree. If we had thought that Labour were failing to take the discussions seriously, then I am convinced AM's would have been quick off the mark in refusing any deal with Labour yesterday.
As it stands, the document with Labour needs to be developed, but does show signs that there is at least a possibility of creating a robust agreement that can be taken back to the table for the AM's and National Exec to either accept or reject. The other agreement, the All Wales accord is still there for contemplation. I don't want to jeopardise any discussions so I won't go in to the content of the document for now( *the red-green document for your information)
Much has been made of the fact that Mike German is keeping a keen eye on Plaid's manoeuvrings so that he can assess whether or not the three party coalition is still a possibility. Rumour has it that Mike German will go straight back to Rhodri Morgan if Plaid is serious about the Red- Green deal. I think that if this happens, it only goes to show that there is no clear strategy guiding the leader of the Lib dems. Mike German should be careful what he does. After all, we all know that he claimed to be able to carry his party through a 'yes' vote for a three party coalition, except this was famously scuppered by his very own National Executive. It seems to me that it will be impossible for German to talk to Labour without another Extraordinary Lib dem Conference to decide upon the best course of action.
Discussions continue in the meantime. I wouldn't want to predict an outcome at the moment, because I'm amazed how quickly the political scene has changed since the election.
***A quick response to Betsan Powys's remark that Gareth Jones left early from the meeting yesterday. I think this was an attempt at a hint of disagreement from Gareth Jones. Just to set things straight- we had an Assembly Member group meeting in the morning, and a National Executive meeting in the afternoon. AM's were free to leave at lunch, but most ( who wanted to hear the views of the Exec, or who didn't have anything better to do!) stayed on. So there was nothing to read into Gareth's actions at all.
.......................................................................................
Y penderfyniad oedd i barhau trafodaethau. Nid yw Peter Black wedi synnu - gan gredu fod y sefyllfa'n anochel. Dwi yn anghytuno braidd. Os nad oedd hi'n amlwg fod Llafur o ddifrif yn y trafodaethau, yna byddai'r ACau wedi gwrthod cytundeb yn gynnar ddoe.
Fel ag y mae, mae'r ddogfen gyda Llafur angen gwaith - ond mae'n dangos posibilrwydd o ffurfio cytundeb i gynnig i'r ACau a'r Bwrdd Gwaith Cenedlaethol. Mae'r Cytgor Cymru Oll dal yng nghefn meddwl hefyd. Dwi ddim eisiau niweidio trafodaethau, felly ni wnaf drafod manylion nawr.
Mae llawer o ohebu ar y ffaith fod Mike German yn cadw llygad barcud ar symudiadau Plaid, er mwyn asesu tebygolrwydd yr Enfys. Mae sibrydion y bydd Mike German yn closio yn ol at Rhodri Morgan, os yw'n ymweld fod Plaid o ddifrif am glymblaid cochwyrdd. Os ddigwyddith hyn, mae'n dangos nad oes strategaeth ganddo - dylai fod yn ofalus. Wedi'r cwbwl, cofiwch y llanast rhwng ACau, Bwrdd Gwaith, ac aelodau cyffredin y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol dros y glymblaid enfys.Mi fydd yn annodd i Mike German siarad gyda Llafur heb Gynhadledd Arbennig unwaith eto.
Yn y cyfamser, mae ein trafodaethau ni yn parhau. Dwi ddim am wneud unrhyw rhagolwg, ond mae'n syndodfaint sydd wedi newid ers yr etholiad!
*** Ateb cyflym i sylwad Betsan Powys fod Gareth Jones wedi gadael y cyfarfod yn gynnar ddo. Dw'n meddwl mae ceisio awgrymu anfodlondeb oedd hyn. Y gwir yw, roedd cyfarfod grwp ACau yn y bore, a cyfarfod Bwrdd Gwaith yn y pnawn. Roedd ACau yn rhydd i adael wedi cinio. Felly doedd dim agenda wrth i Gareth ymadael.
As it stands, the document with Labour needs to be developed, but does show signs that there is at least a possibility of creating a robust agreement that can be taken back to the table for the AM's and National Exec to either accept or reject. The other agreement, the All Wales accord is still there for contemplation. I don't want to jeopardise any discussions so I won't go in to the content of the document for now( *the red-green document for your information)
Much has been made of the fact that Mike German is keeping a keen eye on Plaid's manoeuvrings so that he can assess whether or not the three party coalition is still a possibility. Rumour has it that Mike German will go straight back to Rhodri Morgan if Plaid is serious about the Red- Green deal. I think that if this happens, it only goes to show that there is no clear strategy guiding the leader of the Lib dems. Mike German should be careful what he does. After all, we all know that he claimed to be able to carry his party through a 'yes' vote for a three party coalition, except this was famously scuppered by his very own National Executive. It seems to me that it will be impossible for German to talk to Labour without another Extraordinary Lib dem Conference to decide upon the best course of action.
Discussions continue in the meantime. I wouldn't want to predict an outcome at the moment, because I'm amazed how quickly the political scene has changed since the election.
***A quick response to Betsan Powys's remark that Gareth Jones left early from the meeting yesterday. I think this was an attempt at a hint of disagreement from Gareth Jones. Just to set things straight- we had an Assembly Member group meeting in the morning, and a National Executive meeting in the afternoon. AM's were free to leave at lunch, but most ( who wanted to hear the views of the Exec, or who didn't have anything better to do!) stayed on. So there was nothing to read into Gareth's actions at all.
.......................................................................................
Y penderfyniad oedd i barhau trafodaethau. Nid yw Peter Black wedi synnu - gan gredu fod y sefyllfa'n anochel. Dwi yn anghytuno braidd. Os nad oedd hi'n amlwg fod Llafur o ddifrif yn y trafodaethau, yna byddai'r ACau wedi gwrthod cytundeb yn gynnar ddoe.
Fel ag y mae, mae'r ddogfen gyda Llafur angen gwaith - ond mae'n dangos posibilrwydd o ffurfio cytundeb i gynnig i'r ACau a'r Bwrdd Gwaith Cenedlaethol. Mae'r Cytgor Cymru Oll dal yng nghefn meddwl hefyd. Dwi ddim eisiau niweidio trafodaethau, felly ni wnaf drafod manylion nawr.
Mae llawer o ohebu ar y ffaith fod Mike German yn cadw llygad barcud ar symudiadau Plaid, er mwyn asesu tebygolrwydd yr Enfys. Mae sibrydion y bydd Mike German yn closio yn ol at Rhodri Morgan, os yw'n ymweld fod Plaid o ddifrif am glymblaid cochwyrdd. Os ddigwyddith hyn, mae'n dangos nad oes strategaeth ganddo - dylai fod yn ofalus. Wedi'r cwbwl, cofiwch y llanast rhwng ACau, Bwrdd Gwaith, ac aelodau cyffredin y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol dros y glymblaid enfys.Mi fydd yn annodd i Mike German siarad gyda Llafur heb Gynhadledd Arbennig unwaith eto.
Yn y cyfamser, mae ein trafodaethau ni yn parhau. Dwi ddim am wneud unrhyw rhagolwg, ond mae'n syndodfaint sydd wedi newid ers yr etholiad!
*** Ateb cyflym i sylwad Betsan Powys fod Gareth Jones wedi gadael y cyfarfod yn gynnar ddo. Dw'n meddwl mae ceisio awgrymu anfodlondeb oedd hyn. Y gwir yw, roedd cyfarfod grwp ACau yn y bore, a cyfarfod Bwrdd Gwaith yn y pnawn. Roedd ACau yn rhydd i adael wedi cinio. Felly doedd dim agenda wrth i Gareth ymadael.
Friday 15 June 2007
Looking to Aber for answers
In between the sudden bursts of rain today, Dai Lloyd and myself did a door to door street surgery in Swansea. Lots of issues to pick up on, which can only be a good thing. Obviously many people were out working, so when I did enter conversation with a few people, I braved my way to asking about their views on a coalition:
' Just get on with it, and do the job' said one man.
' It's chaos' another said, without hesitation.
' We need a change from Labour', a middle aged mand confessed( whose dog was trying to play ball with me despite my not so friendly relationship with such animals!)
' I don't really take an interest. I haven't got time.' Bored response.
' Your not thinking of working with the Tories, are you?'............
And that was about it in terms of variety of opinion. It gives you a broad enough idea, but obviously it isn't scientific!
Lets hope that we can make progress tomorrow so that the coalition question is finally answered. With Labour leaks outlining hesitation at a deal with Plaid, I'm not exactly sure what will be put in front of us at Aberystwyth tomorrow in terms of concrete suggestions for Government. Mike German and Rhodri may talk yet, which could put us all back to where we thought we were at the end of the election!
In the meantime, I can imagine that Rhodri Morgan has a lot of people to speak to and to persuade if, and only if, they are serious about working with Plaid.
............................................................................................
Rhwng y cawodydd heddiw, bu Dai Lloyd a minnau yn rhedeg cymorthfeydd drws i ddrws yn Abertawe. Wrth gwrs, roedd llawer o bobl allan yn gweithio, ond pan yr oeddwn yn cael cyfle, gofyn am glymbleidiau a wnes.
' Just get on with it, and do the job' meddai un.
' It's chaos' gan un arall.
' We need a change from Labour', oedd barn dyn cannol oed
' I don't really take an interest. I haven't got time.' meddai un oedd wedi diflasu.
' Your not thinking of working with the Tories, are you?'............
A dyna ehangder y barn - mae'n rhoi syniad o feddylfryd y cyhoedd, er nad yw'n drwyadl.
Fy ngobaith yw y gallwn symud ymlaen ar y cwestiwn o glymbleidio yfory, o'r diwedd. Gyda synnau anfoddhaol o gyfeiriad Llafur, dwi ddim yn sicr beth fydd y dewisidau yn Aberystwyth yfory. Efallai bydd sgwrs rhwng Mike German a Rhodri, a fydd yn ein dychweled i'n sefyllfa wedi'r etholiad.Yn y cyfasmer, mae rhaid i Rhodri Morgan siarad gyda nifer fawr o bol a'r darbwyll o os ydynt o ddifrif am gydweithio gyda Plaid.
' Just get on with it, and do the job' said one man.
' It's chaos' another said, without hesitation.
' We need a change from Labour', a middle aged mand confessed( whose dog was trying to play ball with me despite my not so friendly relationship with such animals!)
' I don't really take an interest. I haven't got time.' Bored response.
' Your not thinking of working with the Tories, are you?'............
And that was about it in terms of variety of opinion. It gives you a broad enough idea, but obviously it isn't scientific!
Lets hope that we can make progress tomorrow so that the coalition question is finally answered. With Labour leaks outlining hesitation at a deal with Plaid, I'm not exactly sure what will be put in front of us at Aberystwyth tomorrow in terms of concrete suggestions for Government. Mike German and Rhodri may talk yet, which could put us all back to where we thought we were at the end of the election!
In the meantime, I can imagine that Rhodri Morgan has a lot of people to speak to and to persuade if, and only if, they are serious about working with Plaid.
............................................................................................
Rhwng y cawodydd heddiw, bu Dai Lloyd a minnau yn rhedeg cymorthfeydd drws i ddrws yn Abertawe. Wrth gwrs, roedd llawer o bobl allan yn gweithio, ond pan yr oeddwn yn cael cyfle, gofyn am glymbleidiau a wnes.
' Just get on with it, and do the job' meddai un.
' It's chaos' gan un arall.
' We need a change from Labour', oedd barn dyn cannol oed
' I don't really take an interest. I haven't got time.' meddai un oedd wedi diflasu.
' Your not thinking of working with the Tories, are you?'............
A dyna ehangder y barn - mae'n rhoi syniad o feddylfryd y cyhoedd, er nad yw'n drwyadl.
Fy ngobaith yw y gallwn symud ymlaen ar y cwestiwn o glymbleidio yfory, o'r diwedd. Gyda synnau anfoddhaol o gyfeiriad Llafur, dwi ddim yn sicr beth fydd y dewisidau yn Aberystwyth yfory. Efallai bydd sgwrs rhwng Mike German a Rhodri, a fydd yn ein dychweled i'n sefyllfa wedi'r etholiad.Yn y cyfasmer, mae rhaid i Rhodri Morgan siarad gyda nifer fawr o bol a'r darbwyll o os ydynt o ddifrif am gydweithio gyda Plaid.
Thursday 14 June 2007
Merthyr and Wikipedia
I have been emailed an extract from the Wikipedia site on Merthyr Tydfil by a suitably named 'Keir Hardly'. I haven't read this page before, and I must admit that its not a glowing account of my home town. It is especially denigratory towards women- the stereotypical analysis of women in valleys communities. This must be one of the worst descriptions of the town that I've ever read below ( it goes on, but I really don't want to quote it on this blog)-
'Selective out migration of the more intelligent and talented people is also a problem, which leaves behind a yet-more-concentrated residue of the dull and talentless, who, with no manual-labouring jobs to occupy them....... find themselves with nothing better to do than to breed.'
Of course, you can't ignore the fact that there are social problems in the town, but this is true of other parts of Wales. Merthyr is developing, and has a history to be proud of, but needs much more investment like most valleys communities. Wikipedia is a 'free content' online Encyclopedia, which is too often taken as gospel for many who read it, and for many students who ( wrongly) base essays on this fountain of knowledge on the web.
I have had an unpleasant experience on Wikipedia previously, when someone set up a page about me and filled it with false, quite scathing remarks ( I duly contacted the site and the piece was removed) So while I believe that the growth of the Internet is a positive thing, I can't help but think that there should be more regulation of such sites on the web.
I intend to edit the paragraph, and try and create a balanced piece on Merthyr. Anyone else from the area should help with this also!
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Newydd dderbyn e-bost o ddarn ar y wefan Wikipedia ar Merthyr Tydfil, gan yr enwog 'Keir Hardly'. Nid wyf wedi darllen y dudalen o'r blaen a nid yw'n adlewyrchu'n wych ar fy nhref. Mae'r darn yn enwedig yn bychanu merched y cymoedd. Un o'r disgrifiadau gwaethaf o Ferthyr a welais erioed:
'Selective out migration of the more intelligent and talented people is also a problem, which leaves behind a yet-more-concentrated residue of the dull and talentless, who, with no manual-labouring jobs to occupy them....... find themselves with nothing better to do than to breed.'
Wrth gwrs, mae problemau cymdeithasol yn y dref, fel yng ngweddill y wlad, ond mae Merthyr yn datblygu, a gyda hanes disglair, er fod angen mwy o fuddsoddiad, fel ar hyd y cymoedd. Mae Wikipedia yn safle we 'free content' sydd yn aml golygu fod gwybodaeth anghywir arno - a weithiau geiriau cas wedi eu anelu at y pwnc, fel yr wyf innau wedi profi yn bersonol.
Rwy'n bwriadu mynd ati i olygu'r dudalen, a chreu darlun fwy mesurol o Merthyr. Gofynaf i bawb arall o'r ardal helpu!
Wednesday 13 June 2007
It's not all about coalition....
I had my first few experiences of speaking in the chamber today, and yesterday. I have raised issues concerning the future of Remploy, renewable energy and its development locally, as well as enhancing the provision of social activities for young people in our communities ( yes, there are issues other than coalition on the agenda believe it or not). I am enjoying this side of the work, as it does play a part in holding Minister's to account and scrutinizing their work. This is not to say that the session is always riveting and exciting. Personally I believe that much more needs to be done to enhance the appeal of the debate, and the depth of the debate at the Assembly.
The Senedd is certainly a great building to call your workplace, although I do tend get slightly distracted sometimes by an excitable Alun Cairns heckling at every opportunity! It seems to become louder when Plaid or Labour Member's speak, when the whole coalition issue is set off again. I'll have to look at the record of proceedings tomorrow, and do a Glyn Davies style dialogue of the event!
Obviously everyone is aware that by now, our party are in talks with Labour. I think its best for me to say 'let's wait and see' on this one. Come Saturday, we'll have more of an idea what Labour are offering, and whether or not this will please our Assembly group, who will ultimately make the decision on the preferred option. The BBC reports that there are some unhappy MP's in the Labour party already at a proposed deal with Plaid. Of course they have a right to air those uncertainties, but something will have to be decided on sooner or later.....
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Cefais fy nghyfleon cyntaf i siarad yn y siambr heddiw ac echddoe. Rwyf wedi tynnu sylw at ddyfodol Remploy, ynni adnewyddol a'i ddatblygiad lleol, ac ehangu'r cyflenwad o weithgareddau cymdeithasol i bobl ifanc (mwy na clymblaid ar yr agenda, choeliwch chi fyth!).
Rwy'n mwynhau'r rhan yma o'r gwaith, gan ei fod yn rhan bwysig o graffu gwaith y Gweinidogion. Nid fod hyn o hyd yn ddifyr a chyffrous. Yn bersonol, rwy'n coelio fod rhaid gwneud llawer i ehangu'r apel a'r dyfnder o drafodaethau yn y Cynulliad.Mae'r Senedd yn lle gwych i wethio, er bod rhaid gwynebu;r peryglong o Alun Cairns yn heclo!
Byddaf yn edrych ar y recordiau yfory, a pharatoi deialog "Glyn Davies" ynglyn a digwyddiadau.Wrth gwrs, mae pawb yn gwybod erbyn hyn, fod ein plaid mewn trafodaethau gyda Llafur. Gwell i mi aros cyn dweud unrhywbeth penodol am hyn!
Erbyn y Sadwrn, bydd yn fwy amlwg beth mae Llafur yn cynnig ac os y bydd hyn yn plesio ein grwp, a fydd yn penderfynnu ar y dewis gorau. Maae'r BBC yn adroddi fod rha ASau anhapus o few y blaid Lafur, dros gytundeb posib gyda Plaid. Weth gwrs, mae ganddynt hawl i leisio eu ansicrwydd, ond bydd penderfynniad yn gorfod dod cyn hir...
The Senedd is certainly a great building to call your workplace, although I do tend get slightly distracted sometimes by an excitable Alun Cairns heckling at every opportunity! It seems to become louder when Plaid or Labour Member's speak, when the whole coalition issue is set off again. I'll have to look at the record of proceedings tomorrow, and do a Glyn Davies style dialogue of the event!
Obviously everyone is aware that by now, our party are in talks with Labour. I think its best for me to say 'let's wait and see' on this one. Come Saturday, we'll have more of an idea what Labour are offering, and whether or not this will please our Assembly group, who will ultimately make the decision on the preferred option. The BBC reports that there are some unhappy MP's in the Labour party already at a proposed deal with Plaid. Of course they have a right to air those uncertainties, but something will have to be decided on sooner or later.....
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Cefais fy nghyfleon cyntaf i siarad yn y siambr heddiw ac echddoe. Rwyf wedi tynnu sylw at ddyfodol Remploy, ynni adnewyddol a'i ddatblygiad lleol, ac ehangu'r cyflenwad o weithgareddau cymdeithasol i bobl ifanc (mwy na clymblaid ar yr agenda, choeliwch chi fyth!).
Rwy'n mwynhau'r rhan yma o'r gwaith, gan ei fod yn rhan bwysig o graffu gwaith y Gweinidogion. Nid fod hyn o hyd yn ddifyr a chyffrous. Yn bersonol, rwy'n coelio fod rhaid gwneud llawer i ehangu'r apel a'r dyfnder o drafodaethau yn y Cynulliad.Mae'r Senedd yn lle gwych i wethio, er bod rhaid gwynebu;r peryglong o Alun Cairns yn heclo!
Byddaf yn edrych ar y recordiau yfory, a pharatoi deialog "Glyn Davies" ynglyn a digwyddiadau.Wrth gwrs, mae pawb yn gwybod erbyn hyn, fod ein plaid mewn trafodaethau gyda Llafur. Gwell i mi aros cyn dweud unrhywbeth penodol am hyn!
Erbyn y Sadwrn, bydd yn fwy amlwg beth mae Llafur yn cynnig ac os y bydd hyn yn plesio ein grwp, a fydd yn penderfynnu ar y dewis gorau. Maae'r BBC yn adroddi fod rha ASau anhapus o few y blaid Lafur, dros gytundeb posib gyda Plaid. Weth gwrs, mae ganddynt hawl i leisio eu ansicrwydd, ond bydd penderfynniad yn gorfod dod cyn hir...
Monday 11 June 2007
'Gwyliau yn Gwmraeg'- Thomas Cook yn 'hapas i'ch helpu?'
Mae'r stori yma wedi bod ar flaen yr agenda newyddion heddiw ynghlych Thomas Cook yn gwahardd staff rhag siarad cymraeg i'w gilydd. Mae'r cwmni eisioes wedi dweud nad fel hyn y maent yn gweithio, ond mae'r ffaith iddynt ystyried cyfyngu ar hawliau dynol staff sy'n siarad cymraeg yn hollol annerbyniol. Tasa'r cwmni wedi rhagfarnu yn erbyn staff ar sail rhyw, cenedl, neu anabledd bydde'r cwmni wedi cael ei gosbi yn syth heb os.
Mae'r ffaith bod hwn wedi dod i'r golwg yn hynod bwysig oherwydd mae'n estyniad o ymarfer nifer fawr o gwmniau preifat yn eu hagwedd tuag at gwsmeriaid sydd am ddefnyddio'r gymraeg yn eu siopau. Wrth gwrs, y datrysiad clir i hyn oll yw i gyflwyno Deddf Iaith Newydd a fydd yn tynnu'r sector preifat mewn i ymrwymo a chanllawiau iaith- nid adolygiad o'r Ddeddf bresenol, ond deddf newydd a fydd yn weithredol posibl, ac yn addas i'r oes sydd ohoni.
Yn ogystal a hyn, mae'n ddiddorol gweld heddiw fod pob gwrthblaid wedi ymateb yn chwyrn i'r hyn y mae Thomas Cook wedi ei wneud. Mae'r beirniadaeth i'w groesawu, ac yn angenrheidiol, wrth gwrs, ond efallai ( fel y mae Blamerbell yn awgrymu) bod y mater hwn ar ben ei hun yn esgus i wthio am glymblaid rhwng y gwrthbleidiau. Os mai hwn yw'r strategaeth, rhaid bod yn ofalus iawn, neu fe allai ymddangos fel eu bont am ddisodli'r Llywodraeth beth bynnag yr achos- y mwya cyflym y gorau.
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This story has been near the headlines all day, regarding Thomas Cook banning staff from speaking to each other in Welsh. The company have since said that this is not the way they operate, but the fact that they contemplated restricting the human rights of their Welsh-speaking staff is totally unacceptable. If the company had discriminated on the grounds of gender, race, or disability, the company would face immediate consequences.
The fact that this has come to light is highly important because it is the extension of the working practices of many private companies in their attitude toward customers who wish tu use the Welsh language in their transactions. Of course, the clear solution is a new Welsh Language Act that commits the private sector to linguistic guidelines - not a review of the current Act, but a new one that is suitable for 2007.
As well as this, it's interesting to note that all opposition have reacted angrily to the Thomas Cook decision. The reaction is welcome, and sorely needed, but maybe (as Blamerbell suggests) this issue is an excuse to push a Rainbow coalition. If this is the strategy, we must be careful of seeming ready to dislodge the Government over any matter - and the quicker the better.
A challenge for Labour in Wales
Much has happened in the Welsh political World since I last blogged- the most important development centering on Adam Price's statements with regards the need to re-ignite the Plaid-Labour/ Red- Green agenda.
I understand that Adam supports both options- a deal, or should I say 'formal coalition' with Labour, or the alternative three party agreement. The reality of the situation is that the Labour party is in Government. In proposing a Plaid-Labour deal, Adam is responding to the situation as it is, and is astute in realising the possibilities and potential of a Plaid - Labour agreement.
It would be foolish for us now to dismiss working with Labour as we would only appear to be opposing for opposing's sake. We cannot push for the three party agreement heads down, with no thought for the current political landscape.
I voted not to suspend talks with Labour as we had not received a closing statement on any said agreement. I believe that this decision is key to understanding where we are now. Labour, at least in appearance, is open to continuing talks with Plaid. Edwina Hart has more than hinted at her willingness to work with us, to discuss how we can move politics forward in Wales. I sense that Labour realise that their hegemony in Wales has ended, and that they must face the fact that they cannot succeed alone. From reading Rhodri Morgan's letter to Ieuan Wyn Jones, it is clear that our party can benefit by at least considering co-operating with Labour- developing a joint group to discuss a referendum on a Parliament for Wales, and the intention to introduce a moratorium on existing changes in the health service at community level being two of the main issues.
It is important now for Plaid to pursue a bilateral approach, so that members and elected representatives alike are provided with two options when a vote will inevitably take place at the National Executive and at our National Council. Members deserve to be presented with the facts in an honest and clear manner. Voting on one option would be unfair, and would not reflect the diversity of that which is on offer to them, and to the people of Wales.
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Sialens i Lafur yng Nghymru
Mae llawer wedi digwydd ym myd gwleidyddol Cymru ers i mi flogi ddiwethaf - y mwya' pwysig i wneud a mynegiadau Adam Price parthed yr angen i ail-danio'r agenda Plaid-Llafur.Rwy'n deall fod Adam yn cefnogi'r ddau ddewis - clymblaid gyda Llafur neu ymuno'r Enfys.
Y gwirionedd yw mai Llafur sydd wedi ffurfio Llywodraeth, ac wrth gynnig clymblaid wyrddgoch, mae Adam yn ymateb i'r sefyllfa fel ag y mae, a'n graff yn sylwi ar botensial y fath gytundeb.
Byddai'n hurt i ni ddiystyru cydweithio gyda Llafur ar hyn o bryd, ac ymddangos ein bod yn wrthblaid sydd yn gallu gwneud dim ond gwrthwynebu. Nid yw'n ddoeth gwthio am glymblaid Enfys heb ystyried y maes gwleidyddol gyfredol.
Pleidleisiais ym Mai i beidio a gohirio trafodaeth gyda Llafur gan nad oedden wedi derbyn unhyw ddatganiad terfynol ar unrhyw gytundeb. Rwyf yn coelio fod fy mhenderfyniad yn allweddol i ddealltwriaeth o'r sefyllfa bresenol.Mae Llafur yn ymddangos yn agored i barhau trafodaeth gyda Plaid. Mae Edwina Hart wedi cyfeirio at ei pharodwydd i gydweithio gyda ni, ac i drafod y ffordd ymlaen yng Nghymru.Mae Llafur wedi sylwi fod ei hegemoni yng Nghymru drosodd, a'n gorfod gwynebu'r angen am bartneriaeth er mwyn llwyddo. O ddarllen llythyr Rhodri Morgan i Ieuan Wyn Jones, mae yn glir y bydd Plaid yn buddio o gydweithio gyda Llafur - gyda datblygiad gweithgor ar drafodaeth refferendwm ar Senedd a bwriad i gyflwyno moratoriwm ar newidiadau i'r gwasanaeth iechyd yn y gymuned yn ddau brif bwnc.
Mae'n bwysig fod Plaid yn dilyn llwybr ddwyochrog fel bod aelodau a chynrychiolwyr etholedig yn cael dwy ddewis pan mae pleidlais yn ein Bwrdd Gwaith Cenedlaethol ac yn ein Cyngor Cenedlaethol. Mae aelodau yn haeddu derbyn yr hollw wybodaeth - byddai pleidlais ar un dewis yn annheg, a'n methu adlewyrchu'r dewis sydd ar gael i Gymru.
I understand that Adam supports both options- a deal, or should I say 'formal coalition' with Labour, or the alternative three party agreement. The reality of the situation is that the Labour party is in Government. In proposing a Plaid-Labour deal, Adam is responding to the situation as it is, and is astute in realising the possibilities and potential of a Plaid - Labour agreement.
It would be foolish for us now to dismiss working with Labour as we would only appear to be opposing for opposing's sake. We cannot push for the three party agreement heads down, with no thought for the current political landscape.
I voted not to suspend talks with Labour as we had not received a closing statement on any said agreement. I believe that this decision is key to understanding where we are now. Labour, at least in appearance, is open to continuing talks with Plaid. Edwina Hart has more than hinted at her willingness to work with us, to discuss how we can move politics forward in Wales. I sense that Labour realise that their hegemony in Wales has ended, and that they must face the fact that they cannot succeed alone. From reading Rhodri Morgan's letter to Ieuan Wyn Jones, it is clear that our party can benefit by at least considering co-operating with Labour- developing a joint group to discuss a referendum on a Parliament for Wales, and the intention to introduce a moratorium on existing changes in the health service at community level being two of the main issues.
It is important now for Plaid to pursue a bilateral approach, so that members and elected representatives alike are provided with two options when a vote will inevitably take place at the National Executive and at our National Council. Members deserve to be presented with the facts in an honest and clear manner. Voting on one option would be unfair, and would not reflect the diversity of that which is on offer to them, and to the people of Wales.
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Sialens i Lafur yng Nghymru
Mae llawer wedi digwydd ym myd gwleidyddol Cymru ers i mi flogi ddiwethaf - y mwya' pwysig i wneud a mynegiadau Adam Price parthed yr angen i ail-danio'r agenda Plaid-Llafur.Rwy'n deall fod Adam yn cefnogi'r ddau ddewis - clymblaid gyda Llafur neu ymuno'r Enfys.
Y gwirionedd yw mai Llafur sydd wedi ffurfio Llywodraeth, ac wrth gynnig clymblaid wyrddgoch, mae Adam yn ymateb i'r sefyllfa fel ag y mae, a'n graff yn sylwi ar botensial y fath gytundeb.
Byddai'n hurt i ni ddiystyru cydweithio gyda Llafur ar hyn o bryd, ac ymddangos ein bod yn wrthblaid sydd yn gallu gwneud dim ond gwrthwynebu. Nid yw'n ddoeth gwthio am glymblaid Enfys heb ystyried y maes gwleidyddol gyfredol.
Pleidleisiais ym Mai i beidio a gohirio trafodaeth gyda Llafur gan nad oedden wedi derbyn unhyw ddatganiad terfynol ar unrhyw gytundeb. Rwyf yn coelio fod fy mhenderfyniad yn allweddol i ddealltwriaeth o'r sefyllfa bresenol.Mae Llafur yn ymddangos yn agored i barhau trafodaeth gyda Plaid. Mae Edwina Hart wedi cyfeirio at ei pharodwydd i gydweithio gyda ni, ac i drafod y ffordd ymlaen yng Nghymru.Mae Llafur wedi sylwi fod ei hegemoni yng Nghymru drosodd, a'n gorfod gwynebu'r angen am bartneriaeth er mwyn llwyddo. O ddarllen llythyr Rhodri Morgan i Ieuan Wyn Jones, mae yn glir y bydd Plaid yn buddio o gydweithio gyda Llafur - gyda datblygiad gweithgor ar drafodaeth refferendwm ar Senedd a bwriad i gyflwyno moratoriwm ar newidiadau i'r gwasanaeth iechyd yn y gymuned yn ddau brif bwnc.
Mae'n bwysig fod Plaid yn dilyn llwybr ddwyochrog fel bod aelodau a chynrychiolwyr etholedig yn cael dwy ddewis pan mae pleidlais yn ein Bwrdd Gwaith Cenedlaethol ac yn ein Cyngor Cenedlaethol. Mae aelodau yn haeddu derbyn yr hollw wybodaeth - byddai pleidlais ar un dewis yn annheg, a'n methu adlewyrchu'r dewis sydd ar gael i Gymru.
Thursday 7 June 2007
A quiet day at the Assembly
I've had a concerned friend contact me thinking that there was a huge problem as I seem to be having a 'blog free day'. Fret not, dear friends( and enemies!) I am still here, fighting fit. I haven't had the time to blog today. I've been catching up with work- I've had quite a lot of case work so far, and am helping out with a few local campaigns. Once I have some staff in place, I think it will be somewhat easier for me to go about my work. I will have help for one, and it will also free up some time for me to consider proposing new measures at the Assembly, and getting out and about in the region again.
I went in to the members tea room for the first time as an Assembly Member today. It was quite odd to be honest, because when I've been in there previously it has been to visit an AM, or I have been invited to have dinner after taking part in various lobbies of the Assembly. I don't really go in for all the perks believe it or not, so I don't make a point of indulging in food and drinks during a working day! I spoke to Darran Millar and John Griffiths there, who were both amicable, and we discussed, shock horror- blogging and young people in politics!
I don't have much more time to blog now, but I am sure that I will return sooner or later.....
I went in to the members tea room for the first time as an Assembly Member today. It was quite odd to be honest, because when I've been in there previously it has been to visit an AM, or I have been invited to have dinner after taking part in various lobbies of the Assembly. I don't really go in for all the perks believe it or not, so I don't make a point of indulging in food and drinks during a working day! I spoke to Darran Millar and John Griffiths there, who were both amicable, and we discussed, shock horror- blogging and young people in politics!
I don't have much more time to blog now, but I am sure that I will return sooner or later.....
Wednesday 6 June 2007
New term, new ideas?
I am sitting in the Senedd for the first full session of the Assembly. I'm finding the key pad quite hard to use, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Rhodri Morgan and Ieuan Wyn Jones have spoken about the programme for the year- Rhodri outlining his party's ideas, Ieuan noting that we have not had sufficient debate, and that Rhodri has sought to communicate his vision via the press. Nick Bourne is now speaking about the issue, and it's getting quite animated... He's saying that the lack of consensus politics already loud and clear, and so on......
There will be much more work for AM's now due to the new powers. I am especially looking forward to the petitions aspect of the new powers, whereby the public will be allowed to text/email in new policy ideas and initiatives to the Presiding Officer for discussion. I think that this new concept could be a good starting point for a cross party youth group to take up- to get young people thinking and participating in the ever day workings of the Assembly. This should also be a way in which, of course, pressure groups and community groups can put forward their messages to us.
Rhodri Morgan is speaking again, now about reconfiguration. I think that this will be discussed quite often in the next few weeks. Will Labour go back on their reconfiguration programme, and impose a moratorium, or will they carry on regardless? I think that it will depend on whether or not this progressive, consensus politics really will work. It's entirely up to Labour as to whether they are serious about it or not.
There will be much more work for AM's now due to the new powers. I am especially looking forward to the petitions aspect of the new powers, whereby the public will be allowed to text/email in new policy ideas and initiatives to the Presiding Officer for discussion. I think that this new concept could be a good starting point for a cross party youth group to take up- to get young people thinking and participating in the ever day workings of the Assembly. This should also be a way in which, of course, pressure groups and community groups can put forward their messages to us.
Rhodri Morgan is speaking again, now about reconfiguration. I think that this will be discussed quite often in the next few weeks. Will Labour go back on their reconfiguration programme, and impose a moratorium, or will they carry on regardless? I think that it will depend on whether or not this progressive, consensus politics really will work. It's entirely up to Labour as to whether they are serious about it or not.
Tuesday 5 June 2007
An alternative day to the ceremonial pomp of Cardiff Bay
Today, I didn't attend the Royal opening of the National Assembly as you may already know. Although some unkind souls would like to brand it as childish, unprofessional and such, I do believe that Leanne and I represent a section of Welsh society that does not deem the Monarchy relevant to our every day lives here in Wales. I have received much support from constituents, and while there are those who disagree with my stance, I am sure that this is always the case when you choose to declare an opinion which contrasts with that of the status quo, the Establishment, the Royal Family.
Nevertheless, putting the Monarchy to one side, I spent the day with those involved in running the Cyrenians Project in Swansea- a project which helps homeless and vulnerable people in the area. We had a tour of their spectacular building in Swansea- St Matthews Church. An area of the Church has been converted in to a cafe area and social space. From there the project runs various classes, provides healthy meals for homeless people, there is a nurse on site, and many more activities are available for those who choose to use the centre- and there are many!
We also visited the charity's hostel, The Dragon's Arts Centre( where we were given pottery gifts by those who use the centre) and Res a Rec. This scheme collects donated furniture from the local community, restores it where necessary, and passes it on to people who are homeless,the elderly, and those who cannot afford it. The workshop also makes original pieces of art from left over recycled goods, which really are beautiful.
What inspired me about this visit was the passion the organisers have for their jobs- in creating projects that will not only put a roof over people's heads( or seek to do so, budget's and beds permitting), but which helps them with all aspects of their lives- from healthy eating, to taking courses to improve their education, and generally just listening to them and their concerns.
I might have missed the ceremony, yes, but I believe that I had a hugely productive day in raising the awareness of the importance of the work done by charities such as the Cyrenians. As we were leaving, one of those involved in the projects hinted at her support for our actions today, by stating 'Wouldn't it be interesting to find out how many more people we could help if we had access to the money spent on these celebrations today?'
Nevertheless, putting the Monarchy to one side, I spent the day with those involved in running the Cyrenians Project in Swansea- a project which helps homeless and vulnerable people in the area. We had a tour of their spectacular building in Swansea- St Matthews Church. An area of the Church has been converted in to a cafe area and social space. From there the project runs various classes, provides healthy meals for homeless people, there is a nurse on site, and many more activities are available for those who choose to use the centre- and there are many!
We also visited the charity's hostel, The Dragon's Arts Centre( where we were given pottery gifts by those who use the centre) and Res a Rec. This scheme collects donated furniture from the local community, restores it where necessary, and passes it on to people who are homeless,the elderly, and those who cannot afford it. The workshop also makes original pieces of art from left over recycled goods, which really are beautiful.
What inspired me about this visit was the passion the organisers have for their jobs- in creating projects that will not only put a roof over people's heads( or seek to do so, budget's and beds permitting), but which helps them with all aspects of their lives- from healthy eating, to taking courses to improve their education, and generally just listening to them and their concerns.
I might have missed the ceremony, yes, but I believe that I had a hugely productive day in raising the awareness of the importance of the work done by charities such as the Cyrenians. As we were leaving, one of those involved in the projects hinted at her support for our actions today, by stating 'Wouldn't it be interesting to find out how many more people we could help if we had access to the money spent on these celebrations today?'
Monday 4 June 2007
Royal visit to Wales- press release
DATGANIAD I'R WASG - PRESS RELEASE - DATGANIAD I'R WASG
Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales
Celebrities back boycott of royal Welsh visit
Two Plaid Cymru Assembly Members have received celebrity support for their boycott of the royal visit to Wales. Poets, writers and entertainers including Benjamin Zephaniah, Polly Toynbee, Peter Tatchell, Catrin Dafydd and Clare Rayner have offered their support to Plaid Assembly Members Leanne Wood and Bethan Jenkins, who are visiting homelessness projects instead of attending the royal opening of the Welsh Assembly.
Plaid's Bethan Jenkins AM added:
"As a Welsh person, I do not see how the Monarchy is relevant to my everyday life, and to my generation. Of course, people are free to their opinion in support of the Monarchy, but I am equally free to criticise what I believe is an indefensible, undemocratic system.
"I want to create a truly democratic society, where inheriting power and privilege is consigned to the history books. Most of our European neighbours have successful democratic republics, and every new democracy that has emerged over the past thirty years has chosen to be a republic. There is nothing taboo or radical about being a republican in the 21st Century."
Plaid's Leanne Wood AM, a former probation worker and lecturer in social work, commented:
"I have held my republican views all my life like many of the well known names who have written with their support. The royal family are irrelevant to the people of Wales and so there should be no need to have a royal opening of the third assembly. My allegiance is to my constituents and the people of Wales, not to the monarchy."
"There are people on both sides of this debate with strong views. I respect the views of both those who support the monarchy and those who don't. Debate on this issue is long overdue. I disagree with an unelected head of state, so I don't feel I can attend the event at the Assembly. I look forward to the day when Wales is a republic and we can hold events like this without a royal presence."
Diwedd / Ends Notes to Editors
1) Celebrity quotes in support of Bethan Jenkins and Leanne Wood's stance:
Benjamin Zephaniah- Poet and Republican. He refused to accept an OBE: -
'I am proud of Wales, and I'm not even Welsh. Every time I cross a border I'm aware that I'm in a different Country, and that I am among people that have a strong sense of identity. I can't see what the monarchy has to do with that identity. I'm convinced the Welsh have the intelligence and confidence to look after themselves. The monarchy is simply out dated for the Welsh, and for everyone.'
Polly Toynbee- Columnist for The Guardian and The New Statesman: -
'Let's declare Queen Elizabeth as Elizabeth the Last, and never again a Prince of Wales. Its time modern parliaments and assemblies let go of the feudal past'.
Human rights campaigner and Green Party parliamentary candidate Peter Tatchell: -
"Congratulations to Bethan Jenkins and Leanne Wood on their inspiring stand in support of an elected head of state. Monarchy is incompatible with democracy. It is based on inherited power, wealth, influence and status - not on merit or public consent. Monarchs get the job for life, no matter how appallingly they behave. Imagine having to put up with a king like the insensitive, gaffe-prone Prince Philip. The alternative to royalty is not an all-powerful US-style president. We could have a low-cost, purely ceremonial elected president, like the Germans and Irish. This would ensure that the people are sovereign, not the royals. It would give us an important safeguard: if we don't like our head of state, we can elect a new one."
Catrin Dafydd, Author:
"The concept of inviting another country's monarchy to offer its seal of approval on political arrangements in Wales is alien to me. It's the people of Wales's seal of approval that matters. The monarchy is undemocratic and is a symbol of social injustice and a pervasive class system that divides rich and poor - it's about time to change that system. This is Wales's chance to do things differently".
Republic - campaign organisation:
"A hereditary head of state has no place at the opening of the new session of the Welsh Assembly. The Assembly is a democratic institution, the members of which have been chosen by the people of Wales. The Queen represents the worst, least democratic part of our constitution. Republic welcomes the boycott of the opening by Leanne Wood and Bethan Jenkins and hopes that in future significant events in the Assembly there will be opportunities to celebrate Welsh democracy, not to remind the people that they are subjects of the Crown."
Eurig Salisbury, Poet: -
"It's about time for someone in Wales with some guts to remind the Welsh that subservience does not play a part in the new political culture that we have in Wales!"
Roy Greenslade, Professor of journalism, City University, London:
'Leanne Wood and Bethan Jenkins represent the future of their country. In refusing to attend the Queen's opening of the new session of the Welsh Assembly, they remind the Welsh people that monarchy is an outmoded institution. It is irrelevant to the lives of people in the 21st century who seek to be citizens within a democracy with a proper constitution. Of course, it is an even greater insult to the Welsh people when that monarch happens to be foreign. So I offer my unequivocal support to Leanne and Bethan in staging their boycott. It is in the very best traditions of republicanism'.
Clare Rayner-Broadcaster, Novelist and Journalist
'I heartedly support the Welsh Assembly two who are standing for nearly half of the population of the UK who want to be citizens of their country not subjects of a Monarch. More power to their elbows- as much as they need to convince their colleagues in the Assembly to give some real thought to the issues surrounding the existence of a Monarchy, rather than the all too common knee jerk reaction that regards a visit from the Monarch as something important. If she had been an elected Head of State it would be different. But she most certainly is not!'
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DATGANIAD I'R WASG - PRESS RELEASE - DATGANIAD I'R WASG
Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales
Enwogion yn cefnogi boicot ymweliad Brenhinol i Gymru
Mae dwy Aelod Cynulliad wedi derbyn cefnogaeth enwogion am foicotio ymweliad Brenhinol i Gymru. Mae Beirdd, awduron a newyddiaduron gan gynnwys Benjamin Zephaniah, Polly Toynbee, Peter Tatchell, Catrin Dafydd a Clare Rayner wedi estyn eu cefnogaeth i Aelodau Cynulliad Plaid Cymru, Leanne Wood and Bethan Jenkins, sydd wedi penderfynnu ymweld ag elusennau i’r digatref yn lle mynychu’r seremoni brenhinol o agoriad y Senedd.
Dywedodd Bethan Jenkins AC Plaid:
"Fel Cymraes, nid yw’r Brenhiniaeth yn berthnasol i mi yn fy mywyd pob dydd, na chwaith i bobl o’r un genhedlaeth a mi. Wrth gwrs mae gan bobl yr hawl i gefnogi’r Frenhiniaeth, ond ar y llawr arall, mae gen i yr hawl i feirniadu system sydd yn fy marn i yn anemocrataidd ac yn anniffinadwy."
Dywedodd Leanne Wood AC Plaid, a chyn darlithydd mewn astudiaethau cymdeithasol:
"Rwyf wedi bod yn Weriniaethwr erioed, fel nifer o’r pobl enwog hynny sydd wedi ysgrifennu i ni yn cefnogi ein safiad. Mae’r teulu Brenhinol yn amherthnasol i bobl Cymru, ac felly ni ddylai’r Senedd cael agoriad Brenhinol. Rwyf yn deyrngar i bobl yn fy etholaeth, ac i bobl Cymru, nid i’r Frenhiniaeth."
"Mae pobl ar ddwy ochr y drafodaeth sydd â barn cryf am hyn. Rwyf yn parchu barn y dwy ochr- y rhai sydd yn erbyn y Frenhiniaeth, a’r rhai sydd yn ei gefnogi. Mae angen trafodaeth ar y mater hwn. Rwyf yn anghytuno a’r cysyniad o Bennaeth Gwladwriaeth nad sydd wedi cael eu hethol. Rwyf yn aros am y dydd pan fydd Cymru yn Weriniaeth, lle medrwn gynnal digwyddiadau fel hwn heb bresenoldeb y teulu Brenhinol."
Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales
Celebrities back boycott of royal Welsh visit
Two Plaid Cymru Assembly Members have received celebrity support for their boycott of the royal visit to Wales. Poets, writers and entertainers including Benjamin Zephaniah, Polly Toynbee, Peter Tatchell, Catrin Dafydd and Clare Rayner have offered their support to Plaid Assembly Members Leanne Wood and Bethan Jenkins, who are visiting homelessness projects instead of attending the royal opening of the Welsh Assembly.
Plaid's Bethan Jenkins AM added:
"As a Welsh person, I do not see how the Monarchy is relevant to my everyday life, and to my generation. Of course, people are free to their opinion in support of the Monarchy, but I am equally free to criticise what I believe is an indefensible, undemocratic system.
"I want to create a truly democratic society, where inheriting power and privilege is consigned to the history books. Most of our European neighbours have successful democratic republics, and every new democracy that has emerged over the past thirty years has chosen to be a republic. There is nothing taboo or radical about being a republican in the 21st Century."
Plaid's Leanne Wood AM, a former probation worker and lecturer in social work, commented:
"I have held my republican views all my life like many of the well known names who have written with their support. The royal family are irrelevant to the people of Wales and so there should be no need to have a royal opening of the third assembly. My allegiance is to my constituents and the people of Wales, not to the monarchy."
"There are people on both sides of this debate with strong views. I respect the views of both those who support the monarchy and those who don't. Debate on this issue is long overdue. I disagree with an unelected head of state, so I don't feel I can attend the event at the Assembly. I look forward to the day when Wales is a republic and we can hold events like this without a royal presence."
Diwedd / Ends Notes to Editors
1) Celebrity quotes in support of Bethan Jenkins and Leanne Wood's stance:
Benjamin Zephaniah- Poet and Republican. He refused to accept an OBE: -
'I am proud of Wales, and I'm not even Welsh. Every time I cross a border I'm aware that I'm in a different Country, and that I am among people that have a strong sense of identity. I can't see what the monarchy has to do with that identity. I'm convinced the Welsh have the intelligence and confidence to look after themselves. The monarchy is simply out dated for the Welsh, and for everyone.'
Polly Toynbee- Columnist for The Guardian and The New Statesman: -
'Let's declare Queen Elizabeth as Elizabeth the Last, and never again a Prince of Wales. Its time modern parliaments and assemblies let go of the feudal past'.
Human rights campaigner and Green Party parliamentary candidate Peter Tatchell: -
"Congratulations to Bethan Jenkins and Leanne Wood on their inspiring stand in support of an elected head of state. Monarchy is incompatible with democracy. It is based on inherited power, wealth, influence and status - not on merit or public consent. Monarchs get the job for life, no matter how appallingly they behave. Imagine having to put up with a king like the insensitive, gaffe-prone Prince Philip. The alternative to royalty is not an all-powerful US-style president. We could have a low-cost, purely ceremonial elected president, like the Germans and Irish. This would ensure that the people are sovereign, not the royals. It would give us an important safeguard: if we don't like our head of state, we can elect a new one."
Catrin Dafydd, Author:
"The concept of inviting another country's monarchy to offer its seal of approval on political arrangements in Wales is alien to me. It's the people of Wales's seal of approval that matters. The monarchy is undemocratic and is a symbol of social injustice and a pervasive class system that divides rich and poor - it's about time to change that system. This is Wales's chance to do things differently".
Republic - campaign organisation:
"A hereditary head of state has no place at the opening of the new session of the Welsh Assembly. The Assembly is a democratic institution, the members of which have been chosen by the people of Wales. The Queen represents the worst, least democratic part of our constitution. Republic welcomes the boycott of the opening by Leanne Wood and Bethan Jenkins and hopes that in future significant events in the Assembly there will be opportunities to celebrate Welsh democracy, not to remind the people that they are subjects of the Crown."
Eurig Salisbury, Poet: -
"It's about time for someone in Wales with some guts to remind the Welsh that subservience does not play a part in the new political culture that we have in Wales!"
Roy Greenslade, Professor of journalism, City University, London:
'Leanne Wood and Bethan Jenkins represent the future of their country. In refusing to attend the Queen's opening of the new session of the Welsh Assembly, they remind the Welsh people that monarchy is an outmoded institution. It is irrelevant to the lives of people in the 21st century who seek to be citizens within a democracy with a proper constitution. Of course, it is an even greater insult to the Welsh people when that monarch happens to be foreign. So I offer my unequivocal support to Leanne and Bethan in staging their boycott. It is in the very best traditions of republicanism'.
Clare Rayner-Broadcaster, Novelist and Journalist
'I heartedly support the Welsh Assembly two who are standing for nearly half of the population of the UK who want to be citizens of their country not subjects of a Monarch. More power to their elbows- as much as they need to convince their colleagues in the Assembly to give some real thought to the issues surrounding the existence of a Monarchy, rather than the all too common knee jerk reaction that regards a visit from the Monarch as something important. If she had been an elected Head of State it would be different. But she most certainly is not!'
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DATGANIAD I'R WASG - PRESS RELEASE - DATGANIAD I'R WASG
Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales
Enwogion yn cefnogi boicot ymweliad Brenhinol i Gymru
Mae dwy Aelod Cynulliad wedi derbyn cefnogaeth enwogion am foicotio ymweliad Brenhinol i Gymru. Mae Beirdd, awduron a newyddiaduron gan gynnwys Benjamin Zephaniah, Polly Toynbee, Peter Tatchell, Catrin Dafydd a Clare Rayner wedi estyn eu cefnogaeth i Aelodau Cynulliad Plaid Cymru, Leanne Wood and Bethan Jenkins, sydd wedi penderfynnu ymweld ag elusennau i’r digatref yn lle mynychu’r seremoni brenhinol o agoriad y Senedd.
Dywedodd Bethan Jenkins AC Plaid:
"Fel Cymraes, nid yw’r Brenhiniaeth yn berthnasol i mi yn fy mywyd pob dydd, na chwaith i bobl o’r un genhedlaeth a mi. Wrth gwrs mae gan bobl yr hawl i gefnogi’r Frenhiniaeth, ond ar y llawr arall, mae gen i yr hawl i feirniadu system sydd yn fy marn i yn anemocrataidd ac yn anniffinadwy."
Dywedodd Leanne Wood AC Plaid, a chyn darlithydd mewn astudiaethau cymdeithasol:
"Rwyf wedi bod yn Weriniaethwr erioed, fel nifer o’r pobl enwog hynny sydd wedi ysgrifennu i ni yn cefnogi ein safiad. Mae’r teulu Brenhinol yn amherthnasol i bobl Cymru, ac felly ni ddylai’r Senedd cael agoriad Brenhinol. Rwyf yn deyrngar i bobl yn fy etholaeth, ac i bobl Cymru, nid i’r Frenhiniaeth."
"Mae pobl ar ddwy ochr y drafodaeth sydd â barn cryf am hyn. Rwyf yn parchu barn y dwy ochr- y rhai sydd yn erbyn y Frenhiniaeth, a’r rhai sydd yn ei gefnogi. Mae angen trafodaeth ar y mater hwn. Rwyf yn anghytuno a’r cysyniad o Bennaeth Gwladwriaeth nad sydd wedi cael eu hethol. Rwyf yn aros am y dydd pan fydd Cymru yn Weriniaeth, lle medrwn gynnal digwyddiadau fel hwn heb bresenoldeb y teulu Brenhinol."
NHS, NHS, NHS.
It seems that the Conservatives are having that long awaited debate on the future of their party's policy- from the recent discussion over the future of Grammar schools, to today's latest announcement on the funding of the NHS.
The Independent reports that a group of 40 MP's, led by Peter Bone MP, have published a plan for all patients to be required to take out compulsory private health insurance( you wouldn't have thought that this would be contentious for the Tories, but wonders will never cease!)
Obviously, I welcome the Official party response to the plan which states that "they are free to put forward their ideas," as it is important for any political party to debate key policies in an open manner, which does not stifle opinion. Nevertheless, one must question whether this symbolises a threat to Cameron's new style leadership, or whether it is merely a genuine call from members for a debate within the party- a debate that has been so far cast to one side under Cameron's leadership.
Perhaps it is necessary for the Tories to clarify the direction of their party and their future, and decide once and for all how they wish to continue with key announcements on policy. Does Cameron really want to make the mistake of becoming Tony Blair #2 by steam rolling decisions through the party without considering opposition to such decisions?
From what I can gather, Cameron and co. seem to be intent on maintaining that the Tories have changed, have shrugged off their negative legacy, and that the NHS is in fact at the heart of their political agenda. Now its a case of whether or not they can take the party with them on the journey of this perceived new found Conservatism.
The Independent reports that a group of 40 MP's, led by Peter Bone MP, have published a plan for all patients to be required to take out compulsory private health insurance( you wouldn't have thought that this would be contentious for the Tories, but wonders will never cease!)
Obviously, I welcome the Official party response to the plan which states that "they are free to put forward their ideas," as it is important for any political party to debate key policies in an open manner, which does not stifle opinion. Nevertheless, one must question whether this symbolises a threat to Cameron's new style leadership, or whether it is merely a genuine call from members for a debate within the party- a debate that has been so far cast to one side under Cameron's leadership.
Perhaps it is necessary for the Tories to clarify the direction of their party and their future, and decide once and for all how they wish to continue with key announcements on policy. Does Cameron really want to make the mistake of becoming Tony Blair #2 by steam rolling decisions through the party without considering opposition to such decisions?
From what I can gather, Cameron and co. seem to be intent on maintaining that the Tories have changed, have shrugged off their negative legacy, and that the NHS is in fact at the heart of their political agenda. Now its a case of whether or not they can take the party with them on the journey of this perceived new found Conservatism.
Saturday 2 June 2007
Carwyn Jones- a 'consensus' politics advocate or not?
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to listen to Carwyn Jones on Taro’r Post regarding his opinions on a New Welsh Language Act (the sound on my computer is not working!) but from what I understand he is opposing a New Welsh Language Act, and his opposition therefore to implementing such an Act as a Minister whose brief includes the Welsh Language and its development.
It’s vital, therefore, that we assess the actions of the Labour Party in the next few weeks to get a clear, holistic idea of the situation. If the Labour party do not play ball, its anyone’s guess as to what will happen next.
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Carwyn Jones- O blaid gwleidyddiaeth 'consenws' ai peidio?
Yn anffodus, dwi ddim wedi clywed y cyfweliad gyda Carwyn Jones ar Taro'r Post am Ddeddf Iaith Newydd (nid yw'r sain ar fy nghyfrifiadur yn gweithio), ond o'r hyn rwy'n deall, mae Carwyn Jones wedi datgan ei fod yn erbyn y cysyniad o Ddeddf Iaith Newydd, ac felly ei fod yn erbyn gweithredu y fath Ddeddf yn y Cynulliad tra bod ef yn Weinidog sydd a phrif gyfrifoldeb dros yr iaith.
Mae'r newydd yma yn benbleth i mi, yn enwedig o ystyried datganiadau diwedddara'r Blaid Lafur am yr angen i hybu gwleidyddiaeth consensws yng Nghymru er mwyn datblygu'r Cynulliad yn y dyfodol. Dydw i ddim yn deall ei dacteg ( os oes ganddo dacteg o gwbl) dros wneud datganiadau mor bendant yn erbyn Deddf Iaith Newydd. O feddwl bod y Llywodraeth Llafur yn un lleiafrifol mi fasa un yn tybio bod Carwyn Jones am gadw'n dawel am gyfnod o leiaf! Tasen i yn 'sgidiau Carwyn Jones, baswn i'n ceisio darganfod ffordd o gymodi polisi'r Blaid Lafur ar yr Iaith gyda polisi Plaid Cymru, ac hynny er mwyn hwyluso'r broses o lywodraethu. Nid siarad yn erbyn un o brif polisiau Plaid Cymru yw'r ffordd gorau o ddatblygu perthynas gref, mae hynny'n sicr!
Beth sydd yn fwy o benblethdod yw bod Carwyn Jones, (yn ol y delwedd sydd ohono yn y wasg ac yn y byd gwleidyddol) yn un sydd ar adain fwy Cenedlaetholgar y Blaid Lafur. Yn fy marn pitw i, nid yw'n helpu Carwyn Jones i wthio'r agenda gwleidyddol tuag at bleidlais diffyg hyder a'r clymblaid enfys oherwydd mae e bron yn anochel y bydd adain Undebol ei blaid ei hun yn gweithredu ras arweinyddol yn ei erbyn os ydynt yn cael ei gwthio i fod yn wrthblaid yn y Cynulliad. Nid yw hynny'n sefyllfa bleserus iawn i Carwyn a'i debyg.
Yn syml felly, mae'n bwysig bod Carwyn Jones yn apelio i Blaid Cymru er mwyn sefydlogi ei huno fewn ei swydd. Mae ei symudiadau diweddaraf yn erbyn Deddf Iaith yn gwrthdaro gyda'r strategaeth hwn yn llwyr. Mae hyd yn oed gohebwyr fel Martin Shipton a Vaughan Roderick wedi nodi mai un o brif penderfyniadau Rhodri Morgan dros benodi Carwyn ac Edwina Hart i'w safleoedd presenol o fewn y Cabinet oedd i greu sefyllfa anodd i Blaid Cymru o ran disodli'r Llywodraeth, gyda'r Gweinidogion ' Plaid friendly' ar flaen y gad.
Felly beth yw pwysigrwydd hwn i ddyfodol gwleidyddiaeth Cymru? Yn fy marn i, os ydyw agwedd Carwyn Jones a'i cyd weithwyr yn parhau, fe fydd gwleidyddiaeth consensws rhwng Llafur a Phlaid Cymru yn anodd iawn i'w weithredu yn tymor byr, ac yn sicr yn yr hir dymor. Roedd gen i obeithion am yr allu i gydweithredu a Llafur fel yr ydych yn gwybod, a dyna i chi'r rheswm am i mi bleidleisio yn erbyn dod a thrafodaethau gyda'r Blaid hynny i ben wythnos yn ol.
Mae'n hanfodol, felly i asesu sut y bydd Llafur yn gweithredu yn yr wythnosau nesaf i gael darlun clir ac holistaidd o'r sefyllfa. Os nad yw'r Blaid Lafur am weithio gyda Plaid Cymru, pwy a wyr beth fydd yn digwydd nesaf.
