I have to admit that I don't particularly see eye to eye with Elfyn Llwyd's analysis as to why the Wales Office should not be reformed under new constitutional changes by Gordon Brown- i.e that "it would slow down the democratic process and hinder the work being done on LCOs [legislative competence orders]' and that ' it would be foolish to take this step at this moment in time. '
The Westminster Government has plans to introduce a new super department for the UK's nations and regions. Whether Wales is classed as a region in this instance I'm not so sure, but the main thrust behind this particular change is the argument that it would serve to benefit devolution, not undermine it. I haven't seen the plans in full, but I would tend to agree with Peter Black AMs analysis ( there's a first!) in that the main concern lies with the status of any new super department, and the need for Wales to be fully represented in such a department. To do away with the current system of having a dedicated Secretary of State for Wales would be insufficient without taking this into account.
I am more flexible about changes to the Wales Office as I believe that it must evolve as devolution progresses. To leave it as it stands would be in denial of the system that we have in place at the moment, and the development of the Welsh Assembly to date. Of course, as I have said on so many occasions that I am now becoming bored of myself, the current LCO system was created by Labour for Labour, and the veto by the Secretary of State on new legislation brought forward by AMs still stands. I would be much more supportive of any ideas to change the make up of the Wales Office if Gordon Brown and his advisers scrapped this injustice, and gave the Assembly more flexibility to govern without strict caveats to power here in Wales.
The sooner we get a Parliament for Wales the less we will have to worry ourselves with the workings of the Wales Office. In my opinion, an office that combines the work of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland could be given the flexibility to be more progressive in that it may encourage those in the department to share cross border ideas on legislation, and encourage greater communication between the Celtic Nations.
We shall wait and see what comes of this idea.
Showing posts with label Peter Black. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter Black. Show all posts
Monday 28 July 2008
Friday 9 May 2008
Mike German to step down...in October.....
Do you ever get the feeling that the Lib dem group at the Assembly are a little unhappy with their leader?
Peter Black AM's blog post on his leader is testimony to the fact that he wants Mike German to go, and to go sharpish. Wait until October? No way, that's far too long a wait to get Kirsty Williams AM in there, and leading the 6 strong team of Lib dems at the National Assembly!
At the end of the day, he could easily have stood against Mike German as leader after the Assembly elections, but he chose not to stand- he and others sat back and allowed Mike German to carry on. If he was that ineffectual a leader, then why not stand against him?
I presume there was no leadership contest after the National Assembly elections, as Kirsty Williams was not popular amongst party members who wanted the deal with Plaid and the Tories to work. Kirsty was seen as trying to undermine that deal. Whether this was a play at the leadership is any one's guess.
Nevertheless, Mike German (if he keeps to his words) will stand down in October. Plenty of time for some Labour party leadership hopefuls to try and shore up a possible coalition deal with a fresh, new lib dem leader ( could it possibly happen?...)
Peter Black AM's blog post on his leader is testimony to the fact that he wants Mike German to go, and to go sharpish. Wait until October? No way, that's far too long a wait to get Kirsty Williams AM in there, and leading the 6 strong team of Lib dems at the National Assembly!
At the end of the day, he could easily have stood against Mike German as leader after the Assembly elections, but he chose not to stand- he and others sat back and allowed Mike German to carry on. If he was that ineffectual a leader, then why not stand against him?
I presume there was no leadership contest after the National Assembly elections, as Kirsty Williams was not popular amongst party members who wanted the deal with Plaid and the Tories to work. Kirsty was seen as trying to undermine that deal. Whether this was a play at the leadership is any one's guess.
Nevertheless, Mike German (if he keeps to his words) will stand down in October. Plenty of time for some Labour party leadership hopefuls to try and shore up a possible coalition deal with a fresh, new lib dem leader ( could it possibly happen?...)
Thursday 10 April 2008
Come the Referendum....
Peter Black says on his blog today that we should get on with the Yes campaign for a Parliament for Wales. I couldn't agree more, but wasn't it the Lib dems who said a while ago that they didn't want a vote on a Parliament on the same day as the next National Assembly elections? Seems a bit disjointed, but now that the Lib dems are changing tactics ( again) and trying to out Welsh Plaid Cymru and the 'Welsh' Conservatives at the moment ( what with Eleanor Burnham's reference to the LCO system as 'swimming through custard') then this doesn't surprise me.
The Convention is set to start its work in the summer, and I see no reason why the Yes campaign cannot start organically regardless of the timeline of the Convention. Surely everything that we are seeking to do in the National Assembly( at least here in Plaid Cymru) is to try and show how and why we need a full legislative Parliament for Wales?
Yes, the current system is complicated and long-winded- but let us not forget that this was instigated as a way to appease the Labour party internally. Again, it was the Unionist vs Devolutionist fight in the Labour party that took precedence over endorsing the findings of the Richard Commission. That is why we are where we are today.
So lets move on, be positive about the Referendum, and enthuse the people of Wales about the importance of the Assembly becoming a Parliament. OK, so the Ian Lucas's and the Don Touhig's of this World probably don't have constituency offices brimming with letter on the constitutional question at face value, but when we delve into the issues, then the importance of enhancing the powers of the Assembly becomes clear.
People want to know why the National Assembly can't decide to keep the Post Offices open, why we can't change the regressive immigration and asylum policies of London Labour. People want to know why we can't make decisions on planning applications above 50MW, and why the Assembly can't reach the child poverty targets alone. There are many things that we can do currently as an Institution, but for the sake of clarity and consistency, as well as for the sake of enshrining the rights of the people of Wales- we must campaign for a successful outcome to this referendum.
The Convention is set to start its work in the summer, and I see no reason why the Yes campaign cannot start organically regardless of the timeline of the Convention. Surely everything that we are seeking to do in the National Assembly( at least here in Plaid Cymru) is to try and show how and why we need a full legislative Parliament for Wales?
Yes, the current system is complicated and long-winded- but let us not forget that this was instigated as a way to appease the Labour party internally. Again, it was the Unionist vs Devolutionist fight in the Labour party that took precedence over endorsing the findings of the Richard Commission. That is why we are where we are today.
So lets move on, be positive about the Referendum, and enthuse the people of Wales about the importance of the Assembly becoming a Parliament. OK, so the Ian Lucas's and the Don Touhig's of this World probably don't have constituency offices brimming with letter on the constitutional question at face value, but when we delve into the issues, then the importance of enhancing the powers of the Assembly becomes clear.
People want to know why the National Assembly can't decide to keep the Post Offices open, why we can't change the regressive immigration and asylum policies of London Labour. People want to know why we can't make decisions on planning applications above 50MW, and why the Assembly can't reach the child poverty targets alone. There are many things that we can do currently as an Institution, but for the sake of clarity and consistency, as well as for the sake of enshrining the rights of the people of Wales- we must campaign for a successful outcome to this referendum.
Sunday 10 February 2008
A politics free weekend?
Was it George Osbourne who said that he didn't take part in any political activity over the weekend? I don't keep to this very often (Saturday night Plaid Neath quiz night as case in point, which was very enjoyable I'd like to add) but sometimes when I watch the Politics Show I start to go for the remote, knowing that there is athletics on the other channel! Its mainly because some of the interviews are, shall we say, a little monontonous, or at best predictable. Take Nick Clegg today for example.
I don't think that I learnt anything new about the Lib dems, only that they still aren't quite sure where they are at, and what they are trying to achieve. Its a little worrying for them, that despite their Cameron puppet leader they are still flatlining in the polls. Clegg was rushing over his words, trying to ensure that he wouldn't have to answer any questions about whether he would go into coalition with the Tories or Labour if it came to the crunch on a Westminster level. Remind you of any past events, anyone?!
As was said in the piece on the Lib dems on the show, there are plenty of ways in which they can seek to offer new ideas, but they don't seem to be grasping this agenda, especially so in Wales where Plaid are already offering and delivering on left of centre policies which coincide with the thoughts of the normal Lib dem voter. What annoyes me most about Lib dems, however, is their insistancy on appearing whiter than white about every policy or debate, despite this being far from the truth in many, but not all cases. Voting with New Labour and the Tories for the selling of student loans to private companies being one of their most recent fault lines in Westminster.
I have read many a Lib dem blogger talk about Labour and Plaid in Government in Cardiff Bay, and it is interesting that their ( one being Peter Black of course) strategy is to hammer in to Plaid at every opportunity, and this despite them failing to take up the opportunity when it arose to go in to Government! Now I know that we have to take hard decisions in Governemnt, and I haven't always agreed with everything that the Government in Cardiff Bay has done, but I enjoy the fact that we can negotiate from inside Government, and that we can influence the more progressive Labour AMs to think in line with Plaid's priorities and policy objectives. You can spin our involvement in Government any way you like, but I believe that this has been a superb opportunity for Plaid to govern, and to enthuse party members and the Welsh people alike.
I don't think that I learnt anything new about the Lib dems, only that they still aren't quite sure where they are at, and what they are trying to achieve. Its a little worrying for them, that despite their Cameron puppet leader they are still flatlining in the polls. Clegg was rushing over his words, trying to ensure that he wouldn't have to answer any questions about whether he would go into coalition with the Tories or Labour if it came to the crunch on a Westminster level. Remind you of any past events, anyone?!
As was said in the piece on the Lib dems on the show, there are plenty of ways in which they can seek to offer new ideas, but they don't seem to be grasping this agenda, especially so in Wales where Plaid are already offering and delivering on left of centre policies which coincide with the thoughts of the normal Lib dem voter. What annoyes me most about Lib dems, however, is their insistancy on appearing whiter than white about every policy or debate, despite this being far from the truth in many, but not all cases. Voting with New Labour and the Tories for the selling of student loans to private companies being one of their most recent fault lines in Westminster.
I have read many a Lib dem blogger talk about Labour and Plaid in Government in Cardiff Bay, and it is interesting that their ( one being Peter Black of course) strategy is to hammer in to Plaid at every opportunity, and this despite them failing to take up the opportunity when it arose to go in to Government! Now I know that we have to take hard decisions in Governemnt, and I haven't always agreed with everything that the Government in Cardiff Bay has done, but I enjoy the fact that we can negotiate from inside Government, and that we can influence the more progressive Labour AMs to think in line with Plaid's priorities and policy objectives. You can spin our involvement in Government any way you like, but I believe that this has been a superb opportunity for Plaid to govern, and to enthuse party members and the Welsh people alike.
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.
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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.
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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.
Thursday 24 May 2007
A week is a long time in politics...............
They say a week is a long time in politics. After my short experience as an AM, I think I'd say an hour is a long time in Welsh politics, especially if you assess this in terms of last night's Lib dem drama!
You all know where I stand on the issue of coalition (the Western Mail highlights this, but its news is unfortunately very out of date today), but I am perplexed by the Lib dems. Totally perplexed. They suspended talks with Labour to pursue talks with Plaid and the Tories. Negotiations took place, with Mike German seemingly either oblivious to opposition in his own party, or in denial of that opposition so as to pursue his dream of being a Cabinet Minister( again).
The Lib dems have some serious issues to address- leadership being its main priority. I must say, having seen how the Lib dems have acted, a Rainbow coalition would have been far from stable from the outset. I don't think Peter Black could stomach giving Mike German a Ministerial position, which is one of the reasons, (or the only reason?) why I believe that they are in this mess right now.
One thing is sure, we have to work through these next few days to get a deal. I don't believe that suspending talks with Labour was wise tactially for us, but that is neither here nor there at this point.
We must talk with Labour at this crucial stage, and re-ignite the red- green option. We will have to encourage Labour to play ball now. Whether they will co-operate with us is another issue altogether.
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Wythnos yn hir men gwleidyddiaeth..............................
Mae nhw yn dweud bod wythnos yn amser hir mewn gwleidyddiaeth. Yn fy mhrofiad byr fel AC, buaswn yn dweud fod awr yn ddigon hir yng ngwleidyddiaeth Cymru, yn enwedig pan yn aseseu yn nhermau drama'r Democratiad Rhyddfrydol neithiwr!
Rydych i gyd yn gwybod lle rwyf yn sefyll ar glymbaid enfys (mae'r Western Mail yn tanlinellu hyn, newyddion braidd yn hen heddiw), ond ni allaf ddeall y Lib Dems. Wedi gohirio trafodaethau gyda Llafur, i ymroddi i drafodaethau gyda Plaid a'r Toriaid, doedd Mike German ddim yn cydnabod y gwrthwynebiad yn ei blaid, efallai i ganlyn y freuddwyd o fod yn Weinidog, eto.Mae rhaid i'r Dem Rhydd wynebu rhai problemau mawr, gan flaenoriaethu arweinyddiaeth.
O weld sut maent yn ymddwyn, ni fyddai clymblaid enfys wedi bod yn sefydog iawn o'r cychwyn. Dwi ddim yn credu fod gan Peter Black y stumog i roi Gweinidogaeth ar blat i Mike German. Un o'r rhesymau maent yn y fath lanast.Yn sicr, yn y dyddiau i ddod rhaid gweithio yn galed i gael cytundeb. Nid oedd gohirio trafodaethau gyd Llafur yn symudiad tactegol ar ein rhan, ond dydi hyn o ddim gwahaniaeth rwan.
Rhaid i ni drafod gyda Llafur ar yr adeg yma, ac ail-danio'r ddewis Plaid-Llafur. Rhaid ysgogi Llafur i chwarae'r gem rwan. Ond, a fydd y blaid yna yn cydweithio?
You all know where I stand on the issue of coalition (the Western Mail highlights this, but its news is unfortunately very out of date today), but I am perplexed by the Lib dems. Totally perplexed. They suspended talks with Labour to pursue talks with Plaid and the Tories. Negotiations took place, with Mike German seemingly either oblivious to opposition in his own party, or in denial of that opposition so as to pursue his dream of being a Cabinet Minister( again).
The Lib dems have some serious issues to address- leadership being its main priority. I must say, having seen how the Lib dems have acted, a Rainbow coalition would have been far from stable from the outset. I don't think Peter Black could stomach giving Mike German a Ministerial position, which is one of the reasons, (or the only reason?) why I believe that they are in this mess right now.
One thing is sure, we have to work through these next few days to get a deal. I don't believe that suspending talks with Labour was wise tactially for us, but that is neither here nor there at this point.
We must talk with Labour at this crucial stage, and re-ignite the red- green option. We will have to encourage Labour to play ball now. Whether they will co-operate with us is another issue altogether.
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Wythnos yn hir men gwleidyddiaeth..............................
Mae nhw yn dweud bod wythnos yn amser hir mewn gwleidyddiaeth. Yn fy mhrofiad byr fel AC, buaswn yn dweud fod awr yn ddigon hir yng ngwleidyddiaeth Cymru, yn enwedig pan yn aseseu yn nhermau drama'r Democratiad Rhyddfrydol neithiwr!
Rydych i gyd yn gwybod lle rwyf yn sefyll ar glymbaid enfys (mae'r Western Mail yn tanlinellu hyn, newyddion braidd yn hen heddiw), ond ni allaf ddeall y Lib Dems. Wedi gohirio trafodaethau gyda Llafur, i ymroddi i drafodaethau gyda Plaid a'r Toriaid, doedd Mike German ddim yn cydnabod y gwrthwynebiad yn ei blaid, efallai i ganlyn y freuddwyd o fod yn Weinidog, eto.Mae rhaid i'r Dem Rhydd wynebu rhai problemau mawr, gan flaenoriaethu arweinyddiaeth.
O weld sut maent yn ymddwyn, ni fyddai clymblaid enfys wedi bod yn sefydog iawn o'r cychwyn. Dwi ddim yn credu fod gan Peter Black y stumog i roi Gweinidogaeth ar blat i Mike German. Un o'r rhesymau maent yn y fath lanast.Yn sicr, yn y dyddiau i ddod rhaid gweithio yn galed i gael cytundeb. Nid oedd gohirio trafodaethau gyd Llafur yn symudiad tactegol ar ein rhan, ond dydi hyn o ddim gwahaniaeth rwan.
Rhaid i ni drafod gyda Llafur ar yr adeg yma, ac ail-danio'r ddewis Plaid-Llafur. Rhaid ysgogi Llafur i chwarae'r gem rwan. Ond, a fydd y blaid yna yn cydweithio?
Monday 21 May 2007
What can I blog about apart from coalitions?!
I must admit that I'm finding it hard to blog at the moment. Its mainly due to the fact that I want to blog about different issues of the day, but then this is overtaken by constant thoughts on the negotiations that are taking place between the political parties this week- a very important week if anyone is to make a decision on who will govern Wales for the next 4 years. I would very much like to put it to the back of my mind, but its impossible given the weight placed upon us as AM's, and us as Plaid members, to finalise agreements by the end of the week.
Some other blogs have noted that I am of course stating the obvious when discussing the fact that any decision must go through Plaid's proper channels. I understand their comments, but I am merely stating that all is not black and white- that a Rainbow coalition is not inevitable at this stage.
Of course, Plaid members are not being silenced on this issue as Alun Cairns suggests on his blog, but I do believe that members are, like myself, thinking all options through clearly, and are cautious to make statements that could jeopordise the progression or stability of any said agreement. I have received many emails in the last few days- some from constituents, some from party members, both for and against the idea of a Rainbow coalition. These messages do little to help me in making a firm decision, but are effective in assessing public perception to what could be an entirely new form of politics here in Wales.
In my opinion, the pressure is on Rhodri Morgan to either cut a good deal with Plaid or face the end of his political career in opposition( and does he really want a seat in opposition to be his lasting legacy??) The question is, does he master enough authority within his own group to be able to deliver any deal with Plaid?
We are the party constantly criticised for having negative thoughts of the Tories due to our 80's Thatcher hang ups, but it would be enlightening if commentators could highlight the fact that many Labour AM's must equally get over their blinkered view of Plaid, so that they too can embrace the consensual politics of 21st century Wales.
A deal with the Lib dems and Labour is dead in the water as far as I can gather from speaking to the likes of Peter Black. Therefore, Rhodri Morgan must come up trumps with Plaid in the next few days, or other options will have to be explored.
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Pynciau heblaw clymbleidiau?
Mae hi yn anodd iawn blogio ar y funud. Rwyf eisiau gwneud sylwadau ar faterion y diwrnod, ond wedyn yn dechrau meddwl am y trafodaethau rhyngbleidiol a fydd yn rhedeg drwy'r wythnos - wythnos hynod o bwysig, yn terfynu gyda phenderfyniad ar bwy fydd yn llywodraethu Cymru am y bedair mlynedd nesaf. Mi fuaswn yn hoffi gallu meddwl am rywbeth gwahanol, ond mae'n amhosib gwneud hyn gyda'r pwysau arnom fel ACau ac aelodau Plaid, i ffurfio cytundeb erbyn diwedd yr wythnos.
Mae rhai blogiau eraill wedi nodi fy mod yn mynegi yr hyn sydd yn amlwg pan yn trafod yr angen i unrhyw benderfyniad gael ei wneud drwy gyfundrefn ffurfiol y Blaid. Rwyf yn cydnabod eu barn, ond mae'n wir nad yw clymblaid Enfys yn anochel. Nid yw'n wir, fel mae Alun Cairns yn awgrymu ar ei flog, fod aelodau Plaid yn cael eu distewi ar y mater, ond mae aelodau, gan gynnwys fy hunan, yn meddwl dros y dewisiadau, ac rydm yn ofalus am fynegi barn a allai beryglu sefydlogrwydd trafodaethau.
Rwyf wedi derbyn nifer o e-byst yn ddiweddar - gan etholwyr ac aelodau'r Blaid, o blaid ac yn erbyn clymblaid Enfys. Dydi rhain ddim yn gynorthwyol i fy mhroses o wneud penderfyniad, ond yn ddefnyddiol i asesu dehongliad cyhoeddus o beth all fod yn fath newydd o wleidyddiaeth yng Nghymru.
Yn fy marn i, mae'r pwysau ar Rhodri Morgan i lunio cytundeb foddhaol gyda Plaid, neu gwynebu diwedd ei alwedigaeth wleidyddol fel gwrthbleidydd (ai dyma beth mae o eisiau fel ei gymynrodd??). Yr unig gwestiwn yw, a oes ganddo ddigon o ddylanwad yn ei grwp i arwain at gytundeb gyda Plaid?
Ni yw'r blaid sydd wedi cael ein cyhuddo o hel meddyliau negatif am y Toriaid, yn sgil trychinebau Thatcher yn yr 80au, ond mi fydd yn oleuol os y bydd rhai gohebwyr yn tanlinellu'r ffaith fod rhaid i lawer o ACau Llafur wynebu eu rhagdybiaethau hwy am y Blaid, fel ein bod yn gallu symud tuag at wleidyddiaeth cyd-weithredol newydd i Gymru yr 21ain ganrif.
Mae cytundeb rhwng y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol a Llafur yn farw ar ei draed yn ol pobl fel Peter Black. Felly, mae'n rhaid i Rhodri Morgan wneud cynnig da i Plaid yn y dyddiau nesaf, neu mi fydd dewisiadau eraill yn cael eu ystyried.
Some other blogs have noted that I am of course stating the obvious when discussing the fact that any decision must go through Plaid's proper channels. I understand their comments, but I am merely stating that all is not black and white- that a Rainbow coalition is not inevitable at this stage.
Of course, Plaid members are not being silenced on this issue as Alun Cairns suggests on his blog, but I do believe that members are, like myself, thinking all options through clearly, and are cautious to make statements that could jeopordise the progression or stability of any said agreement. I have received many emails in the last few days- some from constituents, some from party members, both for and against the idea of a Rainbow coalition. These messages do little to help me in making a firm decision, but are effective in assessing public perception to what could be an entirely new form of politics here in Wales.
In my opinion, the pressure is on Rhodri Morgan to either cut a good deal with Plaid or face the end of his political career in opposition( and does he really want a seat in opposition to be his lasting legacy??) The question is, does he master enough authority within his own group to be able to deliver any deal with Plaid?
We are the party constantly criticised for having negative thoughts of the Tories due to our 80's Thatcher hang ups, but it would be enlightening if commentators could highlight the fact that many Labour AM's must equally get over their blinkered view of Plaid, so that they too can embrace the consensual politics of 21st century Wales.
A deal with the Lib dems and Labour is dead in the water as far as I can gather from speaking to the likes of Peter Black. Therefore, Rhodri Morgan must come up trumps with Plaid in the next few days, or other options will have to be explored.
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Pynciau heblaw clymbleidiau?
Mae hi yn anodd iawn blogio ar y funud. Rwyf eisiau gwneud sylwadau ar faterion y diwrnod, ond wedyn yn dechrau meddwl am y trafodaethau rhyngbleidiol a fydd yn rhedeg drwy'r wythnos - wythnos hynod o bwysig, yn terfynu gyda phenderfyniad ar bwy fydd yn llywodraethu Cymru am y bedair mlynedd nesaf. Mi fuaswn yn hoffi gallu meddwl am rywbeth gwahanol, ond mae'n amhosib gwneud hyn gyda'r pwysau arnom fel ACau ac aelodau Plaid, i ffurfio cytundeb erbyn diwedd yr wythnos.
Mae rhai blogiau eraill wedi nodi fy mod yn mynegi yr hyn sydd yn amlwg pan yn trafod yr angen i unrhyw benderfyniad gael ei wneud drwy gyfundrefn ffurfiol y Blaid. Rwyf yn cydnabod eu barn, ond mae'n wir nad yw clymblaid Enfys yn anochel. Nid yw'n wir, fel mae Alun Cairns yn awgrymu ar ei flog, fod aelodau Plaid yn cael eu distewi ar y mater, ond mae aelodau, gan gynnwys fy hunan, yn meddwl dros y dewisiadau, ac rydm yn ofalus am fynegi barn a allai beryglu sefydlogrwydd trafodaethau.
Rwyf wedi derbyn nifer o e-byst yn ddiweddar - gan etholwyr ac aelodau'r Blaid, o blaid ac yn erbyn clymblaid Enfys. Dydi rhain ddim yn gynorthwyol i fy mhroses o wneud penderfyniad, ond yn ddefnyddiol i asesu dehongliad cyhoeddus o beth all fod yn fath newydd o wleidyddiaeth yng Nghymru.
Yn fy marn i, mae'r pwysau ar Rhodri Morgan i lunio cytundeb foddhaol gyda Plaid, neu gwynebu diwedd ei alwedigaeth wleidyddol fel gwrthbleidydd (ai dyma beth mae o eisiau fel ei gymynrodd??). Yr unig gwestiwn yw, a oes ganddo ddigon o ddylanwad yn ei grwp i arwain at gytundeb gyda Plaid?
Ni yw'r blaid sydd wedi cael ein cyhuddo o hel meddyliau negatif am y Toriaid, yn sgil trychinebau Thatcher yn yr 80au, ond mi fydd yn oleuol os y bydd rhai gohebwyr yn tanlinellu'r ffaith fod rhaid i lawer o ACau Llafur wynebu eu rhagdybiaethau hwy am y Blaid, fel ein bod yn gallu symud tuag at wleidyddiaeth cyd-weithredol newydd i Gymru yr 21ain ganrif.
Mae cytundeb rhwng y Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol a Llafur yn farw ar ei draed yn ol pobl fel Peter Black. Felly, mae'n rhaid i Rhodri Morgan wneud cynnig da i Plaid yn y dyddiau nesaf, neu mi fydd dewisiadau eraill yn cael eu ystyried.
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 9 March 2007
Lib dem negative campaigning- Are you 'lovin' it'?
I bet McDonald's are happy with the free advertising the Lib dems are giving them today with an attack on political parties' 'happy meal' policies. Personally I'm tired of seeing ugly yellow M signs plastered around our towns, and I've heard enough about the problems surrounding the fatty foods of the capitalist company which is McDonald's, without Kirsty Williams using the company's lingo as a political point scoring exercise!
To say that Plaid's free lap top for school children is a reflection of our 'obsession with freebies' is unacceptable. The policy has been well thought out. It is researched based, centering on successes in other European countries, including a recent trial in Wolverhampton which has been hugely popular amongst school children. The purpose of the proposal is to up skill young people, to make learning more interesting, and to offer new technological opportunities to all in society. The policy has been costed, and will be rolled out across the sector.
Kirsty Williams's comments that there are 'no substance' to opposition party policies are also unfounded. She fails to remark that Plaid have a comprehensive list of policies which include doubling the childcare budget, setting targets to cut C02 emissions, first time buyer grants and introducing a Welsh Language Act, to name but a few. If these are not substantial policies, I am lost for words.
Incidentally, Peter Black AM has said previously that he wants to concentrate on the positives of the election campaign for the Lib dems, attacking Plaid's ' Kick Labour in to touch' billboard campaign. But surely this announcement today is a sign of Lib dem negative campaigning?
......The Lib dems want to develop healthier school meals. Let's hope that there's not a McDonald's in sight, then!
Wednesday 10 January 2007
Peter Black releases another statement on Top-up Fees....yawn....
I have just finished reading Peter Black AM's letter in the Western Mail concerning the Lib dems policy on Top-up Fees. Its just typical of the likes of Peter Black to go all out for the student vote as soon as he sniffs an election! He must think to himself, 'what can I do 4 months before an election? Oh, I'll try and get the student vote! I know, I'll mention fees! That'll get them!'
The letter is totally absurd in that he is 'challenging other parties to tell students where they stand (on fees)'. Why do you need to challenge us? Plaid has always campaigned against tuition fees and top-up fees, mainly through student groups at Universities across Wales, and through Student Union representation. While I was President of Aberystwyth Guild of Students, I was one of those who led the campaign against the introduction of top-up fees in Wales. If it hadn't been for us, the lobbying of AM's wouldn't have happened. The NUS Wales Labour posse were far too prepared to sit back and let fees be introduced in Wales, for fear of stepping on the toes of their beloved Jane Davidson.
The fact of the matter is that Plaid believes in free education, and are looking at new ways of funding Higher Education. We need to address the funding gap between English Universities and Welsh Universities, and continue to oppose top-up fees in Wales. Of course we can take the fight to Westminster again, but surely now that the Assembly has shown an example by taking a stand against fees, we can use that to our advantage to campaign on a Welsh level? Must everything be Westminster based?
I know that there are key figures in the Lib dems in Wales that are in favour of fees if only because they believe that there are no realistic alternatives. But we can't give up on the campaign for free education.
If Peter Black wants a challenge after that, I'm happy to oblige!
The letter is totally absurd in that he is 'challenging other parties to tell students where they stand (on fees)'. Why do you need to challenge us? Plaid has always campaigned against tuition fees and top-up fees, mainly through student groups at Universities across Wales, and through Student Union representation. While I was President of Aberystwyth Guild of Students, I was one of those who led the campaign against the introduction of top-up fees in Wales. If it hadn't been for us, the lobbying of AM's wouldn't have happened. The NUS Wales Labour posse were far too prepared to sit back and let fees be introduced in Wales, for fear of stepping on the toes of their beloved Jane Davidson.
The fact of the matter is that Plaid believes in free education, and are looking at new ways of funding Higher Education. We need to address the funding gap between English Universities and Welsh Universities, and continue to oppose top-up fees in Wales. Of course we can take the fight to Westminster again, but surely now that the Assembly has shown an example by taking a stand against fees, we can use that to our advantage to campaign on a Welsh level? Must everything be Westminster based?
I know that there are key figures in the Lib dems in Wales that are in favour of fees if only because they believe that there are no realistic alternatives. But we can't give up on the campaign for free education.
If Peter Black wants a challenge after that, I'm happy to oblige!
Saturday 6 January 2007
Politicians blogging....
A journalist student.....Ciaran Jenkins ( who might be my brother...!) has written a very interesting blog -'Welsh Assembly cool on blogging'. I don't sit easy with complimenting Peter Black or Leighton Andrews, but on this occasion I will prove to be the exception I never thought I could be! I think that the fact that they blog as Politicians is positive and is a novel way of reaching out to people who perhaps don't read the papers or watch the news that often. To us politicians, that seems far fetched...but true!
I might not agree with the content of the political blogs coming from our Welsh Assembly Members but I think it is commendable. To have up to date information from a debate while it is happening in the Assembly or to receive personal opinions on how, for example, budget discussions are fairing at the moment can create interest in politics and makes sure that politics is up to date and to the minute. So many websites of Politicians are very poor in standard and are rarely updated. This gives them a stale air, of lack of interest in those of us that use the Internet for information purposes, and creates a feeling of 'I'm too good to blog' amongst Politicians.
Adam Price MP did have a blog for a brief period of time. He was very keen on the idea, and still is. However, he did put a stop to it -I believe because he was inundated with complaints that his blog wasn't totally bilingual all of the time. I think that this is unfair really. Adam Price should be allowed to blog bilingually as he sees fits, and to blog in a language of choice when he sees fit. Blogging is fundamentally different to placing press releases and articles on a website. It's about a natural flow of thought, not about the welsh being translated correctly, to the word. I suggest that we should start a campaign to get Adam up and blogging again. He must be one of the most radical politicians around at the moment, and to find out his thoughts on calling for the inquiry on the War in Iraq, and his recent trip to Venezuela must be of interest to millions out there.
Coming back to the discussion on Assembly and blogging, I think that Assembly Members should broaden their minds to the concept of blogging and its benefits. Of course, you can't tell how many constituents are reading the blogs, but at least you are sharing your opinions with others, are encouraging debate, and are essentially promoting the work that you do in the Assembly. For those AM's who blogon a hap hazard basis, get your socks on and blog more often! One blog every blue moon is a waste. You need to get people hooked, and constantly interested in what you do.
Vetting and policing blogs are also a no no. I can imagine that Leighton Andrews would need to police his blog if Plaid in Rhondda wants to contribute! He's not the most popular Politician in the area, especially given his Unionist, pro monarchy stance!
I know I don't blog enough myself I hear you scream at the computer. True, but sometimes life takes over. I'm sure that if I'm elected as an Assembly Member next year, I'll have plenty of time to sit and blog during plenary discussions. What do you think?!
