An exciting week in Welsh politics….
Posted on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 5:27pm
3 responses
Gosh, it’s been a pretty mad week in Welsh politics I have to say. You’d have thought that the Tories in Wales would have made some capital in watching us argue over top-up fees in Wales, but no, I think they wanted a piece of the action, and pushed the self destruct button…again. I’m really not sure what to say to be honest. I personally think, (for what its worth, and party politics aside) that Jonathan Morgan is a really good AM, is an effective performer, and an enthusiastic politician and its therefore a shame to see that he is no longer in the shadow cabinet.
I don’t know if or what he has been doing behind the scenes to undermine Nick Bourne, but it must be quite serious for this to happen to him now, and for him to have been demoted in such an outright manner. I am sure that there are others in the group that are not happy with what has happened, but they will probably keep quiet for the sake of maintaining key shadow cabinet positions- such is the attraction of position and power in the World of politics.
Its not good to see parties play out difficulties like this in full view of the public, but this may become the norm if members feel that they cannot find the avenues internally to do so, or if they feel that they have exhausted those routes. I think I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – leaders of political parties must realise that they have a key role in bringing their members with them, or including them in discussions on all levels. The problems arise when people become wary of opening up to others, keep themselves to themselves or confide in only a few people they are close to, thus alienating other members in the process. This may be the case for the Tory group, I do not know. Things could all work out from here on in, but one thing is certain, Bourne almost definitely had David Cameron/ the Westminster team’s approval for his reshuffle this week. But was the timing right?
I didn’t catch all of Dragon’s Eye this week, but I am very happy about the poll showing that 52% of the 1000 people that were polled were supportive of a full lawmaking parliament for Wales. If I’m honest, I think Carwyn Jones AM sat on the fench a bit about the whole ‘Will there or won’t there be a referendum’ business. This poll is great news for the prospect for a yes vote in the referendum. Let’s get out there, talk to the people of Wales, and lead on this issue once and for all.
Elfyn Llwyd was good on Question Time last night I thought. It was curious to see that Peter Hain was very civil towards our Elfyn too!! I didn’t realise that it was Kirsty Williams’ first time on the show. Well done to her. I don’t envy her having to do one of the most difficult political programmes out there. I am still annoyed that there was no question on Welsh politics, considering that they were in Merthyr. Surely people from other parts of the UK would be interested in what the Assembly is doing? This is a bug bear of mine, and I think I will write to Tinopolis to ask precisely why they do not consider it important enough to discuss Wales on the show.
Righteo, I’m off for now. I am handing out daffodils in the centre of Neath tomorrow morning as part of the party’s local St David’s Day efforts, and there is a St David’s Day Dinner in Swansea in the evening. I’m going to try and get to the annual St David’s Day Parade in Cardiff on Sunday, but I have to travel to Scotland at 5pm as we are having THE first ever formal Assembly committee session in the Scottish Parliament on Monday. We are investigating access to waterways in Wales and we will be taking evidence from Scottish organisations who have differing legislation to us in this area. Should be really interesting, although it means more travelling for me….
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus/ Happy St David’s Day if I do not blog again, and I wish Wales all the best in the rugby tonight…….
Yes bethan the poll showing clear support for more powers for the assembly was most encouraging. Even if it only confirmed what every other poll on the issue over the last few years has shown. But these latest findings are perhaps more encouraging still when you consider that there isnt even a official Yes campaign putting the case for more powers yet!
But anyone still doubting the need for establishing a Yes campaign as soon as can be arranged only had to listen to the downright lies peddled on the Dragon’s Eye programme by rachel banner of the so called ‘true wales’ campaign! On the programme the torfaen based banner gave a glimpse of the sort of campaign we can expect from this david davies front organisation – a campaign based on lies, smears and half truths!
There needs to be an all party wales-wide yes campaign to respond to all the lies, smears and untruths.
It looked to me as though an official Yes campaign has been established from Dragons Eye. The BBC presented Tomorrows Wales as the Yes campaign.
There is a yes campaigning group Leigh. It started on facebook but is now ready to hold its first Public Meeting.It is being held in Swansea, see Bethans earlier post for details.