Euro results
Posted on Monday, June 8, 2009 at 5:01pm
3 responses
So the Euro elections are over. Congratulations to Jill Evans who will return to the European Parliament. We did really well in a number of constituencies throughout Wales-topping the poll in Ceredigion, Ynys Mon, Llanelli and Conwy -in areas we targeted as part of our aim to win Westminster seats in the next General election. We were also close to Labour in many Valleys seats, increasing our share of the vote.
It has to be said that I am personally a little bit disappointed that we did not beat Labour in to 2nd place in Wales. I would be lying if I said otherwise, given that they are losing support on such a large scale. I have just been to the photo call to congratulate Jill on winning her seat, and there, IeuanWyn Jones said that we must now look to developing new seats as a party- seats in Valleys areas where we can beat Labour. I am pleased that he said that today, because we have to take risks, we have to break new ground, and show disillusioned Labour voters that we are the natural alternative.We also most definitely lost some votes to the Greens in last night’s vote. But I am not sure what can be progressed on this agenda.
Like everyone predicted, this election has been a disaster for Labour – their vote has halved and puts Brown’s authority in to question yet again. The MPs are meeting tonight in London. I was sitting next to Betty Wiliams and Dianne Abbott this afternoon at the Speaker’s Conference which was taking evidence on equalities in Wales, and they had to rush off to get their train for ‘a special meeting’. What conclusions they will come to are any body’s guess. Oh to be a fly on the wall!
This has also been a very bad election for the Lib Dems who have lost in areas where they have MPs. All the spin in the World cannot detract from the fact that this cannot be a pleasant result for Kirsty Williams as the new Lib dem leader in Wales – coming in after UKIP, and the Tories winning in Brecon and Radnor. No doubt it is a positive day for Tories in Wales, but where they have done well are in areas where it is a Labour / Conservative battle (eg. Vale of Glam, Cardiff North, Delyn) – but where the Tories were our main opposition, we beat them as a party.
Now’s the time to evaulate, look forward, and carry on campaigning…..
I to was a bit disappointed, but saying that plaid did well in it’s target area’s. We all know that the Euro elections do throw up odd results, I’m sure Plaid will do a lot better when the big one comes around sometime in the next year. I do think it’s shocking that someone who lives outside Wales will now be representing us in the EU. Also it will be nice that people can see UKIP for what they really are!!!!.
Since Paid and the green agree on so much why can’t we come to some sort of arrangment. This has worked in the past.
I was disappointed with the result, and look on it as a missed opportunity. But saying that, Plaid were first in 7 seats and second in 14 more – so plenty to build on, particulalry in the Valleys.