Bethan Jenkins AC/AM Blog

I am on the train to London, as I’m taking part in the e-democracy conference that I’ve blogged about yesterday. Its very cold, but a chance for me to reflect and relax. I’m reading Total Politics,specifically an article on young people in politics- but there is no mention of any of the devolved administrations, and the contributions that people like myself make to broaden the base of our democracy. Perhaps this was intended, but I think that it would be a stronger article had the author chosen to discuss how young people are accessing their AMs or MSPs, and how they view this system compared to Westminster. But what do I know?!

On the issue of young people, I’ve also scanned the article on Lisa Stevens in the Western Mail who has become Labour’s number 2 on the Euro election list. Another young woman seeking to get involved in politics, which is no bad thing. Did the powers that be in Labour see the success of the young guns in Plaid and feel left out, I wonder;-)
I wish her the best of luck anyway, despite calling herself a person of the ‘Tony Blair generation’. Please, don’t push me over the edge!!

I read with interest on the blogs that one of the reasons why the SNP may have lost Glenrothes was their idea to raise the legal age limit of buying alcohol to 21. This may be a factor indeed, and an idea that I disagree with.

My American friends tell me of their frustration with this policy, and facing three years of University life where drinking on any level is illegal is truly unfair. Let’s have some more faith in our young people please! Yes, they may drink a little more than is required on occassions, but that applies to people of all ages, surely? If we continue this nonsense where there are more complications about what young people can do at a certain age, ie vote at 18, drive at 17, join the army at 16 etc then it will only make young people more despondant.

Right, well, there’s my rant for this evening. Hopefully I will have a chance to blog tomorrow on some of the highlights of the conference. Naturally there will be discussions on blogging, where I will get to meet the celebs of the blogosphere…!