'Lord Cashpoint' arrested again. When will it be Tony's turn?

It looks as though the cash for peerages situation is set to provide another electoral blow for New Labour as Labour's Chief Fundraiser, Lord Levy is arrested again today. He was first arrested last year in connection with claims honours had been sold in exchange for party donations. Four people have been arrested so far, and over 90 have been taken in for questioning. Even Tony Blair's Chief of Staff has been talking to the Police.

It all appears to be getting increasingly serious, and it will probably culminate in the questioning of Tony Blair, although he currently refuses to engage in any discussions with the media on this issue. It's thought that Downing Street deleted important emails regarding cash for peerages when the investigation started, and this could be a reason why Lord Levy has been arrested again.

The SNP and Plaid have worked together to bring this issue to the forefront of the political agenda. It's only a matter of time before this whole saga reaches a climax, and it could have severe electoral repercussions for New Labour in the forthcoming Scottish and Welsh elections.

Hope for the future for Jo?

I was trying to avert from entering the 'racism' debate on Celebrity Big Brother, but having watched Jo of S Club 7 fame on GMTV briefly before leaving for work this morning, I feel inclined to wade in to the argument, so to speak!

I actually believe that Jade, Danielle and Jo were racist- whether they thought that what they were saying on the show was overtly racist or bitchy or anything else. I respect Shilpa Shetty and how she dealt with the bullying on a daily basis, because I am someone who has been a victim of bullying, and cannot imagine how Shilpa was feeling to be in the goldfish bowl that was Big Brother under such emotional strain.

Nevertheless, whereas Shilpa is even more of a star than when she first went in to the house, Jade and Co's careers have been ruined. It was embarrassing to watch Jo on TV this morning as she confessed to having received death threats, and that she is indeed fearful of returning home. The media has succeeded in ripping the lives of these people apart. Of course they should apologise, but when the media soundbites of today are long forgotten, their lives will be marred by this event forever. This should not be allowed. Big Brother should have stepped in from the outset, and edited content so as to sensitively convey the situation. They ignored a civic responsibility, and should be held to account.

If we truly want to be a tolerant and forgiving society, then those who were racist on Big Brother should learn from their mistakes without persecution from the media or society alike.

Annibyniaeth i Gymru

Rwyf newydd ddod ar hyd i flog ar Annibyniaeth i Gymru sydd yn nodi fy mod i'n un o aelodau Plaid sydd yn blogio am annibynniaeth ac yn cefnogi'r cysyniad o annibyniaeth. Fel rwyf wedi dweud o'r blaen, Annibyniaeth yw un o amcanion Plaid a Cymru X- mudiad Ieuenctid y Blaid. Yn fy marn i, dylem gofleidio'r drafodaeth ar annibynniaeth yn yr un modd ag y mai'r SNP yn ei wneud yn yr Alban- h.y mewn modd hyderus, gobeithiol. Mae Cymry fel pobl yn aml iawn yn llawer rhy negyddol am ein gallu fel Cenedl, ac mae e'n orfodol i ni fel Plaid ceisio meithrin hyder y bobl, ac ymarfer ein prif dadleuon o blaid Annibyniaeth yn llawer fwy aml.

Rwyf yn cefnogi annibynniaeth i Gymru oherwydd rwy'n credu dylsem cael yr hawl i lywodraeth ein hun fel gwlad, a'r hawl i ddewis i beidio dilyn penderfyniadau 'Prydeinig' tro ar ol tro. Rydym o dan meddiant Lloegr o hyd, a dylsem ni cael yr hawl i ddewis dyfodol o hunan lywodraeth o fewn Ewrop- i sefyll law yn llaw gyda gwledydd eraill.

Ar lefel personol,( a byddai nifer yn anghytuno, mae'n sicr!) rwyf yn cefnogi annibyniaeth oherwydd rwyf am gofleidio'r cyfle o greu Cymru gwell- Cymru sosialaidd, gweriniaethol. Ni fedrwn newid cymdeithas er gwell tra ein bod yn rhan o Undeb sydd yn amharu ar ein gallu i dyfu ac i ddatblygu fel gwlad.

Mae'n rhaid i ni gael trafodaeth sydd yn cyfleu balans o farn am annibyniaeth, ac sydd yn cynnwys dadleuon teg a ffeithiol yn hytrach nag ein bod yn dod yn rhan o ymgais negyddol Llafur Newydd o ofni pleidleiswyr am ddyfodol Cymru annibynnol-o ddiffyg adnoddau, o botensial methiannau, a'n anallu i rheoli ein gwlad ein hun.

Un peth sy'n sicr, byddai Cymru annibynnol yn medru arwain gwlad yn well o lawer na Tony Blair a'i debyg sydd wedi ein arwain mewn i rhyfel anghyfreithlon yn Irac, sydd yn rhan o broblem mawr y 'cash for peerages' ar hyn o bryd, ac sydd yn hybu polisiau adain de, Toriaidd.

Oes, mae angen mwy o ymchwil ar sut y byddai Cymru Annibynol yn edrych ac yn cael ei weithredu, ond mae'r posibiliad o ymchwil o'r fath yn gyffroes, a'r ymgyrch dros Gymru Annibynol yn gadarnhaol.

Labour's 250 'achievements'- here's one I wrote earlier....

Dear Editor-

I would like to draw readers’ attention to detail in Labour’s election document, ‘Building a Better Wales- 250 achievements from your Labour Assembly Government’. In this document, New Labour claim credit for the fact that Welsh students do not pay top up fees in Wales. I would like to emphasise that this cannot be perceived as a Labour victory. New Labour in Cardiff Bay were forced kicking and screaming in to accepting the deal. If the Education Minister, Jane Davidson had her way, the Rees Review suggestion of top up fees for Wales would have been implemented without question.

In an Assembly debate on the 24^th of May 2005, opposition Parties rallied together to win a vote of 30 to 29 to rule out the introduction of top up fees in Wales. I was President of Aberystwyth Students Union at the time, and participated in discussions with all Political parties regarding top up fees. For Labour to claim credit for something with which they opposed in 2005 is at best misleading and at worst blatant hypocrisy. This shows a clear sign of desperation on Labour’s part! The students involved in the campaign in 2005 should be the only people to profess outright victory- for campaigning and lobbying AM’s at every opportunity to ensure that top up fees were ruled out in Wales.

In the run up to the Assembly elections in May, we must not let this issue fall by the wayside, as the tired and centralist Labour party is no doubt biding it’s time to follow the London Labour line of introducing top up fees in Wales post election. One thing is certain, Plaid will continue to campaign for free education, and for the rights of students in Wales.

Bethan Jenkins Plaid Candidate South Wales West

Cau Canolfan Ogwr

Scwp newyddion heddiw yw'r si bod Canolfan Ogwr yn mynd i gau am nad oes modd ariannu adnewyddu'r Ganolfan, ac am nad oes cwmni i rhedeg y lle. I berson sydd wedi treulio blynyddoedd yn 'Ogwr' ar gyrsiau cerddorfa'r Glam( Cerddorfa Ieunctid Morgannwg), mae hyn yn newyddion trist iawn. Dydw i ddim yn ymwybodol o fanylion y rhesymau dros cau y Ganolfan, ond rwy'n bwriadu ceisio ymgyrchu i gadw'r Ganolfan ar agor. Mae'n siwr bod nifer o Gerddorion byd enwog wedi treulio canran mawr o'i bywydau ar gyrsiau yn Ogwr, a fydd yn gallu helpu'r ymgyrch yma. Mae'n siom o'r radd mwyaf bod cynlluniau i gau'r lle o feddwl ei fod yn chwarae rhan mor bwysig mewn datblygiad nifer fawr o gyrsiau a sectorau o'r gymdeithas.

- Newydd clywed bod Ogwr ddim yn cau! Mae dathliadau ar y gweill felly!

Inter Isles Forum Part 2

I've just got back from the Inter Isles Forum. I am so tired it's unbelievable! It was a very eventful weekend. The discussion on faith and the state did succeed fully in being dominated by the Irish delegates. No surprise there then. The discussions were very interesting and lively, and other Cymru X delegates, namely Steffan Lewis, managed to live up to expectations by sparking a few contentious arguments;-)

In the afternoon session, the delegates visited differing places of worship. I visited the 'Church of Scientology'. I must say that it was an interesting experience considering that I knew nothing about Scientology before the visit. I didn't meet TomCat unfortunately.

The social side of the weekend lived up to it's guaranteed political boffin discussions at the local bars, although we were limited this time round being that all pubs in Westminster where we stayed closed at a mere 11pm.

Wales is set to host the Forum next year, I believe. Let's hope that more Welsh delegates attend next time! Perhaps Independence should be the topic of the day. That would be another lively discussion, for sure.

President Bush's New Strategy for Iraq

621	PRESIDENT BUSH'S NEW STRATEGY FOR IRAQ

	Adam Price
	Mr Robert N. Wareing
	Jeremy Corbyn
	Mr George Galloway
	Mr Martin Caton
	Lynne Jones

* 22

Mrs Betty Williams

Mr Michael Meacher

That this House notes the deployment by US President George W. Bush of 21,500 extra troops to Iraq; is totally opposed to escalating the coalition presence in Iraq; and instead believes that, nearly four years since the invasion of Iraq, it is time to disengage from the occupation and for the UK to pursue a policy that is independent of President Bush and his advisers.

Please lobby your MP to sign this Early Day Motion at Westminster (EDM 621).
Go to theyworkforyou.com or writetothem.com. It's important that this issue is highlighted.

Dydd Santes Dwynwen

Mae'n ddydd Santes Dwynwen heddiw. Doeddwn i ddim yn gwybod rhyw lawer am Santes Dwynwen tan i mi ddechrau ymchwilio'r we. Mae'r hanes yn amrywio o le i le- rhai gwefannau yn dweud bod Dwynwen wedi cael ei wrthod i fod yn gariad i'r creulon Maelon, gan ei adael yn drist ac yn unig, a gwefannau eraill yn honi mai Dwynwen sydd yn wfftio cariad Maelon. Mae'r stori yn mynd yn ei flaen, ac yn adrodd bod angel yn dod i lawr o'r nef gan droi Maelon mewn i lwmp o ia, ( syniad da am gariadon anffyddlon, efallai?!) ond mae Dwynwen yn mynnu ei bod yn cael ei droi yn ol yn ddyn. Ar ol y miri gyda Maelon mae hi'n troi ei chariad at Duw, ac yn penderfynnu byw bywyd syml ar Ynys Llanddwyn. Daeth hi'n sant ac yna'n nawddsant cariadon.

Os am ddathlu unrhywbeth, rwy'n dueddol o ddathlu Dydd Santes Dwynwen yn lle'r hen San Ffolant. Mae Dydd Santes Dwynwen yn draddodiad cymreig wedi'r cyfan, sydd heb (hyd yn hyn) cael ei ddinistrio gan fyd y busnesau mawr, y calonnau mawr fflyffi coch, y sloganau cawslyd, a'r cardiau hyll. Fel da chi'n gweld, nid y teip rhamantaidd mohona i!
Dydd Santes Dwynwen hapus!

Blair gets back to business

One of the few debates on Iraq took place at Westminster today, only that Tony Blair just happened to excuse himself from proceedings by arranging himself a meeting with businessmen. I'm sure it's no surprise that he didn't want to be there, considering that Iraq will undoubtedly be his legacy when he leaves Number 10 in a few months time. But considering that innocent people and soldiers from our Isles are dying on the streets of Iraq, you'd think that Tony would prioritise this particular discussion!

Nevertheless, Blair probably wanted to avoid questions regarding US and British difference of opinion on the way forward for Iraq now. It was reported today that the US favour a strategy of intensifying presence in Southern Iraq, whereas Britain are keen to stage a phased withdrawal of troops. Surely Blair isn't finding last minute courage to stand up to Bush, and formulate an individual strategy for Britain?! Too little too late would be many an anti-war campaigner's opinion.

Blair may be dodging Parliament now to avoid the tricky questions, but sooner or later he must be held to account for this illegal war, and for refusing to be accountable for his actions. How many more innocent people's lives will it take for Blair and Brown alike to put a stop to this mess in Iraq?
.......and incidentally, how long will it take for Rhodri Morgan to have some sort of opinion on one of the most important issues of this decade?

Inter Isles Forum

I'm going to the Inter Isles Forum on Friday. I'm really looking forward to it. Basically, it is a Forum organised by St Columb's Park House that brings all youth wings of political parties together from across the Isles to discuss a certain topic and to share ideas. Last year's event was at Edinburgh, and all representatives prepared a paper on the differing models of democracy in their countries/ regions. It was great to meet people from other political parties, and fascinating to watch the tensions develop in the Sinn Fein vs Unionist discussions! Cymru X has kept in touch with some of the youth groups, but mostly Young Scots for Independence and the Scottish Nationalist Student Federation. We've shared ideas on our text referendum for a Parliament for Wales( they organised a text referendum on Independence after our successful campaign), and we've also been to each other's Conferences to pick up on new ideas.

This year, the topic of the Forum is religion and the state, which I'm sure will create much lively discussion again. There will be guest speakers from different faith groups, and workshops on the main themes. I'm sure we'll all get a chance to socialise but I'll report on the weekend when I get back from London Sunday evening! I don't have a laptop, so blogging on the go is not a possibility, unless I am donated one under Plaid's new free laptop scheme, that is;-)

Cameron- Blue through and through

Nick Cohen has an interesting article in today's Observer regarding David Cameron. Whereas Cameron has tried to paint himself as a modern man, an environmentalist, a Politician that can appeal to women voters, it is blatantly obvious that this is all but a show and that the cracks are starting to appear. According to Nick Cohen's article, in the Telegraph this week, Cameron announced that under a Conservative Government they would opt out of the European Union's Social Chapter. This, in real terms, means that there would be a removal of legal protection for part-time workers, and the end of women's rights to extend maternity leave. This is hardly a reflection of the new, caring Cameron that he has bent over backwards to create, is it? In fact, this is more of the old Tory agenda of seeking to 'persuade' employers to act with their employees best interest at heart as opposed to regulating to make sure that people are protected. If the Tories want to make a clear break from their past, and their overtly right wing policies, then this is not the way to go about it.
It's no good Cameron appearing on the cover of Marie Claire or magazines of the sort if he dismisses the issues that are important to the very people he is trying to attract.

Dafydd Iwan in Cwmgwrach, Neath Valley

Dafydd Iwan came to Cwmgwrach today to speak with Party members, and to launch the Party's 'Change for the Better' pre-manifesto document. It was great to get Party members together locally, and to motivate them. Alun Llewelyn, Plaid's Neath Candidate is keen to get out and about now with the Assembly election looming in May.

The key to any success is active Party Members, much more so than the work of individual Politicians. I am confident that Plaid will run a successful campaign in the area.

Stop the War Poetry Evening- Neath 2/3/07

Tell all your friends and colleagues about this event in Neath on the 2nd of March.

Stop the War Poetry and Music.

Castle Hotel, Neath. 8pm

Poetry from Patrick Jones ( Everything Must Go), Mike Jenkins ( Wanting to Belong, The Language of Flight) Phil Knight.

Music from Tracey Curtis www.myspace.com/traceycurtis

Lilly Allen......

I'm a fan of Lilly Allen- one of the many musical successes of myspace. I often listen to it on the way home from work. The album is great, but there is one song that gets under my skin every time, and makes me wonder whether the lyrics are a reflection of young people's opinions today.....

'Oh Jesus Christ almighty,
Do I feel alright? No not slightly,
I wanna get a flat I know I can't afford it,
It's just the bureaucrats who won't give me a mortgage,
Well it's very funny cos I got your money,
And I'm never gonna get it just because of my bad credit
Oh well I guess I mustn't grumble,
I suppose that's just the way the cookie crumbles'.

Wouldn't it be great if she could hint at wanting to change her situation for the better, instead of just giving in and saying, 'I suppose that's just the way the cookie crumbles?!' If she even suggested that she would get up and protest against the bureaucrats who refuse to give her a mortgage, do you think that this would reflect on other young people's actions who are in the same position as her?

I am intrigued by song lyrics, because I believe that they can influence your opinions and mindset. When I listen to songs from the Manic Street Preachers for example, most of the time
(bar 'The life of Richard Nixon') it confirms my political beliefs, and inspires me to be active politically. Songs such as 'Socialist Serenade' and ' Prologue to History' being some of the best Manics songs.

Perhaps Lilly Allen isn't political at all, although she's very outspoken about most issues. But let's face it, most pop stars are not even vaguely political. (Please don't mention Girls Aloud's attempt at serious journalism in the New Statesman as an example of political awareness, please!)

Anyway, with an anarchist father like Keith Allen, Lilly should be much more likely to shun the whole concept of property....I eagerly await the second, radicalised version of Allen's 'Everything's Just Wonderful' !.....

Hain the hypocrite

I've just been looking through Hansard, and found this from yesterday's debate.

Peter Hain was asked by the Conservative MP Philip Hollobone whether or not he was representing Wales to the best of his ability considering that of late he has prioritised work in Northern Ireland, and his race to become Deputy PM. This was Hain's response:

'In the future, if his Front-Bench colleagues got their way and we saw second-class status for Welsh MPs, with English MPs restricted to dealing with English legislation, he would not be able even to ask such a question, and we would see the Balkanisation of Parliament, which would be a disaster for the United Kingdom that would lead to constitutional chaos'.

So, Hain the hypocrite is firmly against the possibility of Welsh MP's having 'second-class status' at Westminster, yet when it comes to the Welsh Assembly, he bleats that Regional AM's have 'abused' the system, and that they are 'undermining the (local) elected member'. This has led to Labour systematically pushing through an undemocratic policy that stops candidates standing on both the Regional list and in the Constituency.

Anyone who dares undermine the role of Welsh MP's are under attack from Hain, but when this criticism is targeted towards the Assembly, he is the first to jump in to the ring to target Regional AM's. Would this have anything to do with the fact that they are all opposition AM's, and that they pose a threat to Labour dominance in Wales?

Neurosurgery debate- will this define the election in South West Wales?

It was inspiring for Plaid in South Wales West to read the letter below in the Evening Post yesterday. Dr Dai Lloyd AM and Darren Price, the leader of Plaid Cymru's group at Swansea Council have been campaigning hard for what seems like months on end to retain the Neurosurgery Unit at Swansea. We organised a protest outside the Assembly alongside the Evening Post, and have been active in the campaign to encourage people to sign the petition to keep Neurosurgery at Swansea.

We were the only Party to vote outright against the move to Cardiff- all the other Parties showed clear signs of split loyalties. They all ultimately elected to favour their own individual priorities to that of promoting a coherent party policy on this most important issue.

Nevertheless, Brian Gibbons, the Labour Health Minister seems intent on delaying the issue until after the Assembly election; another ploy to deceive voters. I am sure that this will be a defining election issue, but Plaid will continue to campaign to keep Neurosurgery at Swansea- election or no election.

......................................................................................................................................................................l..

In recent letters on the proposed neurosurgery centralisation in Cardiff there seems a sense of resignation that, regardless of when the decision is taken and what that decision is, the Assembly elections are a foregone conclusion and the existing Labour AMs will be re-elected.In a General Election, where individual majorities can be as high as 20,000, this may be the case, but the situation regarding Assembly elections is very different.

The Post petition against the proposal produced 105,000 signatures. As far as I am aware, the vast majority of the Post's sales are in nine constituencies from Aberavon in the east (Brian Gibbons's seat) to Preseli/Pembrokeshire in the west. A Labour AM was elected to eight of those seats. The combined majority of those AMs is just 26,125. Plaid Cymru was second in six of the eight seats, and not far off second in the other two. Plaid AM Dai Lloyd was quoted (Post, January 6) as saying "a Plaid health minister would want neurosurgery to stay in Swansea".

Anyone reading this letter can see from these figures their vote is crucial. I already know which way I'll be voting this year.

John Young

Llys Sant Teilo

Llangyfelach, Swansea

Youth Politics

I went to Swansea Institute on Monday with a Cymru X stall. It's generally hard to gauge students' opinion in January with exams going on, but I thought that it would be positive to at least try! Obviously some students didn't have much interest. I would be lying if I said that they all threw themselves at me! Others were interested, and came to talk to me specifically about our policies to match fund £5000 so that young people can place a deposit on their first home, and our pledge to pay back a % of a students loan after they graduate if they are welsh domiciled.

I think that it is great that youth issues are at the top of Plaid's political agenda at this election, as sometimes, it must be said, policies to attract young voters- amongst all the major Parties- are sparse ( bar the top-up fees one, obviously!)

Statistics say that many more young people are joining pressure groups like Amnesty and Oxfam than ever before, but only 17% of 18-25 year olds vote. We have to engage with young people much more so if we want them to be active when it comes to Party politics.
I've had some flack about being a young candidate for the Assembly election, but surely it's got to be positive for other young people to see that young politicians care about issues that affect them, and see that I am passionate about what I do.

I want to encourage young people to take part in politics, and make it something that they feel ownership for....We got Big Brother's Glyn on board. We must be doing something right!

Change for the Better- vote for your favourite Plaid policy

Yesterday, we launched the document entitled ‘Change for the Better’ in Cardiff. It can be viewed on the special website constructed by the party www.changeforthebetter.plaidcymru.org. The website includes an online survey for people to vote on their favourite policies which will help us prepare our manifesto for the elections.

The three major policy highlights in the document include Plaid’s vision of creating a new generation NHS; tough carbon reductions to make Wales the cleanest country in Europe by 2015; detailed education policies, and a scheme for first time buyers.

The ideas on the website are new and exciting. I hope that you all take part in the survey......

Lib dems sell out on key Assembly election pledge.

So the Lib dems have already sold out on a key election pledge, it seems. During the Lib dems campaign launch yesterday, Mike German, the Lib dem Leader at the Assembly went back on his claims that any future coalition with Labour would mean that they would have to sign up to PR in local Government.

Mike German said that all the party's manifesto priorities would be up for discussion following the election. Nevertheless, he has been known to have said on many occasions that PR in Local Government would be a prerequisite to entering any negotiations on coalition.

The Lib dems have already compromised their core beliefs. Surely, if Mike German is serious about governing, he should lay out clear commitments on behalf of the Lib dem group?Commitments which would undoubtedly shape their period in Government?

But then again, perhaps they want power for power's sake alone. I wouldn't be surprised.

'What's Hain harping on about now?!'

All I have to say about Peter Hain's comments today on the break up of the Union is that it is a clear sign of the Labour Party panicking in the run up to both the Scottish Parliament election and the Welsh Assembly election in May. This statement has much to do with Gordon Brown's agenda of seeking to scare their 'supporters' to vote in reaction to the growing prospect of an SNP victory in Scotland, and a subsequent referendum on Independence. This would be disastrous for the Scottish number 10 wannabe.

Frankly, Labour's strategy is all over the place. Now that they know that they can no longer patronize the people of Wales with the 'vote Plaid get Tory' scenario, they have nowhere to go. To attack Plaid on the Independence issue is hardly new or inspiring- Rhodri Morgan doesn't even consider it the top priority for the forthcoming Assembly election!

With the mess Labour has made since being in power- from the cash for honours inquiry, the Iraq War and Home Office saga, I am sure that such matters will factor more so in the minds of the voters than that of a rambling, negative Peter Hain.

Alcoa Aluminium in Swansea set to close

Alcoa Aluminium, which is based in Swansea announced today that it's factory will close, with 300 people set to lose their jobs. I haven't yet seen their formal statement, but back in November last year, their reasoning for the proposed job cuts was rising energy costs as well as labour, transport and materials costs. Andrew Davies, the Labour Economic Minister has 'been in talks' with the company, but this has obviously done little to dissuade them from closing their plant. As usual, the Labour Government has been slow off the mark in dealing with such an important issue, and it seems that even though Labour shout about economic successes, this does not reflect the reality of the situation here in Wales at all.

On the other hand, Plaid Cymru is calling on the Government to introduce a longer minimum consultation period before redundancies (France 6 months/UK 90 days), and for employers who decide upon redundancies to enact a ‘social plan’ which involves substantial investment in retraining. Plaid in Westminster has been lobbying the Government to appointment a Minister for Manufacturing in the DTI as a matter of urgency. This is in order to be pro-active about developing the manufacturing industry in Wales, and to pre -empt any necessary discussions on imminent job losses.

The job losses at Alcoa are a disappointment. We need to create new, homegrown industries that will provide jobs for people in Wales, and create a feeling of positivity amongst Welsh people about what we can achieve.

What's wrong with being a size 12?

I've read an article in the Observer today about the model Anna Carolina Reston who died at the end of last year due to anorexia. She was criticised by a Chinese modelling agency for being too fat, even though she was a tiny 8 stone. From there, she developed anorexia, even though she admitted not knowing what anorexia was at the time.

Many models have died of anorexia, and that is one reason why they fashion world is implementing new regulations. It's shocking that so many young women are pressurised in to being thin to succeed. It doesn't create a positive role model for young teenage girls who see stick thin models plastered all over their magazines. Much more should be done to promote larger models so that people don't believe that they have to conform to this waif like 'role model'.

I am a keen supporter of the Eating Disorders Association, and have organised events to raise money for the organisation. Through Plaid, I have sought to help people in Wales who cannot afford access to treatment services due to the fact that almost the only treatment centres available are Private ones in England.

It has taken a death of a supermodel to push the agencies and the Fashion Shows in to action. It is up to the magazines and the television shows now to follow this example, and take positive action in raising awareness of eating disorders. On a Wales level, an Eating Disorders Treatment Centre is much needed. I believe there are plans to open one in Bridgend, but it is a long time coming. Affordable services must be developed in Wales, for the people of Wales.

Spencer Davis Concert at Port Talbot

60’s rock legend Spencer Davis is coming to Port Talbot on Feb 12^th to give a concert to support the campaign of Linet Purcell, Plaid Assembly candidate for Aberafan.

The concert will feature Spencer himself singing old favourites such as “Keep on Running” and “Gimme some Lovin,” and new material from his recently released CD “ So Far. “

Spencer will be supported by the local Blues Band “Panic Stations.”

Other guests will include Linet Purcell’s children’s choir from St Josephs Catholic Primary school in Clydach.

Tickets, priced £8 and £5 concession, are available from the Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot – Tel no – 01639763214

The concert begins at 7.30pm.

If you fancy being a steward on the night, and to get in to the concert for free, please email me.

Aberystwyth.....

It's a friday night after a long week, and I'm shattered! I'm off to Aberystwyth tomorrow, so I doubt you'll catch me blogging for a day, at least. I absolutely love Aberystwyth. It's probably one of the best places in the world. The seafront is stunning, and it's such a relaxing and friendly place. It seems that anyone who has been a student at Aber never wants to leave.

Perhaps I'll meet some Politicians on my visit up west. I sometimes see Nick Bourne walking along the sea front, or at the local Curry house. I never did see Lisa Francis AM all that often when I was a student at Aber though. I'm not sure why! Will Labour's Alun Davies be lurking around, now that he is top list candidate in Mid and West? Probably. Plaid's Elin Jones will be busy canvassing, that of which I am certain!

I fancy going for a drink in the Coopers Arms(Cwps) while I'm there tomorrow, but for those of you who are blissfully unaware, the past Landlords Glynis and Brendan, who are an Institution in Aber, are no longer there. I've been told that the place has changed, and all the old welsh gig posters have gone from the walls. I am pained by this news, as I spent many a good evening at the Cwps....I'll have to go and see for myself what it's like now I suppose..........

Have a good weekend!

Electioneering for Assembly election has started....

The Tories are set to hold 'pre- Assembly poll meetings' in Wales in March this year amid criticisms that they are too London centric- well they are a pro- Union Party, after all. They believe that Wales is merely a region! This means that the Tories will hold a Cabinet meeting in Cardiff.
I don't believe that this meeting will have any public effect at all, or makes a difference to Welsh public opinion of Tory priorities, but the Cameron public visits to Wales might turn a few heads if only he decides to cycle the length and breadth of Wales. Only then will he come close to beating Ieuan Wyn Jones's Wales Wide Walk success.

I'm not convinced that Cameron can make much of an impact in Wales. While I recognise that he has re -hashed the Tory image somewhat, Wales is far from being the land of the Tories, and rightly so! But, having said that, it is slightly amusing to see Labour in Wales brand Cameron's visit as 'a gimmick,' and pronounce that “the Tories can stage as many empty press stunts as they like but the people of Wales have not forgotten their record. They brought Wales to its knees, creating mass unemployment and decimating our public services.”
Am I missing something?Labour's track record is hardly much better, is it?

All the Parties in Wales will be seeking to attract attention in the press, and naturally so in the run up to the election. But it will be interesting to see the substance of policy proposals and campaigns coming from the Parties more so than the glitz and spin. We'll see very soon, I'm sure.

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!

Calon Gaeth vs Caerdydd

Falle dylsen i ddim beirniadu yn rhy gloi, ond pan wnes i setlo lawr i wylio drama newydd S4C 'Calon Gaeth' ar nos Sul cefais fy siomi. Roeddwn i'n aros yn amyneddgar i wylio drama cymraeg newydd gan fod cyn lleied o ddramau o werth wedi bod ar y bocs dros y Nadolig ar unrhyw sianel. Ond, doedd Calon Gaeth ddim yn plesio. Mae'r ddrama, yn ol wefan S4C, wedi ei selio ar nofel Sian James, A Small Country. Mae 4 rhan i'r ddrama ( dyw a'n helpo) sydd yn 'adrodd stori epig( !), ond syml, am deulu a'u cariad, dyletswydd a cholled.' Reit...

Bydd rhai yn beirniadu'r ffaith bod na ormod o saesneg yn y rhaglen, gyda'r seren Eastenders Tom Ellis yn actio ffrind gorau Oxbridge y prif gymeriad. Ond nid yr iaith a ddefnyddir sydd yn achosi'r broblem, ond hytrach y ffaith bod y ddrama yn undonnog, yn araf, ac mae'r actio yn sych a di-deimlad. Os mai amcan y Cynhyrchwyr oedd ceisio efelychu goreuon Jane Austen, mae'n methu'n llwyr. Mae pasiwn yn perthyn i ddeialog a stori gwaith yr awdures hwnnw. Does dim llawer o basiwn i'w weld yn y portread hwn o deulu cefn gwlad Cymru.

Fe fyddaf yn gwylio gweddill y gyfres mae'n siwr. Gobeithio fydd y stori a'r sgript yn datblygu. Un peth sy'n sicr, mi fyddaf yn gwylio'r gyfres newydd o 'Caerdydd' ar S4C nos yfory. Drama sydd yn dilyn hynt a helynt pobl ifanc y ddinas. Mae'r gyfres hon yn hollol wahanol i 'Calon Gaeth'. Tra fod 'Calon Gaeth' yn ddi-symud, mae 'Caerdydd' yn fywiog, y sgriptio'n gyflym a naturiol. Yn wir, mae 'Caerdydd' fel 'This Life' modern, cymreig- yn llawn cyffro, actorion gwych, a digon o basiwn....Mae Ryland Teifi yn 'Caerdydd'- rheswm digon teilwng i newid y sianel i S4C dweda i!
Ewch i www.s4c.co.uk i ddarllen am y rhaglennu

Gap years- just for the middle classes?

It seems that even academics are taking an interest in gap years. The Guardian reports http://education.guardian.co.uk that a Conference is taking place tomorrow at Surrey University to discuss the widening gap between the middle class and the working-class gap year. If the academics earn enough, perhaps they could take a sabbatical to write about the 'gap year experience'- travel to Tasmania for £10,000, build a school, come back, and return to the day job. That seems to be what thousands of students are choosing to do as an alternative to entering University at the tender age of 18.

The article in the Guardian reports that the gap year industry has indeed gone from strength to strength- but at a price. A company called Quest offers the opportunity for students to build community centres for orphans for £1,465 -not including flights or insurance, and Venture Company offers gap year students the trip of a lifetime along the Inca trail for a mere £4,365. Established international development charity VSO is not best pleased with this 'market' in the gap year providers. Critics question the effectiveness of short term schemes that seem to benefit the gap year students and their CV's much more than the communities that they go to help.

Students have always taken gap years, but the issue has been highlighted recently due to the introduction of top-up fees and the stark contrast between those that can afford a trip of a lifetime at 18, and those that must work for a year to raise money for the cost of their course at University. You could argue that students who work hard, and earn their keep before going to University will learn much more valuable life skills than those who opt for the 'holiday' abroad. Developing skills such as money management and time keeping being just a few of those skills!

The debate over the widening gulf between working class and middle class gap years is very important. I'm sure that many working class students would love to have the opportunity to take part in such schemes. Nevertheless, perhaps this is the golden opportunity for us to actively encourage young people to take part in charity work at home, where, lets face it, there are plenty of opportunities available...
They wouldn't get a tan... but it could save on the CO2 emissions......

Ruth Kelly- another nail in the coffin of Labour's 'socialist' past....

Ruth Kelly announced today that she is to send her son to a Private School http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6243475.stm. Well, what a surprise. If I ever started to believe that New Labour was a Socialist Party, I was knocked back to my senses today with this enlightening statement. The fact that her son has 'substantial learning difficulties' is neither here nor there when we are debating the merits of free education versus the merits of private education. Private education is for the privileged few, and I am totally opposed to it. Children should receive the best possible education through the public sector. What makes Ruth Kelly's situation different to thousands of parents like her all over Britain? Surely, as a Labour Minister (formerly Education) she should be setting an example to others by promoting state education, developing its structures, and making sure that the best possible facilities are available for children with learning difficulties like her son's?

In a statement today, Tony Blair's official spokesperson said that Blair believes that parents should have the 'right to decide', and is supportive of a mixture of state and private schooling. What a shocking statement from a PM that has introduced tuition fees and top-up fees, a PM that advocates City Academies and PFI funded schools. A shock indeed.

So while the gap between Tory and New Labour becomes ever more blurred, with Cameron piping up in support of Ruth Kelly, it seems the Lib dems are finding common ground with the other two Parties on this issue. Lib dem Sarah Tethers was today nominated to exclaim, 'It's unfair to criticise a parent for choices they make for their individual child.' Are there any differences at all between these Parties any more? It seems highly unlikely.

While Plaid are fighting to keep small schools open, for free education for all, for more investment in part-time study and vocational courses, the others are huddling together in their perceived middle ground, and privatisation seems to be at the very heart of it.

Politicians protest at Faslane. Democracy is alive!

Well done to Plaid's Leanne Wood AM and Jill Evans MEP for taking part in the Faslane protests today. They took part in the campaign Faslane 365- a continuous peaceful blockade of the trident base at Faslane, Scotland. It started in October 2006, and will end in September 2007. Faslane 365 is a protest against the renewal of trident, which at a cost of over £20bn will be totally unethical. Money could be well spent on our failing health service and our education system as opposed to an outdated and aggressive nuclear weapon.

I understand that Leanne Wood and Jill Evans have been arrested alongside another 30 Politicians, some from the Scottish Parliament, Rosie Kane of the SSP being one of them. It's exciting to see that Politicians are still taking part in direct action- an effective way of protesting and of raising awareness of important political issues. So few Politicians take part in direct action as they belittle its effect, but if you look back over the centuries, some of the most effective campaigns have been of the non-violent direct action kind. Where would we be without the Suffragettes, for example, or Rosa Parks? The list goes on.

It is typical that a Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament said today that the protest was directed at the wrong place, and that people should 'focus on Westminster- where the decision is being made.' Well, we all know that Tony Blair is intent on pushing through the retention of trident. Surely such protests will place the issue of nuclear arms at the top of the political agenda, and create a more balanced debate in Westminster? And surely, Tony, if we want to be the shining light of democracy and peace in the world, should we not reject the development of more nuclear arms, and the inevitable arms race that will follow?

The protests will continue, and if you wish to join the campaign as many pressure groups, civil rights groups and Political Parties have done, then go to the website www.faslane365.org for more information on how to get active. To see the BBC's article of the protest, go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/6239435.stm

Reaction to Saddam's hanging- Brown beats Blair to it

It seems that most politicians have commented on the Saddam hanging affair- that is apart from the Prime Minister, who has said that he will not make a statement until next week. What changes between now and then I do not know. But we all know that Blair likes to do things to his own timetable. He has to call the shots. One thing is certain, he will not be best pleased to learn that Gordon Brown has beaten him to it by making a statement on BBC's Sunday AM today. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6238115.stm Brown joins the Prescott, Johnson school of thought of stating that the execution has been conducted in a 'deplorable' way, that they were indeed 'angered' by the leaked mobile phone footage of Iraqi officials taunting Saddam as he faced his fate.

In my eyes, the issue is less about Brown's comments fueling another feud between the Blair/ Brown camp, but is much more to do with the fact that many high profile politicians feel the need to emphasise so emphatically their opposition to the death penalty and the subsequent treatment of Saddam, while they happily sat silent in the months and weeks prior to Saddam's hanging. To think that such politicians were party to key decisions in occupying Iraq, of 'democratising' Iraq. They should know better than to make such reactionary comments.

If the actions of the Iraqis during Saddam's death was so deplorable, why did they not interfere as they have done so on so many other occasions? It is hypocritical of the New Labour Ministers to shout from the sidelines when they are intrinsically involved in the Iraq of now and of the future, like it or not. They made that decision when they entered Iraq, but they now seem to be picking and choosing their battles so as to appear as if they have the moral high ground. But Gordon, you are 'training' the police, you are assisting the Iraqi Prime Minister, you are fuelling the tensions on the streets of Iraq. You must therefore stand up and take responsibility for those actions.

An interview with an American Army officer in Iraq last week only goes to show how Britain and the USA are seeking to take the moral high ground in this debate on Saddam's hanging. The Officer emphasised that US troops were involved with the organisation of the hanging, but only until the very last minute. When Saddam entered the room where he would face his final moments, the US Army had no say in the matter. All actions were hurriedly handed over to the Iraqi PM. So why so sudden a decision to hand over responsibility for probably the most important event in the history of US/ British occupation of Iraq? If they can take such actions when a man's life is in the balance- evil or not, why can they not take actions so quickly when it comes to removing their troops from the country, of ending this disastrous affair?

Tony Blair will no doubt choose his words very carefully when he comes to making an announcement on Saddam's hanging next week. He will not want to say anything controversial, or anything which will associate himself too closely with the condemnation of the Iraqis. Nevertheless, it doesn't really matter what Blair says about the whole event. If Britain wanted to create a true democracy in Iraq, they should have had enough strength to stand up and oppose such a barbaric act of hanging whether they think that Saddam is a tyrant or not. By failing to say or do anything before the hanging just makes them as bad as the Iraqi who decided to leak those 'deplorable' images, and renders all words worthless.

Leighton Andrews- blatant attack on Labour Assembly election campaign strategy

In an article in the Western Mail this week- www.icwales.co.uk, you could just about see the smoke coming from Leighton Andrews's nose in fury at the failure of his Party's ' Vote Plaid Get Tory' campaign strategy for the forthcoming Assembly election. We all know very well that this strategy is just about scaremongering- of patronizing the once core Labour valleys voters in to believing that the Tories could potentially be the ruling Party after the next election. The Tories who ruined our communities, left thousands jobless and poor... much like the Labour Party today then.

Leighton Andrews's statement is testament to the fact that it is he and the Unionists in the Labour Party in Wales that have been spearheading the 'Vote Plaid Get Tory' strategy from the word go. They know full well that this strategy has the ability to 'scare' their supporters to vote, although those who are left of the grass roots Labour movement might just well stay at home.

But the recent dealings over the Assembly budget has left Leighton Andrews, Huw Lewis and the like kicking and screaming like children who don't get sweets after dinner for being 'naughty boys'. What! Plaid negotiation with Labour on the budget! What! Liberal Democrats and the Tories fail to broker a deal with Plaid! This cannot be, we hear them cry. But yes, Leighton, this can be. Plaid negotiating with Labour does not mean that we advocate coalition, it merely points to the fact that Plaid wanted and got core demands from the negotiating table- such as more money for schools and a refuge for women who have suffered domestic violence to name but a few.
Far from selling out, it shows that we were considering the budget clearly and methodically. For the Tories to have sought to dictate events by hinting at coalitions with Plaid at every given opportunity for their own benefit was naive. It conveys the fact that they are not to be trusted, and that power is their only game.

Leighton Andrews's comments in the Western Mail are a direct challenge to Rhodri Morgan's leadership. Where once their Tory/ Plaid line held water with the media and constituents alike, this strategy is now dead in the water. He knows this, and is telling Rhodri Morgan that he must act now or risk losing votes in May. His 'nightmare' scenario of being dictated to by election results in May to work with the Lib dems or Plaid are emphasised, and Labour's growing inability to communicate effectively with the people of Wales are highlighted in his remarks.

These comments smack of desperation and of a split in Labour. Many Labour AM's would be quite happy working with Plaid I am sure- the likes of Carwyn Jones and Edwina Hart. But for Andrews and the Huw Lewis's of this world such an outcome is unheard of.

The run up to the Assembly elections and the change in Labour strategy will be something to keep an eye open for. They are tired, out of steam, out of ideas... Perhaps they'll choose to stick to the child poverty line. I can't think of what else they'll be able to pass as success stories since coming to power. Let's see.

School Councils

The BBC reported recently that the Welsh Assembly has legislated to make school councils a compulsory part of school life- with councils making decisions on school wear, to the kind of food that they can eat at school time- does that mean that chips are back on the menu....bring back Jamie Oliver....quick!!! In secondary schools, a certain number of pupils will take part in discussions on the school governing board, but they won't be able to make decisions on disciplinary issues or on individual students.

I welcome the fact that school councils are being made compulsory as this is a good springboard for young people to exercise their rights, and feel ownership for decisions made as opposed to having teachers 'tell' them what to do on a daily basis. I hope that it will encourage young people to consider issues affecting them far more seriously, and that they will respect those decisions if they feel that they have had an clear input.

I was on the school council while I was in secondary school( this may surprise you!!!) and to be totally frank, we did little, if anything more than organise our 6th form prom at the end of the year- mostly due to the fact that we did not have influence over any other decisions in the school. I think that this announcement is therefore progressive, and will make young people feel as if they are part of something as opposed to being vilified and branded as 'yobs' time and time again.

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that schools must allow enough freedom for children to have an opinion on more than merely school uniform and food! I believe that children should have some degree of authority to develop ideas on youth issues across the board, which could then be communicated to the local community/ county council at the end of each term- opinions on ASBOS, local provision of community facilities for young people, the discussion on lowering the voting age- anything that they feel is important to them. The County/ Community Council could introduce a quota of ideas which they must at least consider implementing. This type of scheme would be a step in the right direction of encouraging young people to take part in their communities and make a positive difference.

The Assembly should safeguard that any decisions that are taken democratically by a school council with regards the school's policies are implemented accordingly, and that a School Charter should be developed to safeguard such decisions. I emphasise this as allegedly some headteachers choose to veto opinions and decisions made by school councils as they themselves do not agree with them. If we want to make the school councils an effective body, and not a token gesture, then the pupils' voices must be heard.

We might then nurture more young politicians who want to change the world....It certainly wouldn't be a bad thing, and I can guarantee they'd do a better job than the Labour lot we have at the moment who are ruling in Cardiff Bay.

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?!