Chanticleer- the Cardiff Journalist, has blogged about Cymdeithas yr Iaith. I read with interest his remarks on the organisation. One comment in particular caught my eye- that Cymdeithas 'need to begin lobbying professionally - to an extent they already do, but they're still regarded as a tin-pot collection of vocal students rather than a serious policy-forming outfit'. Obviously many people do hold this stereotypical viewpoint of Cymdeithas, and probably many a Conservative Party member, but not Glyn Davies AM. His opinion is as follows:
'The reason that Cymdeithas have lost a bit of profile is that all the political parties have moved onto their territory.
Perhaps its my rebellious streak but I see great value in unruly organisations (within reason) that challenge the establishment - that I have become a part of. There is a lot to be said for what you call a "tinpot collection of vocal students". I wouldn't have used this description myself. We need political opinion driven by the heart as well as by the head, to inject some grit into the cosy consensus.'
I must say I was surprised, if pleasantly so by Glyn Davies's remarks. It reflects much of why I have entered politics- to try and put the passion and the drive back in to Party politics that currently exists amongst pressure groups such as Cymdeithas. With the development of devolution, I don't want to see a Cardiff Bay bubble of dry, dull politics taking centre stage. I want to see groups with real interests and concerns protest at the Assembly, lobby, campaign in any way to make their voices heard. This should be so that Politicians are at the edge of their seats, ready for the next challenge.
This does not go without saying that Cymdeithas must also embrace new challenges as a pressure group. As a member, I would not wish to criticise overtly, but those leading the organisation are aware that I think that Cymdeithas should be working much more closely with other, similar groups. They should especially be working with equal rights organisations, to maximise their campaign, and so as not to appear isolated in their demands. The perfect example is when Cymdeithas took part in anti- war demo's at the height of the Iraq war.
Yes, some political parties have moved over to Cymdeithas's territory- especially with regards to supporting a New Welsh Language Act. Let's hope New Labour will take a leaf out of their book, and rediscover/ discover 'political opinion driven by the heart....'
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