I've just got in after returning from the Swansea Save our Health Service rally, and from canvassing in Neath. The rally went really well I think. There were speakers from all involved in the campaign locally- nurses from Fairwood Hospital, staff at Morriston, Hill House workers, alongside all political parties. Even though Plaid was the only party to vote unanimously to keep Neurosurgery in Swansea, all the other main parties were totally defiant( as you would expect before an election) that Neurosurgery would stay at Morriston after the election. Alun Cairns was booed to high hilt( bless!), nobody seemed to believe a word Andrew Davies had to say, and Peter Black was keeping a low profile.
Surprise surprise, Brian Gibbons didn't turn up to give his opinion on why key local decisions with regards the health service has been deferred until after the election! The Socialist candidate for the election made the biggest gaff of the day, by stating something along the lines of 'The NHS should stay within the private sector'. Whoops!
One issue that I was certain would be raised was that the campaign was 'political' and that this was undermining the cause. I did an interview for BBC, therefore, stating that the Labour party had politicized this issue long ago by kicking the issue in to touch until after the election, and for showing clear lack of leadership in the process of re-organising the Health Service here in Wales.
I also thought it quite ironic that Alun Cairns accused Dai Lloyd's speech at the rally of being 'political' when he was glued to the front of the demo ( pushing a coffin along the road) for the whole time! As our candidate for Neath, Alun Llewelyn later commented- anything that they do not agree with is 'political'! If, as politicians, we cannot get involved in local campaigns to help, and to protect local services, then what is the point of standing for elections, and trying to make a difference?
Overall, I thought that the rally was well organised and effective, especially as health is a key election issue. If anything is achieved from today, let's hope that it will inspire more people to vote on May the 3rd, and vote out a failing Labour Government.
Surprise surprise, Brian Gibbons didn't turn up to give his opinion on why key local decisions with regards the health service has been deferred until after the election! The Socialist candidate for the election made the biggest gaff of the day, by stating something along the lines of 'The NHS should stay within the private sector'. Whoops!
One issue that I was certain would be raised was that the campaign was 'political' and that this was undermining the cause. I did an interview for BBC, therefore, stating that the Labour party had politicized this issue long ago by kicking the issue in to touch until after the election, and for showing clear lack of leadership in the process of re-organising the Health Service here in Wales.
I also thought it quite ironic that Alun Cairns accused Dai Lloyd's speech at the rally of being 'political' when he was glued to the front of the demo ( pushing a coffin along the road) for the whole time! As our candidate for Neath, Alun Llewelyn later commented- anything that they do not agree with is 'political'! If, as politicians, we cannot get involved in local campaigns to help, and to protect local services, then what is the point of standing for elections, and trying to make a difference?
Overall, I thought that the rally was well organised and effective, especially as health is a key election issue. If anything is achieved from today, let's hope that it will inspire more people to vote on May the 3rd, and vote out a failing Labour Government.
2 comments:
I wasnt aware that I was keeping a low profile. I was near the front of the march, gave an interview to the BBC and spoke.
well more that the Lib dems didn't have a very big profile. But you did your best for the lib dem line for 'South Wales West'!
Post a Comment