So, Peter Hain now thinks that the One Wales Government is 'stable'. Who would have thought that Hain would take so little time in coming over to the idea of coalition with Plaid?! I am sure that he has chosen his time of year for the release of this statement quite tactically so, and that failing to support the coalition would make his role of the Secretary of State for Wales look more and more ineffective by the day, with little, if any influence over that of which is decided upon by AM's in Cardiff Bay. It shall be interesting to see how Hain reacts from here on, and how he can relate his current positions as part of the Government at Westminster to his role in Wales.
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Wel mae Peter Hain nawr yn credu bod Llywodraeth Cymru'n Un yn 'sefydlog'. Pwy fasa'n meddwl bod Hain yn cymryd cyn lleied o amser i ffafrio cytundeb o'r fath gyda Plaid?! Rwy'n sicr ei bod wedi dewis yr adeg o'r flwyddyn i wneud datganiad o'r fath mewn ffordd dactegol iawn, ac wedi sylweddoli bod methu a chefnogi'r clymblaid fel Gweinidog Cymru yn gwneud ei rol yn aneffeithiol, gyda llai a llai o ddylanwad dros benderfyniadau'r ACau ym Mae Caerdydd. Mi fydd o'n ddiddorol gweld sut y bydd Hain yn gweithredu o hyn allan, a sut y bydd yn ceisio cydlynnu yr hyn y mae o'n ei wneud yn San Steffan gyda'i waith yng Nghymru.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Monday, 30 July 2007
No hike in Top-up fees in the next two years. You should be thankful.
So the Government are not going to raise the cap on top-up fees in the next two years according to the Independent. Well, as is noted in the article, this isn't really new. The Government did not intend to review the situation until 2009, but cynically, I believe that they have been prompted to re-iterate their pledge due to pressure placed on the Government by the Russell Group to increase the fees before the 2009 bench-mark.
This announcement also come to light as a result of the figures released today by the National Audit Office which outlines that 10,000 students a year fail to continue their studies following their first year at University. For now, students can rest in the knowledge that they will have a little less debt when they finish University due to this announcement, but how long the Government can retain this policy is another question entirely.
The parameters of the campaign have moved considerably since I was involved. At the outset it was a campaign against the concept of fees and up-front tuition fees, this then moved on to the battle against the £3,000 top-up fee which was duly introduced for students studying in England, now it is a sorry case of opposing the hike on such fees as opposed to rejecting the concept. Here in Wales, the top-up fee debate is brimming under the surface, and I am sure the Student Movement will be prepared for yet another fight!
This announcement also come to light as a result of the figures released today by the National Audit Office which outlines that 10,000 students a year fail to continue their studies following their first year at University. For now, students can rest in the knowledge that they will have a little less debt when they finish University due to this announcement, but how long the Government can retain this policy is another question entirely.
The parameters of the campaign have moved considerably since I was involved. At the outset it was a campaign against the concept of fees and up-front tuition fees, this then moved on to the battle against the £3,000 top-up fee which was duly introduced for students studying in England, now it is a sorry case of opposing the hike on such fees as opposed to rejecting the concept. Here in Wales, the top-up fee debate is brimming under the surface, and I am sure the Student Movement will be prepared for yet another fight!
Farzaneh Dadkhah
Plis ewch i'r wefan hwn ar gyfer hawliau menywod o Iran a Cwrdiaid sydd yn rhedeg ymyrch yn erbyn alltudio Farzaneh Dadkhah a'i dwy ferch yn ol i Iran. Tra yn Iran, roedd hi'n gweithredu dros hawliau menywod, ac mae hi'n ofni y byddai'n cael ei fygwth, a'i erlid petai hi'n mynd yn ol i'r wlad. Mae nhw'n byw yn Abertawe ar hyn o bryd, ac wedi cysylltu a mi ar nifer o adegau yn tynnu sylw i'w hachos.
Mae llythyr generig i ddanfon i'r Swyddfa Gatref ar y wefan hwn, ac mae unrhyw genfnogaeth o fydd iddynt o dan yr amgylchiadau, yn enwedig gan eu bont wedi derbyn llythyr yn gofyn iddynt gadael y ddinas ar y 25 o Orffennaf. Mae'n sefyllfa o natur sensitive iawn, ac mae'n bwysig i ni eu cenfogi.
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Please go to this website which campaigns for Kurdish and Iranian Women's Rights. They are running a campaign against the deportation of Farzaneh Dadkhah and her daughters to Iran. While they lived in Iran, Farzaneh was a political activist, fighting for the rights of Iranian women. She and her family believe that their lives will be in danger, and that they will be persecuted if they return to the country. They currently live in Swansea, and have contacted me on numerous occassions to raise awareness of their case.
There is a generic letter on this website to send to the Home Office contesting their deportation case, and any support will be beneficial. They have received notice to leave their Swansea home on the 25th of July, therefore this is an issue of great urgency.
Mae llythyr generig i ddanfon i'r Swyddfa Gatref ar y wefan hwn, ac mae unrhyw genfnogaeth o fydd iddynt o dan yr amgylchiadau, yn enwedig gan eu bont wedi derbyn llythyr yn gofyn iddynt gadael y ddinas ar y 25 o Orffennaf. Mae'n sefyllfa o natur sensitive iawn, ac mae'n bwysig i ni eu cenfogi.
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Please go to this website which campaigns for Kurdish and Iranian Women's Rights. They are running a campaign against the deportation of Farzaneh Dadkhah and her daughters to Iran. While they lived in Iran, Farzaneh was a political activist, fighting for the rights of Iranian women. She and her family believe that their lives will be in danger, and that they will be persecuted if they return to the country. They currently live in Swansea, and have contacted me on numerous occassions to raise awareness of their case.
There is a generic letter on this website to send to the Home Office contesting their deportation case, and any support will be beneficial. They have received notice to leave their Swansea home on the 25th of July, therefore this is an issue of great urgency.
Sunday, 29 July 2007
A sunny afternoon
Really, I should be out enjoying the sun while it lasts, but my skin is quite fair therefore I am quite likely to come out in a beetroot colour haze, and frankly, I don't want to put myself through the suffering. I'll have enough of that to cope with next week when I go on holiday.
A short article in the Observer today took my eye. Salisbury Council is handing out free bikes to those who live on a new housing estate in the area, to encourage people to ditch the morning motorway rush hour.
I'm not sure if there are ventures of this nature in Wales, but if anybody knows of such schemes then please enlighten me. I think that its a very positive idea, but I'm not sure how it would be workable across the board, especially as so many Council's are strapped for cash. I know that Sustrans Wales works extremely hard in promoting cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle and as a sustainable form of transport, and perhaps this is something which they have already considered.
Council gives out free bikes
Residents of a new housing estate are being handed free bicycles in a bid to persuade them to ditch their cars and cycle to work. The pioneering idea will see each new homeowner given vouchers to exchange for two adult bikes as well as cycling and walking maps. Residents of the 640-home development, in Old Sarum, near Salisbury, Hampshire, will also be given free bus passes in the initiative backed by Salisbury District Council.
In other news, Elin Jones is having a hard time of it in today's Wales on Sunday for deciding to go on holiday during the Shambo crisis. Peter Black has gone all soft in defending her right to have a holiday, and rightly so. Elin, like any normal human being needs a rest sometimes, don't you know! At least now she is aware that anything a Minister does, or says for that matter, is diligently noted. There is always somebody watching you!
A short article in the Observer today took my eye. Salisbury Council is handing out free bikes to those who live on a new housing estate in the area, to encourage people to ditch the morning motorway rush hour.
I'm not sure if there are ventures of this nature in Wales, but if anybody knows of such schemes then please enlighten me. I think that its a very positive idea, but I'm not sure how it would be workable across the board, especially as so many Council's are strapped for cash. I know that Sustrans Wales works extremely hard in promoting cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle and as a sustainable form of transport, and perhaps this is something which they have already considered.
Council gives out free bikes
Residents of a new housing estate are being handed free bicycles in a bid to persuade them to ditch their cars and cycle to work. The pioneering idea will see each new homeowner given vouchers to exchange for two adult bikes as well as cycling and walking maps. Residents of the 640-home development, in Old Sarum, near Salisbury, Hampshire, will also be given free bus passes in the initiative backed by Salisbury District Council.
In other news, Elin Jones is having a hard time of it in today's Wales on Sunday for deciding to go on holiday during the Shambo crisis. Peter Black has gone all soft in defending her right to have a holiday, and rightly so. Elin, like any normal human being needs a rest sometimes, don't you know! At least now she is aware that anything a Minister does, or says for that matter, is diligently noted. There is always somebody watching you!
Friday, 27 July 2007
A summer holiday read( for politics enthusiasts)
If you are going to read anything this summer, please read this book by Mark Thomas, the comedian/ political activist. Its very funny, but at the same time it is very informative- an eye opener on how the Labour Government at Westminster addresses the arms trade agenda. It also outlines Mark Thomas's opinions of the workings of Multi National arms dealers such as BAE systems who are, according to the book, subsidised immensley by Government( 313,106.30 per year as an estimation)
It explains the fact that even those rebel MP's such as Robin Cook could not succeed in down playing the influence of the industry on Government, and how they too were sucked in to the bureaucracy surrounding arms dealerships.
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Os ydych am ddarllen unrhywbeth dros yr haf, rwy'n argymell eich bod yn darllen y llyfr yma gan Mark Thomas. Mae e'n lyfr doniol tu hwnt, ond ar yr un llaw, yn llawn wybodaeth- yn agoriad llygaid ynghylch sut yn gwmws mae'r Llywodraeth Llafur yn San Steffan yn ymdrin a'r diwydiant arfau.
Mae'r llyfr hefyd yn tanlinellu barn Thomas ar sut mae cwmniau arfau megis Systemau BAE yn gweithio, a sut mae cwmniau o'r fath yn cael arian gan y Llywodraeth ( £313,106.30 yw'r amcangyfrif) Mae'n tynnu sylw at y ffaith bod ASau a oedd unwaith yn rebelio yn erbyn gweithredoedd cwmniau o'r fath yn cael eu tynnu i fewn i'r system, ac yn dod o dan ddylanwad cryf y cwmniau arfau.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
No more Welsh Teletubbies please!
It’s great to see that Alun Davies is all for developing the Welsh Language. In the Western Mail today, there’s a story regarding Alun Davies’ plea to the BBC to utilise the success of Doctor Who, and to branch out by utilising the show to promote the Welsh Language- be it through producing Welsh Language Doctor Who magazines, or by marketing the show through Welsh. Considering that Alun Davies has shown so much passion for the development of the Welsh Language through television shows, perhaps he will now back the call of the One Wales Government 100% for a New Welsh Language Act- an Act which he has spoken out against in the past.
The article continues by stating that Alun Davies opposes bringing an end to broadcasting coverage of Assembly business on S4C2 to enhance programming for children. Instead he suggests that S4C should receive more funding from Westminster so that the channel can use their resources more creatively, and provide Welsh versions of successful English language youth programmes such as the Tweenies and Teletubbies. As I understand it, such programmes are already available in Welsh, but I believe that it is in the form of voice overs.
Nevertheless, this is neither here nor there in my opinion. Frankly, such shows would be awful in any language. The whole purpose of S4C is to create new, distinctly Welsh programmes. I remember watching Ffalabalam as a child, and then programmes such as Cmon Midffild and Hapus Dyrfa when I was a little older- and I felt proud that Wales was developing unique and long-lasting programmes.
S4C needs, of course, to ensure that the momentum is behind developing programmes of this kind, and look at new ways of creating shows specifically for young people. I think that programmes such as Uned 5, Rownd a Rownd, and Caerdydd are excellent, but there is still some way to go in giving an equal playing field to youth shows.
More importantly than this perhaps even is the need for the channel to re-assess how it promotes Welsh political programmes in Wales, and how to create excitement about Welsh politics. I don’t think there would be an issue of competition between programmes if this venture could be carried out successfully. I can hear you quite clearly state that it is also the role of politicians to make sure that politics is lively and interesting to watch in Wales, and I couldn’t agree more. But if programmes are cut, then we are devoid of the chance to develop, and to show the people of Wales how we can use the new powers at the Assembly to the best of our potential.
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Mae'n dda gweld bod Alun Davies am ddatblygu'r gymraeg. Yn y Western Mail heddiw, mae stori am alwad Alun Davies i'r BBC gyfieithu elfennau o Doctor Who- datblygu cylchgronnau ac adnoddau newyd, a marchnata'r rhaglen drwy'r Gymraeg. Gan fod Alun Davies yn dangos cymaint o basiwn am gyfieithu rhaglennu a marchnata'r BBC i'r gymraeg, efallai nawr y bydd Alun Davies 100% y tu ol i'r hyn yn y ddogfen Cymru'n Un o greu Deddf Iaith Newydd- rhywbeth y mae ef wedi siarad yn erbyn yn y gorffennol?...
Mae'r erthygl yn mynd ymlaen i nodi nad yw Alun Davies o blaid torri rhaglen digwyddiadau'r Cynulliad i gael mwy o rhaglennu i blant, ond yn hytrach, mae'n cynnig y dylir S4C derbyn mwy o adnoddau gan San Steffan er defnyddio yr amser sydd ganddynt yn fwy creadigol, ac hynny trwy creu fersiynau Cymraeg o rhaglennu llwyddiannus megis y Tweenies a'r Teletubbies. Yn ol beth rwy'n deall, mae'r rhaglennu yma ar gael yn y gymraeg yn barod, ond mae hwn ar ffurf 'voice over'.
Wedi dweud hyn, nid yw hwn o bwys imi. Bydd rhaglennu fel hyn yn ofnadwy mewn unrhyw iaith! Ar ddiwedd y dydd, holl bwrpas cael sianel megis S4C yw i greu rhaglennu newydd, Cymreig. Rwy'n cofio gwylio rhaglennu fel Ffalabalam yn blentyn ifanc, a Cmon Midffild a Hapus Dyrfa pan oeddwn i'n hyn- a theimlo'n falch bod Cymru yn datblygu rhaglennu unigryw, bythgofiadwy.
Yr hyn sydd angen trafod yw sut mae S4C yn cadw monentwm, ac yn parhau i ddatblygu rhaglennu newydd i blant ac i bobl ifanc. Mae rhaglennu fel Uned 5, Rownd a Rownd, Caerdydd yn wych a dylid dathlu hynny, ond rhaid dweud bod na le I fynd er mwyn rhoi chwarae teg go iawn I sioeau I’r ifanc.
Efallai mwy fyth, yr hyn sydd yn bwysicach yw i ail edrych ar ddarllediadau'r sianel o waith y Cynulliad, ac asesu sut y medrir creu cyffro am wleidyddiaeth a rhaglennu gwleidyddiaeth yng Nghymru. Os fydd hwn yn digwydd, dwi ddim yn credu y cawn ni'r un drafodaeth am gystadleuaeth rhwng gwahanol rhaglennu a'i safon. Rwy'n gallu clywed chi yn dweud bod gan wleidyddion rol hefyd mewn sicrhau cyffro mewn gwleidyddiaeth, ac rwy'n cytuno. Hwn yw'r sialens nawr i'r Cynulliad newydd, yn enwedig yn sgil y ffaith bod gennym bwerau newydd.
The article continues by stating that Alun Davies opposes bringing an end to broadcasting coverage of Assembly business on S4C2 to enhance programming for children. Instead he suggests that S4C should receive more funding from Westminster so that the channel can use their resources more creatively, and provide Welsh versions of successful English language youth programmes such as the Tweenies and Teletubbies. As I understand it, such programmes are already available in Welsh, but I believe that it is in the form of voice overs.
Nevertheless, this is neither here nor there in my opinion. Frankly, such shows would be awful in any language. The whole purpose of S4C is to create new, distinctly Welsh programmes. I remember watching Ffalabalam as a child, and then programmes such as Cmon Midffild and Hapus Dyrfa when I was a little older- and I felt proud that Wales was developing unique and long-lasting programmes.
S4C needs, of course, to ensure that the momentum is behind developing programmes of this kind, and look at new ways of creating shows specifically for young people. I think that programmes such as Uned 5, Rownd a Rownd, and Caerdydd are excellent, but there is still some way to go in giving an equal playing field to youth shows.
More importantly than this perhaps even is the need for the channel to re-assess how it promotes Welsh political programmes in Wales, and how to create excitement about Welsh politics. I don’t think there would be an issue of competition between programmes if this venture could be carried out successfully. I can hear you quite clearly state that it is also the role of politicians to make sure that politics is lively and interesting to watch in Wales, and I couldn’t agree more. But if programmes are cut, then we are devoid of the chance to develop, and to show the people of Wales how we can use the new powers at the Assembly to the best of our potential.
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Mae'n dda gweld bod Alun Davies am ddatblygu'r gymraeg. Yn y Western Mail heddiw, mae stori am alwad Alun Davies i'r BBC gyfieithu elfennau o Doctor Who- datblygu cylchgronnau ac adnoddau newyd, a marchnata'r rhaglen drwy'r Gymraeg. Gan fod Alun Davies yn dangos cymaint o basiwn am gyfieithu rhaglennu a marchnata'r BBC i'r gymraeg, efallai nawr y bydd Alun Davies 100% y tu ol i'r hyn yn y ddogfen Cymru'n Un o greu Deddf Iaith Newydd- rhywbeth y mae ef wedi siarad yn erbyn yn y gorffennol?...
Mae'r erthygl yn mynd ymlaen i nodi nad yw Alun Davies o blaid torri rhaglen digwyddiadau'r Cynulliad i gael mwy o rhaglennu i blant, ond yn hytrach, mae'n cynnig y dylir S4C derbyn mwy o adnoddau gan San Steffan er defnyddio yr amser sydd ganddynt yn fwy creadigol, ac hynny trwy creu fersiynau Cymraeg o rhaglennu llwyddiannus megis y Tweenies a'r Teletubbies. Yn ol beth rwy'n deall, mae'r rhaglennu yma ar gael yn y gymraeg yn barod, ond mae hwn ar ffurf 'voice over'.
Wedi dweud hyn, nid yw hwn o bwys imi. Bydd rhaglennu fel hyn yn ofnadwy mewn unrhyw iaith! Ar ddiwedd y dydd, holl bwrpas cael sianel megis S4C yw i greu rhaglennu newydd, Cymreig. Rwy'n cofio gwylio rhaglennu fel Ffalabalam yn blentyn ifanc, a Cmon Midffild a Hapus Dyrfa pan oeddwn i'n hyn- a theimlo'n falch bod Cymru yn datblygu rhaglennu unigryw, bythgofiadwy.
Yr hyn sydd angen trafod yw sut mae S4C yn cadw monentwm, ac yn parhau i ddatblygu rhaglennu newydd i blant ac i bobl ifanc. Mae rhaglennu fel Uned 5, Rownd a Rownd, Caerdydd yn wych a dylid dathlu hynny, ond rhaid dweud bod na le I fynd er mwyn rhoi chwarae teg go iawn I sioeau I’r ifanc.
Efallai mwy fyth, yr hyn sydd yn bwysicach yw i ail edrych ar ddarllediadau'r sianel o waith y Cynulliad, ac asesu sut y medrir creu cyffro am wleidyddiaeth a rhaglennu gwleidyddiaeth yng Nghymru. Os fydd hwn yn digwydd, dwi ddim yn credu y cawn ni'r un drafodaeth am gystadleuaeth rhwng gwahanol rhaglennu a'i safon. Rwy'n gallu clywed chi yn dweud bod gan wleidyddion rol hefyd mewn sicrhau cyffro mewn gwleidyddiaeth, ac rwy'n cytuno. Hwn yw'r sialens nawr i'r Cynulliad newydd, yn enwedig yn sgil y ffaith bod gennym bwerau newydd.
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Here comes the ( green, eco, environmentally friendly) bride....
Although I have no intention of getting married in the near future, I did cry 'hear hear' when I read the article in the Western Mail this morning about Waste Awareness Wales's campaign to encourage couples to have greener, more environmentally friendly weddings. I never envy those who have to arrange weddings these days, especially as it means much more than merely arranging the day itself- it often includes organising the hen night, or the hen 'weekend' as it has now become known, with trips abroad and flamboyant organisation of fancy dress outfits( eg the 7 dwarfs. Don't ask!) and excursions.
Making the wedding more environmentally friendly doesn't have to equate to arranging a sombre affair where everyone snacks on carrots and hummous( although hummous is great!) or wearing fashion bin bags as dresses( this would be a good way of recycling bags though…)
It means cutting costs, using locally produced food, emailing instead of sending invites, and considering where the event is held. Fair play, I went to a wedding where some of the presents included buying goats for African communities through Oxfam, but there's still usually a hefty list of presents for guests to buy, and engagement presents as well .....I'm starting to sound like Germaine Greer now!
Anyway, I think this idea is very positive, but we need to be green all of the time, not just on our wedding day!
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Er nad ydw I’n bwriadu priodi yn y dyfodol agos, fe wnes I gwenu I fi fy hun pan ddarllenais yr erthygl yn y Western Mail y bore ma am ymgyrch 'Waste Awareness Wales' I ennyn cyplau sy’n priodi I gael priodas gwyrdd, sy’n well I’r amgylchedd. Dwi ddim yn eiddigeddus o’r rheini sy’n gorfod trefnu priodasau y dyddie ma, yn enwedig gan fod hwn yn cwmpasu llawer mwy na threfnu’r dydd ei hun- mae e fel arfer yn cynnwys y baich o drefnu’r noson plu, neu’r ‘penwythnos’ plu fel y mae’n cael ei alw nawr, gyda’r twf mewn tripiau tramor, a threfniant digwyddiadau lliwgar o gwisgoedd ffansi dros ben llestri (.e.e pethau fel y 7 dwarf. Paid gofyn!),
a thripiau dydd.
Mae creu priodas gwyrdd yn gallu bod yn her I’w fwynhau, ac nid oes rhaid iddo fod yn ddigwyddiad diflas ble mae pawb yn bwyta moron a hummous ( er bod hummous yn gret!) neu gwisgo biniau plastig fel gwisg priodas( er basa hwn yn ffordd gwych o ailgylchu)
Yn hytrach mae’n meddwl bod lle I dorri costau, defnyddio cynnyrch lleol, ebostio yn lle gyrru gwahoddiadau drwy’r post, a dwys ystyried ble mae’r digwyddiad ei hun. Rhaid dweud, fe es I I un priodas ble rhoddwyd gafr I gymuned yn Affrica fel anrheg drwy ymgyrch Oxfam, ond fel arfer mae yna rhestr hir o anrhegion I bobl prynnu I’r cwpwl priod, ac anrhegion dyweddio......rwy’n dechrau swnio fel Germaine Greer nawr!
Ta beth, rwy’n meddwl bod yr ymgyrch yn syniad bositif, ond mae angen I ni fod yn wyrdd drwy’r amser, nid yn unig ar ddiwrnod ein priodas!
Making the wedding more environmentally friendly doesn't have to equate to arranging a sombre affair where everyone snacks on carrots and hummous( although hummous is great!) or wearing fashion bin bags as dresses( this would be a good way of recycling bags though…)
It means cutting costs, using locally produced food, emailing instead of sending invites, and considering where the event is held. Fair play, I went to a wedding where some of the presents included buying goats for African communities through Oxfam, but there's still usually a hefty list of presents for guests to buy, and engagement presents as well .....I'm starting to sound like Germaine Greer now!
Anyway, I think this idea is very positive, but we need to be green all of the time, not just on our wedding day!
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Er nad ydw I’n bwriadu priodi yn y dyfodol agos, fe wnes I gwenu I fi fy hun pan ddarllenais yr erthygl yn y Western Mail y bore ma am ymgyrch 'Waste Awareness Wales' I ennyn cyplau sy’n priodi I gael priodas gwyrdd, sy’n well I’r amgylchedd. Dwi ddim yn eiddigeddus o’r rheini sy’n gorfod trefnu priodasau y dyddie ma, yn enwedig gan fod hwn yn cwmpasu llawer mwy na threfnu’r dydd ei hun- mae e fel arfer yn cynnwys y baich o drefnu’r noson plu, neu’r ‘penwythnos’ plu fel y mae’n cael ei alw nawr, gyda’r twf mewn tripiau tramor, a threfniant digwyddiadau lliwgar o gwisgoedd ffansi dros ben llestri (.e.e pethau fel y 7 dwarf. Paid gofyn!),
a thripiau dydd.
Mae creu priodas gwyrdd yn gallu bod yn her I’w fwynhau, ac nid oes rhaid iddo fod yn ddigwyddiad diflas ble mae pawb yn bwyta moron a hummous ( er bod hummous yn gret!) neu gwisgo biniau plastig fel gwisg priodas( er basa hwn yn ffordd gwych o ailgylchu)
Yn hytrach mae’n meddwl bod lle I dorri costau, defnyddio cynnyrch lleol, ebostio yn lle gyrru gwahoddiadau drwy’r post, a dwys ystyried ble mae’r digwyddiad ei hun. Rhaid dweud, fe es I I un priodas ble rhoddwyd gafr I gymuned yn Affrica fel anrheg drwy ymgyrch Oxfam, ond fel arfer mae yna rhestr hir o anrhegion I bobl prynnu I’r cwpwl priod, ac anrhegion dyweddio......rwy’n dechrau swnio fel Germaine Greer nawr!
Ta beth, rwy’n meddwl bod yr ymgyrch yn syniad bositif, ond mae angen I ni fod yn wyrdd drwy’r amser, nid yn unig ar ddiwrnod ein priodas!
Should you be an AM and an MP?
I received a request to join the Facebook group 'Elect Alun Cairns as MP for the Vale of Glamorgan,' so I take it that Alun Cairns has recently been selected as the candidate for the area. Well I wish him all the best, of course, but I would like to know that if he did win the seat, would he stand down as an AM?
I have to admit that I'm not a fan of those who stay on as an AM and an MP- from any party. We've heard over the last few weeks how the workload will be growing at the Assembly with new scrutiny committees which will come about as a result of the new powers. I really don't see how it will be possible for anybody to perform dual roles effectively.
This isn't an attack on anyone's ability, only that I don't believe, time wise, that it will work. We will already have clashes for various committees when we return to Assembly business in September, after all. This isn't to say that Alun Cairns will necessarily win, but I think we should assess whether AM's and MP's can take on the responsibility of dual positions generally.
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Fe wnes i dderbyn cais gan Alun Cairns ar Facebook i ymuno a'r grwp 'Elect Alun Cairns as MP for the val of Glamorgan', felly rwy ar ddeall fod o wedi cael ei ddewis yn ddiweddar fel ymgeisydd ar gyfer yr ardal. Pob dymuniad da iddo, ynte, ond hoffwn wybod, os ydy o'n ennill y sedd hynny, a fydd o'n sefyll lawr fel AC?
Rhaid cyfaddef nad ydwyf yn or hoff o'r syniad bod gwleidydd yn AC ac AS ar yr un pryd- o unrhyw Plaid gwleidyddol. Rydym wedi clywed dros yr wythnosau diwethaf sut y bydd pwysau gwaith ACau yn tyfu o ganlyniad i bwyllgorau newydd a fydd yn scriwtineiddio deddfau yn ol y pwerau newydd. Dwi ddim yn hollol siwr sut y bydd o'n bosib i berson cyflawni dau swydd yn llwyddiannus.
Nid yw hwn yn ymosodiad ar gallu unrhywun yn benodol, ond yn nhermau amser, dwi ddim yn sicr o sut fydd o'n gallu gweithio. Byddem yn cael problem pan fydd pwyllgorau yn digwydd yr un pryd yn barod pan fyddem yn mynd nol at waith y Cynulliad ym mis Medi, wedi'r cyfan. Dyw hwn ddim i weud y bydd Alun Cairns yn ennill o rheidrwydd, ond yn sylwad ar yr angen i asesu a ddylai ACau fod yn AS hefyd, ac hynny ar lefel cyffredinol.
I have to admit that I'm not a fan of those who stay on as an AM and an MP- from any party. We've heard over the last few weeks how the workload will be growing at the Assembly with new scrutiny committees which will come about as a result of the new powers. I really don't see how it will be possible for anybody to perform dual roles effectively.
This isn't an attack on anyone's ability, only that I don't believe, time wise, that it will work. We will already have clashes for various committees when we return to Assembly business in September, after all. This isn't to say that Alun Cairns will necessarily win, but I think we should assess whether AM's and MP's can take on the responsibility of dual positions generally.
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Fe wnes i dderbyn cais gan Alun Cairns ar Facebook i ymuno a'r grwp 'Elect Alun Cairns as MP for the val of Glamorgan', felly rwy ar ddeall fod o wedi cael ei ddewis yn ddiweddar fel ymgeisydd ar gyfer yr ardal. Pob dymuniad da iddo, ynte, ond hoffwn wybod, os ydy o'n ennill y sedd hynny, a fydd o'n sefyll lawr fel AC?
Rhaid cyfaddef nad ydwyf yn or hoff o'r syniad bod gwleidydd yn AC ac AS ar yr un pryd- o unrhyw Plaid gwleidyddol. Rydym wedi clywed dros yr wythnosau diwethaf sut y bydd pwysau gwaith ACau yn tyfu o ganlyniad i bwyllgorau newydd a fydd yn scriwtineiddio deddfau yn ol y pwerau newydd. Dwi ddim yn hollol siwr sut y bydd o'n bosib i berson cyflawni dau swydd yn llwyddiannus.
Nid yw hwn yn ymosodiad ar gallu unrhywun yn benodol, ond yn nhermau amser, dwi ddim yn sicr o sut fydd o'n gallu gweithio. Byddem yn cael problem pan fydd pwyllgorau yn digwydd yr un pryd yn barod pan fyddem yn mynd nol at waith y Cynulliad ym mis Medi, wedi'r cyfan. Dyw hwn ddim i weud y bydd Alun Cairns yn ennill o rheidrwydd, ond yn sylwad ar yr angen i asesu a ddylai ACau fod yn AS hefyd, ac hynny ar lefel cyffredinol.
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
What's 'I've missed the train' in Welsh?
Rwy'n meddwl bod hwn yn ddyfyniad da o blog Paul Flynn AC mewn ymateb i ymgyrch Bryant ayb i gael y Gymraeg ar ol y Saesneg ar ddatganiadau gorsafoedd Rheilffyrdd yng Nghymru. Yn ol y son, mae Arriva yn mynd i gyflwyno ymchwiliad mewn i'r sefyllfa. Y cyfan ddweda i yw y dylir fod digon i Arriva wneud heb gynnal ymchwiliad mor ddi-bwrpas.... pethau fel datblygu gwasanaethau, a sicrhau fod trenau ar amser.
'It's the defeated anti Red-Green coalition MPs soothing the hurt of their bloody noses by putting the boot into the Welsh Language. A new Welsh Language Act is one of the coalition's aims. Sad really that our two Gwent ex-ministers and papal knights cannot find anything more useful to fill their lives. Cheer up, Don and Paul and return to serious politics'.
I think that this is a great quote of response from Paul Flynn MP to the campaign by Bryant et al to call on Arriva to review its language policy, and their call for announcements on Station platforms to be made in English, followed by Welsh. I understand that Arriva is carrying out a review in response, but I honestly think that the company has more important issues to be worrying about, such as developing services and making sure that trains run on time, rather than initiating a pointless review of this nature.
'It's the defeated anti Red-Green coalition MPs soothing the hurt of their bloody noses by putting the boot into the Welsh Language. A new Welsh Language Act is one of the coalition's aims. Sad really that our two Gwent ex-ministers and papal knights cannot find anything more useful to fill their lives. Cheer up, Don and Paul and return to serious politics'.
I think that this is a great quote of response from Paul Flynn MP to the campaign by Bryant et al to call on Arriva to review its language policy, and their call for announcements on Station platforms to be made in English, followed by Welsh. I understand that Arriva is carrying out a review in response, but I honestly think that the company has more important issues to be worrying about, such as developing services and making sure that trains run on time, rather than initiating a pointless review of this nature.
The youtube debate
Because I didn’t brave it to Builth in the mud and rain ( it may be the ‘Farmers Glastonbury’, but I’m really sorry, I do prefer one of music’s greatest festivals which is Glastonbury) I’ve stayed in sunny Rhos today, and chanced upon the Youtube CNN Presidential candidate debate.
I don’t tend to watch that much television to be honest, partly because I can’t seem to find anything worth watching, and I can’t get freeview where I live… So yes, I watched a small part of the youtube debate. A new way of communicating, and a new way of engaging with the electorate. Of the 3,000 submissions, 39 were chosen, which doesn’t seem like much to me. A variation of a puppet snowman asking a serious question about the threat of climate change, to a father who has lost a son in Iraq, to comments from patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and breast cancer- amongst many.
I have to admit that the questioning, and being able to see people live on screen in their own living rooms, using their own creativity in questioning the candidates was more interesting than the answers produced by the politicians. It was a showbiz affair, with the brightly lit, over indulgent stage production reminiscent of the X Factor or Dance X, (you know the type of reality shows) and all candidates had mini screens at their podiums so that they could see the youtube videos clearly.
I liked the idea of the youtube debate from the outset, if only because I am trying to encourage the powers that be at the Assembly to initiate a variation of this at the Assembly for people who want to either get in touch with an AM, or as a possibility for the petitions committee. It gives the debate an extra level of interest and a chance for those people who either can’t reach studio audiences for live debates, or are not political anoraks, to have their say.
The candidates’ responses were relatively poor, and much of the debate surrounded the timeline for withdrawing troops from Iraq. Hilary Clinton, who I believe is currently the front runner of the Democrats, didn’t stop reiterating that it was time for Americans to come together and unite, for Americans to realise their potential etc etc
( I wonder whether she thought this to be true of her husband’s period in Office?)
Perhaps the most amusing answer came about when the host asked how many of the candidates had travelled in by private jet (as a supplementary to a question on climate change) and all but one showed their hands in a classroom scenario of 5 second shame. Another row sparked after the debate, when Obama was criticised by Hilary Clinton for agreeing to meet in principle with leaders such as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bashar al-Assad, Hugo Chavez, and Fidel Castro. Clinton could show that she was the mature, experienced politician, of course, as she exclaimed, ‘I will not promise to meet with the leaders of these countries during my first year. I don’t want to be used for propaganda purposes’.Hmmm.
All in all, I’m sure that the youtube debate will play a part in the wider development and the role of the web in politics. It has already played a huge role in the US Presidential campaign, and has showed videos of Barack Obama enjoying his time on a family holiday (a politician doing normal things. Gasp!) Nevertheless, there is a danger that it could turn in to a Big Brother farce where boundaries are blurred, but time will tell.
I’m sure youtube, alongside Facebook and Myspace will be overused, but it’s still a way of communicating with voters, and any form of encouraging people to take part in politics must be a positive.
I don’t tend to watch that much television to be honest, partly because I can’t seem to find anything worth watching, and I can’t get freeview where I live… So yes, I watched a small part of the youtube debate. A new way of communicating, and a new way of engaging with the electorate. Of the 3,000 submissions, 39 were chosen, which doesn’t seem like much to me. A variation of a puppet snowman asking a serious question about the threat of climate change, to a father who has lost a son in Iraq, to comments from patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and breast cancer- amongst many.
I have to admit that the questioning, and being able to see people live on screen in their own living rooms, using their own creativity in questioning the candidates was more interesting than the answers produced by the politicians. It was a showbiz affair, with the brightly lit, over indulgent stage production reminiscent of the X Factor or Dance X, (you know the type of reality shows) and all candidates had mini screens at their podiums so that they could see the youtube videos clearly.
I liked the idea of the youtube debate from the outset, if only because I am trying to encourage the powers that be at the Assembly to initiate a variation of this at the Assembly for people who want to either get in touch with an AM, or as a possibility for the petitions committee. It gives the debate an extra level of interest and a chance for those people who either can’t reach studio audiences for live debates, or are not political anoraks, to have their say.
The candidates’ responses were relatively poor, and much of the debate surrounded the timeline for withdrawing troops from Iraq. Hilary Clinton, who I believe is currently the front runner of the Democrats, didn’t stop reiterating that it was time for Americans to come together and unite, for Americans to realise their potential etc etc
( I wonder whether she thought this to be true of her husband’s period in Office?)
Perhaps the most amusing answer came about when the host asked how many of the candidates had travelled in by private jet (as a supplementary to a question on climate change) and all but one showed their hands in a classroom scenario of 5 second shame. Another row sparked after the debate, when Obama was criticised by Hilary Clinton for agreeing to meet in principle with leaders such as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bashar al-Assad, Hugo Chavez, and Fidel Castro. Clinton could show that she was the mature, experienced politician, of course, as she exclaimed, ‘I will not promise to meet with the leaders of these countries during my first year. I don’t want to be used for propaganda purposes’.Hmmm.
All in all, I’m sure that the youtube debate will play a part in the wider development and the role of the web in politics. It has already played a huge role in the US Presidential campaign, and has showed videos of Barack Obama enjoying his time on a family holiday (a politician doing normal things. Gasp!) Nevertheless, there is a danger that it could turn in to a Big Brother farce where boundaries are blurred, but time will tell.
I’m sure youtube, alongside Facebook and Myspace will be overused, but it’s still a way of communicating with voters, and any form of encouraging people to take part in politics must be a positive.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Driving in my car.....
Before I had my own blog here, I did in fact trial a few blog entries on my myspace page last year. One of the first blogs I did was on road safety and young people following the death of four teenage girls on a road near Llangynidr. At the time I suggested that it may be a possibility for young drivers to take additional courses after a number of years in order to ‘upskill’ or to improve their driving ability. A father of one of the teenagers who died in the Llangynidr crash said that more stringent measures should be in place before new drivers take to the road, and that they should log a certain amount of hours before driving alone. I was especially interested in this at the time of writing, as I had experienced a nasty crash on the Rhigos Mountain- a stretch of road which I sincerely hope Ieuan Wyn Jones as the new Economic and Transport Minister can improve over the next few years!
Last week, new measures were recommended in a report by MP’s, and I welcome the report’s suggestions that a zero alcohol limit for newly qualified drivers is implemented. If the committee has its way, newly qualified drivers will also be prohibited from carrying passengers aged 10-20 between 10pm and 5am.
I don’t disagree per se that there should be a 12 month minimum learning period outlined in the report, but I believe that if the learning process is extended, then it must be done so constructively- extending training to Motorways and practise during unfavourable weather conditions. An area which also needs to be considered if learning is extended to 12 months is that of financing such lessons, and the capacity for those from lower socio- economic backgrounds to afford privately funded tutoring for an extended period of time( if they take private tutoring, that is).
Any new measures will be difficult to police, of course but so many young people are victims of road accidents that its necessary to initiate more effective, workable rules. This shouldn't be about stigmatising young people in any way, but an effort to recognise that young people need to be protected. If you ask many 17 year olds, I am sure that they will accept many of the suggestions above, but I can guarantee that they will not be favourable to the plan to stop people from receiving a full license until they are 18. I would be inclined to say that there needs to be a streamlining of policy. Either a young person starts to learn to drive at 17, and can receive a license at 17, or they wait until they are 18. There is no point introducing an age limit that does not necessarily stop the rise in young people’s involvement in car accidents.
You can’t stop young people from learning to drive, but perhaps( controversially) we should be developing our young people’s interest in other areas so that receiving driving lessons does not equate to that of which is required of a 17 year old today. After all, if we are to combat climate change, we need to encourage young people to be creative in embracing other forms of renewable, and energy efficient transport systems, not create more gas guzzling enthusiasts.
Last week, new measures were recommended in a report by MP’s, and I welcome the report’s suggestions that a zero alcohol limit for newly qualified drivers is implemented. If the committee has its way, newly qualified drivers will also be prohibited from carrying passengers aged 10-20 between 10pm and 5am.
I don’t disagree per se that there should be a 12 month minimum learning period outlined in the report, but I believe that if the learning process is extended, then it must be done so constructively- extending training to Motorways and practise during unfavourable weather conditions. An area which also needs to be considered if learning is extended to 12 months is that of financing such lessons, and the capacity for those from lower socio- economic backgrounds to afford privately funded tutoring for an extended period of time( if they take private tutoring, that is).
Any new measures will be difficult to police, of course but so many young people are victims of road accidents that its necessary to initiate more effective, workable rules. This shouldn't be about stigmatising young people in any way, but an effort to recognise that young people need to be protected. If you ask many 17 year olds, I am sure that they will accept many of the suggestions above, but I can guarantee that they will not be favourable to the plan to stop people from receiving a full license until they are 18. I would be inclined to say that there needs to be a streamlining of policy. Either a young person starts to learn to drive at 17, and can receive a license at 17, or they wait until they are 18. There is no point introducing an age limit that does not necessarily stop the rise in young people’s involvement in car accidents.
You can’t stop young people from learning to drive, but perhaps( controversially) we should be developing our young people’s interest in other areas so that receiving driving lessons does not equate to that of which is required of a 17 year old today. After all, if we are to combat climate change, we need to encourage young people to be creative in embracing other forms of renewable, and energy efficient transport systems, not create more gas guzzling enthusiasts.
Thursday, 19 July 2007
The New Cabinet / Y Cabinet newydd
I've had the chance to congratulate Jocelyn Davies this minute for being appointed as a Deputy Minister. I think it’s great that we have been given the housing brief, even if addressing the issues of affordable housing in Wales is a challenge and a half!
I haven’t seen the other members to congratulate them, but I’d like to say well done to Rhodri Glyn Thomas and Elin Jones for securing a place in the Cabinet. I have to admit that I expected Alun Ffred Jones to be in there somewhere, but I am sure that he will be allocated a spokesperson’s role within the Assembly group.
Carwyn Jones and Jane Hutt’s new roles are interesting, and of course, Huw Lewis must be a little upset today for being the only Labour AM to lose his position in the Cabinet ( I tell a lie- Carl Sargent is a Minster no more, but he will still be Chief Whip and will sit in on Cabinet meetings)
Now is the chance over recess for our new Ministers to familiarise themselves with their individual portfolios. It’s a chance for them to prepare for the implementation of the policies outlined in the One Wales document. So, there we are- coalition discussions done and dusted. Getting down to business is the topic of the day now.
I guess this means that Elin Jones is now responsible for the fate of Shambo.. I don't envy anyone that has to make that decision!
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Rwyf wedi cael cyfle I ddweud llongyfarchiadau I Jocelyn Davies am gael ei apwyntio yn Ddirprwy Weinidog. Mae’n addawol iawn ein bod ni wedi cael y briff tai, er bod na sialens fawr o’n Blaenau I taclo’r mater o dai fforddidwy yng Nghymru.
Dydw I ddim wedi gweld y gweddill o gwmpas, ond hoffwn llongyfarch Rhodri Glyn Thomas ac Elin Jones am ddod yn rhan o’r Cabinet. Rhaid dweud, mi oeddwn I’n disgwyl I Alun Ffred Jones fod yno rhywle ond rwy’n siwr fydd o’n cael rol fel Llefarydd o fewn y grwp.
Mae newid rol Carwyn Jones a Jane Hutt yn un ddiddorol, ac wrth gwrs, mae Huw Lewis yn sicr o fod yn weddol isel ei ysbryd heddiw am mai ef yw’r unig AC Llafur I golli ei rol yn y Cabinet. ( sori, celwydd yw hynny- dyw Carl Seargent ddim yn Weinidog rhagor, ond mae’n parhau I fod yn Chwip, ac mae’n medru bod yn rhan o drafdaethau’r Cabinet)
Mae siawns nawr I’r Gweinidogion weithio dros yr haf ar ei meusydd penodol. Mae’n gyfle nawr I ni baratoi at weithredu polisiau positif Cymru’n Un. Felly dyna ni, trafodaethau clymblaid wedi dod I ben, a siawns nawr I weithredu.
Rwy'n cymryd nawr mai Elin Jones sydd yn gyfrifol am dynged Shambo. Dwi ddim yn eiddigeddus o'i rol mewn cymryd y penderfyniad hynny!
I haven’t seen the other members to congratulate them, but I’d like to say well done to Rhodri Glyn Thomas and Elin Jones for securing a place in the Cabinet. I have to admit that I expected Alun Ffred Jones to be in there somewhere, but I am sure that he will be allocated a spokesperson’s role within the Assembly group.
Carwyn Jones and Jane Hutt’s new roles are interesting, and of course, Huw Lewis must be a little upset today for being the only Labour AM to lose his position in the Cabinet ( I tell a lie- Carl Sargent is a Minster no more, but he will still be Chief Whip and will sit in on Cabinet meetings)
Now is the chance over recess for our new Ministers to familiarise themselves with their individual portfolios. It’s a chance for them to prepare for the implementation of the policies outlined in the One Wales document. So, there we are- coalition discussions done and dusted. Getting down to business is the topic of the day now.
I guess this means that Elin Jones is now responsible for the fate of Shambo.. I don't envy anyone that has to make that decision!
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Rwyf wedi cael cyfle I ddweud llongyfarchiadau I Jocelyn Davies am gael ei apwyntio yn Ddirprwy Weinidog. Mae’n addawol iawn ein bod ni wedi cael y briff tai, er bod na sialens fawr o’n Blaenau I taclo’r mater o dai fforddidwy yng Nghymru.
Dydw I ddim wedi gweld y gweddill o gwmpas, ond hoffwn llongyfarch Rhodri Glyn Thomas ac Elin Jones am ddod yn rhan o’r Cabinet. Rhaid dweud, mi oeddwn I’n disgwyl I Alun Ffred Jones fod yno rhywle ond rwy’n siwr fydd o’n cael rol fel Llefarydd o fewn y grwp.
Mae newid rol Carwyn Jones a Jane Hutt yn un ddiddorol, ac wrth gwrs, mae Huw Lewis yn sicr o fod yn weddol isel ei ysbryd heddiw am mai ef yw’r unig AC Llafur I golli ei rol yn y Cabinet. ( sori, celwydd yw hynny- dyw Carl Seargent ddim yn Weinidog rhagor, ond mae’n parhau I fod yn Chwip, ac mae’n medru bod yn rhan o drafdaethau’r Cabinet)
Mae siawns nawr I’r Gweinidogion weithio dros yr haf ar ei meusydd penodol. Mae’n gyfle nawr I ni baratoi at weithredu polisiau positif Cymru’n Un. Felly dyna ni, trafodaethau clymblaid wedi dod I ben, a siawns nawr I weithredu.
Rwy'n cymryd nawr mai Elin Jones sydd yn gyfrifol am dynged Shambo. Dwi ddim yn eiddigeddus o'i rol mewn cymryd y penderfyniad hynny!
Missing postcard
Somebody has stolen my postcard with the Alice Walker quote 'Activism is my rent for living on this planet' which was on the door to my office at the Assembly. I am fortunate enough to have a spare one, but I would be grateful if it could be returned. Does anyone know where it is?!
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Mae rhywun wedi dwyn y cerdyn post gyda dyfyniad gan Alice Walker 'Activism is my rent for living on this planet' oddi ar drws fy swyddfa yn y Cynulliad. Rwyf yn ddigon ffodus i gael un spar, ond rwyf eisiau'r cerdyn post yn ol! Oes unrhywun yn gwbod lle ma fe?!
Government Statement on new WAG Cabinet
WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT STATEMENT
TITLE: WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT CABINET
DATE: 19 JULY 2007
BY: RHODRI MORGAN, FIRST MINISTER
Following last week’s formal coalition between Labour and Plaid Cymru, I have made major changes across all portfolios with only my specific responsibilities remaining unchanged and Edwina Hart remaining as Minister for Health and Social Services.
And following Ieuan Wyn Jones appointment last week as Deputy First Minister, who is also now Minister for Economic Development and Transport, the three other appointments from Plaid Cymru who will join the Cabinet working along side my Labour Ministers include Elin Jones who will be Minister for Rural Affairs, which was formerly part of the Sustainability and Rural development portfolio and Rhodri Glyn Thomas has been appointed Minister for the new Heritage portfolio which includes tourism, Cadw, arts, sports and the Welsh Language. Jocelyn Davies has also been appointed as Deputy Minister with responsibility for Housing. Carl Sargeant remains as Chief Whip and will continue to attend meetings of the Cabinet.
The new Cabinet line-up is:
First Minister
Rhodri Morgan
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport
Ieuan Wyn Jones
Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery
Andrew Davies
Minister for Social Justice and Local Government
Brian Gibbons
Minister for Education, Children and Young People
Jane Hutt
Minister for Rural Affairs
Elin Jones
Minister for Health and Social Services
Edwina Hart
Minister for Sustainability and Housing
Jane Davidson
Minister for Heritage
Rhodri Glyn Thomas
Counsel General and Leader of the House, also Minister for Assembly
Business and Communications
Carwyn Jones
Deputy Ministers are as follows:
Social Services Gwenda Thomas
Housing Jocelyn Davies
Skills John Griffiths
Regeneration Leighton Andrews
I believe that this new Cabinet marks the start of a new era of strength in partnership with an experienced and talented team of Ministers able to meet the challenge of making our nation a better place to live and work. Our ‘One Wales’ document is the blueprint for our next four years in Government and both I and the Deputy First Minister are confident that the new Cabinet has the passion and commitment to deliver the fair, prosperous, confident and outgoing Wales our citizens deserve and demand.
TITLE: WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT CABINET
DATE: 19 JULY 2007
BY: RHODRI MORGAN, FIRST MINISTER
Following last week’s formal coalition between Labour and Plaid Cymru, I have made major changes across all portfolios with only my specific responsibilities remaining unchanged and Edwina Hart remaining as Minister for Health and Social Services.
And following Ieuan Wyn Jones appointment last week as Deputy First Minister, who is also now Minister for Economic Development and Transport, the three other appointments from Plaid Cymru who will join the Cabinet working along side my Labour Ministers include Elin Jones who will be Minister for Rural Affairs, which was formerly part of the Sustainability and Rural development portfolio and Rhodri Glyn Thomas has been appointed Minister for the new Heritage portfolio which includes tourism, Cadw, arts, sports and the Welsh Language. Jocelyn Davies has also been appointed as Deputy Minister with responsibility for Housing. Carl Sargeant remains as Chief Whip and will continue to attend meetings of the Cabinet.
The new Cabinet line-up is:
First Minister
Rhodri Morgan
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport
Ieuan Wyn Jones
Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery
Andrew Davies
Minister for Social Justice and Local Government
Brian Gibbons
Minister for Education, Children and Young People
Jane Hutt
Minister for Rural Affairs
Elin Jones
Minister for Health and Social Services
Edwina Hart
Minister for Sustainability and Housing
Jane Davidson
Minister for Heritage
Rhodri Glyn Thomas
Counsel General and Leader of the House, also Minister for Assembly
Business and Communications
Carwyn Jones
Deputy Ministers are as follows:
Social Services Gwenda Thomas
Housing Jocelyn Davies
Skills John Griffiths
Regeneration Leighton Andrews
I believe that this new Cabinet marks the start of a new era of strength in partnership with an experienced and talented team of Ministers able to meet the challenge of making our nation a better place to live and work. Our ‘One Wales’ document is the blueprint for our next four years in Government and both I and the Deputy First Minister are confident that the new Cabinet has the passion and commitment to deliver the fair, prosperous, confident and outgoing Wales our citizens deserve and demand.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Huw Lewis is a Minister no more
Newydd gweld mai Huw Lewis yw'r cyntaf i fynd o'r Cabinet ym Mae Caerdydd. Mae hynny'n bach o sioc i mi. Roeddwn i'n meddwl y bydde Rhodri yn cadw rhai o'r 'cynics' i'r glymblaid coch-gwyrdd yn y Cabinet. Roedd datganiad llawn i fod i ddigwydd heddi, ond mae'n siwr fydd o'n cael ei wneud fory nawr. Mwy o ddatganiadau cyffroes i ddod felly... Does dim clem da fi pwy o Blaid Cymru fydd yn rhan o'r Cabinet. Rwyf i fel pawb arall wedi clywed enw Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Elin Jones a Helen Mary yn rhan o'r drafodaeth, ond sai'n gwbod dim yn sicr.
Rwyf wedi bod yn aros wrth y ffon am y galwad pwysig. Falle heno, falle ddim......;-)
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I've just learnt that Huw Lewis is the first to be axed from the Cabinet in Cardiff Bay. That came as a bit of a shock to me. I thought that Rhodri would keep a few of the cynics to the red-green deal in the Cabinet. A full statement was supposed to take place today, but I guess that will happen tomorrow now. More excitement to come then!... I haven't a clue who will be in there from Plaid. I've heard the same names as everyone else bandied around- Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Elin Jones and Helen Mary, but I don't know anything for sure.
I've been waiting by my phone for days for the important phone call. Perhaps I'll get a call tonight... or perhaps not;-)
Rwyf wedi bod yn aros wrth y ffon am y galwad pwysig. Falle heno, falle ddim......;-)
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I've just learnt that Huw Lewis is the first to be axed from the Cabinet in Cardiff Bay. That came as a bit of a shock to me. I thought that Rhodri would keep a few of the cynics to the red-green deal in the Cabinet. A full statement was supposed to take place today, but I guess that will happen tomorrow now. More excitement to come then!... I haven't a clue who will be in there from Plaid. I've heard the same names as everyone else bandied around- Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Elin Jones and Helen Mary, but I don't know anything for sure.
I've been waiting by my phone for days for the important phone call. Perhaps I'll get a call tonight... or perhaps not;-)
Neath vs Swansea. Who will be the winners?
In an hour or so I am off to watch a football match in Llandarcy. Dr Dai Lloyd AM and myself have sponsored the friendly between Neath Athletic and Swansea City at Llandarcy Park. Well, we fancied spicing up the event with a bit of a bet. Dai is supporting the Swans tonight, I am supporting Neath. The AM backing the loosing team will donate money to a local charity of the winning AM's choice. There's nothing like a bit of summer fun, don't you think?
Peter Hain is the President of Neath Athletic I am told, but I don't think he's coming tonight. That's a shame, I thought I could discuss the ins and outs of the referendum campaign that his party has signed up to, and which he supports with vigour!............
Update- The Swans won 5-1. At least the money goes to charity is all I say!
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Mewn awr bach rwyf yn mynd i gem pel-droed yn Llandarcy. Rwyf wedi noddi gem 'friendly' pel droed ar y cyd gyda Dr Dai Lloyd AC heno ma rhwng Neath Athletic ac Abertawe. Mae'r gem yn digwydd ym Mharc Llandarcy. Mae Dai a fi wedi cael bet fach. Mae Dai yn cefnogi'r Swans heno, ac rwy'n cefnogi Castell Nedd. Pwy bynnag fydd yn colli'r gem fydd yn gorfod rhoi arian i elusen lleol o ddewis yr AC sydd yn ennill. Dim byd fel bach o sbort adeg yr haf, ynte!
Peter Hain yw Llywydd Neath Athletic yn ol y son, ond dwi ddim yn credu bod e'n dod heno ma. Mae hynny'n anffodus, cofia. O'n i moyn trafod gweithredu'r ymgyrch refferendwm ar Senedd i Gymru mae ei Blaid wedi cefnogi- ymgyrch mae Hain yn cefnogi i'r carn!................
Diweddariad- Fe wnaeth y Swans ennill 5-1. O leia mae'r arian yn mynd at achos dda, na'r cyfan weda i!
Peter Hain is the President of Neath Athletic I am told, but I don't think he's coming tonight. That's a shame, I thought I could discuss the ins and outs of the referendum campaign that his party has signed up to, and which he supports with vigour!............
Update- The Swans won 5-1. At least the money goes to charity is all I say!
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Mewn awr bach rwyf yn mynd i gem pel-droed yn Llandarcy. Rwyf wedi noddi gem 'friendly' pel droed ar y cyd gyda Dr Dai Lloyd AC heno ma rhwng Neath Athletic ac Abertawe. Mae'r gem yn digwydd ym Mharc Llandarcy. Mae Dai a fi wedi cael bet fach. Mae Dai yn cefnogi'r Swans heno, ac rwy'n cefnogi Castell Nedd. Pwy bynnag fydd yn colli'r gem fydd yn gorfod rhoi arian i elusen lleol o ddewis yr AC sydd yn ennill. Dim byd fel bach o sbort adeg yr haf, ynte!
Peter Hain yw Llywydd Neath Athletic yn ol y son, ond dwi ddim yn credu bod e'n dod heno ma. Mae hynny'n anffodus, cofia. O'n i moyn trafod gweithredu'r ymgyrch refferendwm ar Senedd i Gymru mae ei Blaid wedi cefnogi- ymgyrch mae Hain yn cefnogi i'r carn!................
Diweddariad- Fe wnaeth y Swans ennill 5-1. O leia mae'r arian yn mynd at achos dda, na'r cyfan weda i!
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Feminism an International disaster?
What an article in today’s Western Mail! You couldn’t make it up! David Hughes, Chairman of the ManKind Initiative has said that Feminism is to blame for all things bad in modern day life. How dare women go to work and sacrifice their role in the kitchen, he exclaims! Women should be at home looking after the children, and then there wouldn’t be any marriage problems, social inequalities, or political strife! Hmmm.
Of course, I recognise that families are under much more pressure now, and that both parents are often forced to work when children are at an early age due to financial constraints. Parents do spend less time with their children, but we cannot solely blame this trend on feminism. In fact, it shouldn’t be a question of gender at all.
Instead we should be looking at ways of tackling issues surrounding affordable childcare, encouraging family friendly working hours, more social activities for children and their parents outside school hours, as well as providing flexible access to education for those parents who are seeking to re-train after taking time out to rear children, or who are hoping to re-skill. Branding women and feminism as the problem is far too simplistic indeed.
David Hughes seems to go over the top somewhat in his criticism of feminism, if only to ensure newspaper headlines, by stating ‘The detritus left in the wake of 30 years of feminism is considerable, an international disaster. And, as with most other disasters, such as 9/11, it falls mainly to men to clear up the mess’.
Feminism an International disaster? Give me strength! I can’t help but thinking that if the comments above were made about a person with a disability or a person from an ethnic minority of any kind, then such remarks would be frowned upon. It seems that sexism is still rife, and that there’s a long way to go in highlighting the importance of women’s rights.
Such statements will only serve to enhance stereotypes, create gender rifts, and hinder the development of equality of opportunity. We have to work positively to quell such stereotypes, and tackle the problems facing parents and their children in the Twenty First Century.
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Am erthygl yn y Western Mail heddiw! Swrel yn wir! Mae David Hughes, Cadeirydd y sefydliad ‘ManKind’ wedi dweud mai Ffeministiaeth sydd a’r fai am bopeth gwael ym y byd sydd ohoni heddiw. Cywilydd ydyw I fenywod fynd I’r gwaith a rhoi’r gorau I’w rol yn y gegin, mae e’n honi! Dylai menywod fod yn y cartref yn goruchwilio eu plant, ac yna ni fydd yna broblemau priodasol, cymdeithasol na chwaith gwleidyddol! Hmmmm
Wrth gwrs, rwy’n cydnabod bod teuluoedd o dan llawer mwy o bwysau nawr, ac fod rhieni yn cael eu gwthio mewn I ail-ddechrau gwaith pan mae eu plant yn ifanc yn sgil tensiynau ariannol gan amlaf. Mae rhieni yn treulio llai o amser gyda’u plant, ond ni fedrwn rhoi’r bai am y ffenomenom yma ar ffeminyddiaeth. Mewn gwirionedd, ni ddylai rhywedd fod yn rhan o’r ddadl o gwbl.
Yn hytrach na hynny, dylem fod yn edrych am ffyrdd newydd o daclo materion yng nghyd destun gofal plant fforddiadwy, hybu oriau gwaith sydd yn hyblyg I deuluoedd, mwy o weithgareddau allgyrsiol I rhieni a phlant ill dau, yn ogystal a creu’r gallu I rhieni sydd am newid neu datblygu eu sgiliau I gymryd cyrsiau addysgiadol sydd yn gweddu a’I ffordd o fyw. Mae dweud mai ffeminyddiaeth a menywod yw’r broblem yn llawer rhy syml.
Mae David Hughes yn parhau trwy mynd dros ben llestri yn llwyr, os dim ond I sicrhau colofn da mewn papur newydd. Dywed, ‘The detritus left in the wake of 30 years of feminism is considerable, an international disaster. And, as with most other disasters, such as 9/11, it falls mainly to men to clear up the mess’
Ffeminyddiaeth yn argyfwng Byd eang?! Plis! Rho I mi nerth! Rhaid I mi ddweud, tasa’r sylwadau uchod wedi cael ei gyfeirio at rhywun gydag anabledd, neu lleifrif ethnig, yna credaf y byddai’n cael ei feirniadu’n chwyrn. Mae’n ymddangos bod rhywiaeth yn dal I fod, ac mae gwaith I’w wneud ar ein rhan er mwyn hybu achos hawliau menywod.
Bydd datganiadau fel hwn ond yn dwysau stereoteips, yn creu gagendor rhywedd, ac yn amharu ar ddatblygiad hawliau cyfartal. Mae’n orfodol ein bod ni’n gweithio yn bositif I waredu a’r fath stereoteips hyll ma, a thaclo’r problemau mae rhieni a phlant yn dioddef ohono yn yr Unfed Ganrif ar hugain.
Of course, I recognise that families are under much more pressure now, and that both parents are often forced to work when children are at an early age due to financial constraints. Parents do spend less time with their children, but we cannot solely blame this trend on feminism. In fact, it shouldn’t be a question of gender at all.
Instead we should be looking at ways of tackling issues surrounding affordable childcare, encouraging family friendly working hours, more social activities for children and their parents outside school hours, as well as providing flexible access to education for those parents who are seeking to re-train after taking time out to rear children, or who are hoping to re-skill. Branding women and feminism as the problem is far too simplistic indeed.
David Hughes seems to go over the top somewhat in his criticism of feminism, if only to ensure newspaper headlines, by stating ‘The detritus left in the wake of 30 years of feminism is considerable, an international disaster. And, as with most other disasters, such as 9/11, it falls mainly to men to clear up the mess’.
Feminism an International disaster? Give me strength! I can’t help but thinking that if the comments above were made about a person with a disability or a person from an ethnic minority of any kind, then such remarks would be frowned upon. It seems that sexism is still rife, and that there’s a long way to go in highlighting the importance of women’s rights.
Such statements will only serve to enhance stereotypes, create gender rifts, and hinder the development of equality of opportunity. We have to work positively to quell such stereotypes, and tackle the problems facing parents and their children in the Twenty First Century.
...........................................................................
Am erthygl yn y Western Mail heddiw! Swrel yn wir! Mae David Hughes, Cadeirydd y sefydliad ‘ManKind’ wedi dweud mai Ffeministiaeth sydd a’r fai am bopeth gwael ym y byd sydd ohoni heddiw. Cywilydd ydyw I fenywod fynd I’r gwaith a rhoi’r gorau I’w rol yn y gegin, mae e’n honi! Dylai menywod fod yn y cartref yn goruchwilio eu plant, ac yna ni fydd yna broblemau priodasol, cymdeithasol na chwaith gwleidyddol! Hmmmm
Wrth gwrs, rwy’n cydnabod bod teuluoedd o dan llawer mwy o bwysau nawr, ac fod rhieni yn cael eu gwthio mewn I ail-ddechrau gwaith pan mae eu plant yn ifanc yn sgil tensiynau ariannol gan amlaf. Mae rhieni yn treulio llai o amser gyda’u plant, ond ni fedrwn rhoi’r bai am y ffenomenom yma ar ffeminyddiaeth. Mewn gwirionedd, ni ddylai rhywedd fod yn rhan o’r ddadl o gwbl.
Yn hytrach na hynny, dylem fod yn edrych am ffyrdd newydd o daclo materion yng nghyd destun gofal plant fforddiadwy, hybu oriau gwaith sydd yn hyblyg I deuluoedd, mwy o weithgareddau allgyrsiol I rhieni a phlant ill dau, yn ogystal a creu’r gallu I rhieni sydd am newid neu datblygu eu sgiliau I gymryd cyrsiau addysgiadol sydd yn gweddu a’I ffordd o fyw. Mae dweud mai ffeminyddiaeth a menywod yw’r broblem yn llawer rhy syml.
Mae David Hughes yn parhau trwy mynd dros ben llestri yn llwyr, os dim ond I sicrhau colofn da mewn papur newydd. Dywed, ‘The detritus left in the wake of 30 years of feminism is considerable, an international disaster. And, as with most other disasters, such as 9/11, it falls mainly to men to clear up the mess’
Ffeminyddiaeth yn argyfwng Byd eang?! Plis! Rho I mi nerth! Rhaid I mi ddweud, tasa’r sylwadau uchod wedi cael ei gyfeirio at rhywun gydag anabledd, neu lleifrif ethnig, yna credaf y byddai’n cael ei feirniadu’n chwyrn. Mae’n ymddangos bod rhywiaeth yn dal I fod, ac mae gwaith I’w wneud ar ein rhan er mwyn hybu achos hawliau menywod.
Bydd datganiadau fel hwn ond yn dwysau stereoteips, yn creu gagendor rhywedd, ac yn amharu ar ddatblygiad hawliau cyfartal. Mae’n orfodol ein bod ni’n gweithio yn bositif I waredu a’r fath stereoteips hyll ma, a thaclo’r problemau mae rhieni a phlant yn dioddef ohono yn yr Unfed Ganrif ar hugain.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Out and about
I've had a productive few days. Neath Round Table Carnival took place on Saturday, and Plaid had a stall along with other local groups. I managed to go around some of the stalls to introduce myself ( in between winning some pickled onions and a meal for two at a local pub at the Samaritans stall!) I thought the day would be a wash out due to the awful weather we've had recently, but the rain held off. A good day all in all. A few Labour Councillors braved it over to the stall to talk to us about the ins and outs of the coalition deal. They were quite positive about it all to be honest.
Today I have been out leafleting in Llansamlet for the by-election on Thursday. I won't be as cocky as Peter Black has been on his Facebook site who states that he is 'looking forward to winning the by-election on Thursday' but I think we've worked hard. We obviously need to work harder all year round, and get activistis movitated, but I'm sure that is true of all parties. It's important to prepare the ground, especially if there is a snap General Election in October- which is quite possible.
In other news, Ieuan Wyn Jones was in Stormont today for the British Irish Council. A great Nationalist get together, don't you think?! I must admit it was quite surreal seeing Ieuan Wyn Jones standing there with McGuiness and Paisley, but another 'historic' day for devolution all the same!
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Rwyf wedi cael cwpwl o ddiwrnode weddol prysur. Ar ddydd Sadwrn roedd Gwyl 'Round Table' yng Nghastell Nedd, ac roedd gan Plaid Cymru stondyn yno gyda grwpiau lleol eraill. Llwyddais I gerdded o gwmpas nifer o’r stondynau yn cyflwyno fy hun ( rhwng ennill can o picls a phryd o fwyd am ddau mewn tafarn lleol ar stondyn y Samariaid!) Roeddwn I’n tybio y fyddai’r diwrnod yn cael ei ddifetha gan law yn sgil y tywydd ofnadwy da ni wedi bod yn cael yn ddiweddar, ond roedd o’n ddiwrnod digon pleserus. Dydd llwyddiannus rhwng pob dim. Daeth cwpwl o Gynghorwyr Llafur I siarad gyda ni ar y stondyn ynghylch hynt a helynt y glymblaid. Roedden nhw’n weddol bositif amdano, I fod yn onest.
Heddiw rwy wedi bod allan yn dosbarthu taflennu ar gyfer is-etholiad Llansamlet sydd yn digwydd dydd Iau. Fyddai ddim mor hyderus a Peter Black sydd wedi dweud ar Facebook ei fod yn edrych ymlaen at ennill yr is-etholiad, ond rwy’n credo ein bod wedi gweithio’n galed. Yn amlwg, mae’n rhaid I ni weithio’n galed drwy’r flwyddyn, a rhoi hwb I actifyddion, ond rwy’n siwr bod hwn yn gwir o bob Plaid gwleidyddol. Mae’n bwysig gweithredu’n lleol, yn enwedig nawr os bod etholiad brys San Steffan ym mis Hydref, sydd yn digon posib.
Newyddion arall yw bod Ieuan Wyn Jones wedi bod yn Stormont heddi ar gyfer y Cyngor Prydain- Iwerddon. Gret gweld cymaint o Genedlaetholwyr o gwmpas y bwrdd ife?! Rhaid dweud mi oedd o'n swrel gweld Ieuan Wyn Jones yn sefyll yno gyda McGuiness a Paisley, ond eto, diwrnod 'hanesyddol' arall ar gyfer gwleidyddiaeth datganoledig.
Today I have been out leafleting in Llansamlet for the by-election on Thursday. I won't be as cocky as Peter Black has been on his Facebook site who states that he is 'looking forward to winning the by-election on Thursday' but I think we've worked hard. We obviously need to work harder all year round, and get activistis movitated, but I'm sure that is true of all parties. It's important to prepare the ground, especially if there is a snap General Election in October- which is quite possible.
In other news, Ieuan Wyn Jones was in Stormont today for the British Irish Council. A great Nationalist get together, don't you think?! I must admit it was quite surreal seeing Ieuan Wyn Jones standing there with McGuiness and Paisley, but another 'historic' day for devolution all the same!
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Rwyf wedi cael cwpwl o ddiwrnode weddol prysur. Ar ddydd Sadwrn roedd Gwyl 'Round Table' yng Nghastell Nedd, ac roedd gan Plaid Cymru stondyn yno gyda grwpiau lleol eraill. Llwyddais I gerdded o gwmpas nifer o’r stondynau yn cyflwyno fy hun ( rhwng ennill can o picls a phryd o fwyd am ddau mewn tafarn lleol ar stondyn y Samariaid!) Roeddwn I’n tybio y fyddai’r diwrnod yn cael ei ddifetha gan law yn sgil y tywydd ofnadwy da ni wedi bod yn cael yn ddiweddar, ond roedd o’n ddiwrnod digon pleserus. Dydd llwyddiannus rhwng pob dim. Daeth cwpwl o Gynghorwyr Llafur I siarad gyda ni ar y stondyn ynghylch hynt a helynt y glymblaid. Roedden nhw’n weddol bositif amdano, I fod yn onest.
Heddiw rwy wedi bod allan yn dosbarthu taflennu ar gyfer is-etholiad Llansamlet sydd yn digwydd dydd Iau. Fyddai ddim mor hyderus a Peter Black sydd wedi dweud ar Facebook ei fod yn edrych ymlaen at ennill yr is-etholiad, ond rwy’n credo ein bod wedi gweithio’n galed. Yn amlwg, mae’n rhaid I ni weithio’n galed drwy’r flwyddyn, a rhoi hwb I actifyddion, ond rwy’n siwr bod hwn yn gwir o bob Plaid gwleidyddol. Mae’n bwysig gweithredu’n lleol, yn enwedig nawr os bod etholiad brys San Steffan ym mis Hydref, sydd yn digon posib.
Newyddion arall yw bod Ieuan Wyn Jones wedi bod yn Stormont heddi ar gyfer y Cyngor Prydain- Iwerddon. Gret gweld cymaint o Genedlaetholwyr o gwmpas y bwrdd ife?! Rhaid dweud mi oedd o'n swrel gweld Ieuan Wyn Jones yn sefyll yno gyda McGuiness a Paisley, ond eto, diwrnod 'hanesyddol' arall ar gyfer gwleidyddiaeth datganoledig.
Friday, 13 July 2007
What goes on tour stays on tour?
I don't usually get that riled, believe it or not. If anything, I've developed a very thick skin since being elected- reasons for which you obviously are all by now aware! Nevertheless I did get a little annoyed at reading Vaughan Roderick's blog about the Politicians/ Media love in at the Eli Jenkins. As far as I can see, talk at such events should not be noted and used as 'news'- aka 'what goes on tour stays on tour.' But Vaughan Roderick couldn't resist having another go at what everyone seems to love calling us, 'The gang of four', and he notes that some people still think that Nerys and I 'need to grow up'- a reflection on our actions during coalition discussions I would hazard a wild guess.
I wasn't going to dignify this with a blog, but I sense that the attack on four particular Plaid politicians will be a common theme from now on, especially if people want to attack the One Wales document and its implementation. It is also an attack on women in politics, and frankly I don't think that I should have to sit back and take this utter nonsense of criticisms time and again.
Fair enough, judge us on the decision that we took not to suspend talks with Labour, but don't tarnish us with the brush of being immature, naive etc etc. I knew what I was doing, and make no apologies for my actions. Other older, wiser activists and members were of the same opinion as us. Does that also make them naive and immature? I could easily have sat back and followed the crowd as a new member of the Assembly, but then, I wouldn't have been following my conscience, or listening to why I am actually involved in politics in the first place.
Yes we did go to the press, but had we not done so, there would not have been an alternative viewpoint to entering the Rainbow coalition. I always said that I would support the party's ultimate decision even if it was not my preferred option, but I felt that I had to say something at the time to provide another, and legitimate viewpoint.
Elected representatives speak to the press on many occasions, and many politicians from all parties who are highly thought of would not dream of keeping quiet to suit others. Talking to the media in social surroundings should be just that, and information should not be used as political point scoring.
I've had the rant, and now I can lay it to rest. It's recess, and I need a break!
I wasn't going to dignify this with a blog, but I sense that the attack on four particular Plaid politicians will be a common theme from now on, especially if people want to attack the One Wales document and its implementation. It is also an attack on women in politics, and frankly I don't think that I should have to sit back and take this utter nonsense of criticisms time and again.
Fair enough, judge us on the decision that we took not to suspend talks with Labour, but don't tarnish us with the brush of being immature, naive etc etc. I knew what I was doing, and make no apologies for my actions. Other older, wiser activists and members were of the same opinion as us. Does that also make them naive and immature? I could easily have sat back and followed the crowd as a new member of the Assembly, but then, I wouldn't have been following my conscience, or listening to why I am actually involved in politics in the first place.
Yes we did go to the press, but had we not done so, there would not have been an alternative viewpoint to entering the Rainbow coalition. I always said that I would support the party's ultimate decision even if it was not my preferred option, but I felt that I had to say something at the time to provide another, and legitimate viewpoint.
Elected representatives speak to the press on many occasions, and many politicians from all parties who are highly thought of would not dream of keeping quiet to suit others. Talking to the media in social surroundings should be just that, and information should not be used as political point scoring.
I've had the rant, and now I can lay it to rest. It's recess, and I need a break!
Thursday, 12 July 2007
Anhwylderau Bwyta a'r Byd Ffasiwn/ Eatin Disorders and the Fashion World
There was a story in the Independent yesterday about an independent inquiry which has recommended that girls under the age of 16 should be banned from the catwalks of fashion shows, and that measures should be introduced to protect older teenage models from eating disorders.
As an initial reaction, I would be inclined to agree that girls under the age of 16 shouldn’t take part in such fashion shows as there is a huge amount of pressure placed on them to be thin, to live an adult lifestyle before their time- be it by travelling the world while at work, or experiencing the wild lifestyle of the catwalk celebs before they even turn 18.
Nevertheless, I’m not quite sure if I agree that those under 16 should be ‘banned’ outright from modelling. After all, many young people realise their potential, and their career of choice from a very early age- from actors to sports stars, to politicians believe it or not! Who are we to insist that they cannot pursue that course if they so wish if they have the passion and the drive to succeed?
Ultimately, if those under 16 are allowed to model, then effective measures must be in place to educate them about all that is of consequence in following a career in the modelling industry, and the pressures that are placed upon them to succeed. We obviously need to place confidence in our young people, but they have to be aware of the dangers of developing eating disorders to conform to industry perceptions of them from the outset. I have blogged previously about this issue, and my concerns about the rise of eating disorders amongst young models, as well as the concern that they do not receive proper nutritional advice and support.
I think that instead of banning models under 16 outright, the policy I would advocate would be that nobody may model if they have a BMI of less than 18 as recommended by the World Health Organisation, so that there is a comprehensive strategy in place to address the issue across the board, and that younger models are not discriminated against. According to the Independent article, this new inquiry does not contain obligations for models to be over the 18 BMI mark, and the report states that this is in fact the case as the policy of weighing models has not been successful in other countries. This does not mean that it couldn’t be successful here, however.
Up until now, modelling companies have refused to embrace such measures, but it’s about time that there is a frank discussion between such companies, the government and Health bodies to reach a successful outcome. The full inquiry report will be released in September, and this coincides with London Fashion Week. As I see it, we need to act now on this matter, and not only discuss this matter when key fashion events take place year on year.
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Roedd stori yn yr Independent ddoe yn dangos bod arolygiad annibynol yn argymell y dylai merched o dan 16 oed cael eu banio rhag fod yn model ar ‘catwalks’ sioeau ffasiwn, a dylir cyflwyno mesurau er mwyn amddiffyn merched ifanc dros 16 rhag beryglon anhwylderau bwyta.
Fel ymateb uniongyrchol, rwy’n dueddol o gytuno na ddylai merched ifanc fod yn cymryd rhan mewn sioeau ffasiwn mawr rhyngwladol. Mae yna bwysau aruthrol yn cael eu rhoi ar ferched sy’n cymryd rhan I fod yn denau, ac mae nhw’n byw bywyd oedolyn ymhell cyn eu hamser- yn teithio’r Byd ac yn profi bywyd gwyllt y celeb ymhell cyn troi’n ddeunaw.
Dwi ddim yn sicr os mai ‘banio’ yw’r ateb I’r broblem hwn oherwydd mae nifer fawr o bobl ifanc yn darganfod yr hyn yr hoffent ei wneud fel gyrfa o oedran ifanc- boed yn actorion, neu yn y maes chwaraeon, neu gwleidyddiaeth hyd yn oed, a phwy ydym ni I gyfyngu ar y pasiwn a’r angerdd I fod yn lwyddiannus?
Er hynny, mae angen polisiau a chanllawiau cryf yn ei le er mwyn addysgu pobl ifanc sydd am ddilyn gyrfa modeli am yr hyn sydd o’u blaen, ac am y pwysau fydd arnynt I fod yn denau drwy’r amser. Mae angen I ni hybu hyder yn ein pobl ifanc, ond rhaid iddynt fod yn ymwybodol o’r peryglon o ddatblygu problemau bwyta o’r cychwyn cyntaf, hyd y gwela I. Rwyf wedi blogio o’r blaen am fy mhryderon ynghylch twf anhwylderau bwyta ymysg pobl ifanc sy’n dod yn rhan o’r sin modeli pan yn ifanc, a’r newyddion bod nifer o modeli ifanc wedi marw yn sgil diffyg maeth a fitaminau.
Yn lle cyfyngu ar oedran, efallai y fyddai’n syniad dweud na fedrir person modeli os ydyw eu BMI o dan y canran a amlinellwyd gan y Mudiad Iechyd Byd Eang ( sef 18. Rhwng 18.5 a 25 yw symbol o berson iach) er mwyn bod yna bolisi clir a chadarn nad sydd yn discrimineiddio o ran oedran, ond sydd yn cwmpasu canllawiau ar gyfer y sector yn gyffredinol. Yn ol yr erthygl yn yr Independent, doedd dim son o gwbl am gyfyngu modeli yn ol eu BMI, ac ymateb yr adroddiad oedd nad oedd polisi o bwyso modeli wedi gweithio mewn gwledydd eraill.
Hyd at nawr, mae cwmniau modeli wedi gwrthod gweithredu mesur o’r fath yn ogystal, ond mae’n hen bryd bod yna mwy o ddeialog rhwng y diwydiant, y Llywodraeth a chyrff iechyd er mwyn dirwyn y drafodaeth yma I ben yn llwyddiannus. Bydd yr adroddiad llawn yn cael ei gyhoeddi ym mis Medi, pan fydd Wythnos ffasiwn Llundain yn digwydd. Hyd y gwela I, mae angen gweithredu yn awr yn hytrach na bod materion o’r fath ond yn dod I’r golwg pan mae wythnos ffasiwn o broffil uchel yn digwydd.
As an initial reaction, I would be inclined to agree that girls under the age of 16 shouldn’t take part in such fashion shows as there is a huge amount of pressure placed on them to be thin, to live an adult lifestyle before their time- be it by travelling the world while at work, or experiencing the wild lifestyle of the catwalk celebs before they even turn 18.
Nevertheless, I’m not quite sure if I agree that those under 16 should be ‘banned’ outright from modelling. After all, many young people realise their potential, and their career of choice from a very early age- from actors to sports stars, to politicians believe it or not! Who are we to insist that they cannot pursue that course if they so wish if they have the passion and the drive to succeed?
Ultimately, if those under 16 are allowed to model, then effective measures must be in place to educate them about all that is of consequence in following a career in the modelling industry, and the pressures that are placed upon them to succeed. We obviously need to place confidence in our young people, but they have to be aware of the dangers of developing eating disorders to conform to industry perceptions of them from the outset. I have blogged previously about this issue, and my concerns about the rise of eating disorders amongst young models, as well as the concern that they do not receive proper nutritional advice and support.
I think that instead of banning models under 16 outright, the policy I would advocate would be that nobody may model if they have a BMI of less than 18 as recommended by the World Health Organisation, so that there is a comprehensive strategy in place to address the issue across the board, and that younger models are not discriminated against. According to the Independent article, this new inquiry does not contain obligations for models to be over the 18 BMI mark, and the report states that this is in fact the case as the policy of weighing models has not been successful in other countries. This does not mean that it couldn’t be successful here, however.
Up until now, modelling companies have refused to embrace such measures, but it’s about time that there is a frank discussion between such companies, the government and Health bodies to reach a successful outcome. The full inquiry report will be released in September, and this coincides with London Fashion Week. As I see it, we need to act now on this matter, and not only discuss this matter when key fashion events take place year on year.
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Roedd stori yn yr Independent ddoe yn dangos bod arolygiad annibynol yn argymell y dylai merched o dan 16 oed cael eu banio rhag fod yn model ar ‘catwalks’ sioeau ffasiwn, a dylir cyflwyno mesurau er mwyn amddiffyn merched ifanc dros 16 rhag beryglon anhwylderau bwyta.
Fel ymateb uniongyrchol, rwy’n dueddol o gytuno na ddylai merched ifanc fod yn cymryd rhan mewn sioeau ffasiwn mawr rhyngwladol. Mae yna bwysau aruthrol yn cael eu rhoi ar ferched sy’n cymryd rhan I fod yn denau, ac mae nhw’n byw bywyd oedolyn ymhell cyn eu hamser- yn teithio’r Byd ac yn profi bywyd gwyllt y celeb ymhell cyn troi’n ddeunaw.
Dwi ddim yn sicr os mai ‘banio’ yw’r ateb I’r broblem hwn oherwydd mae nifer fawr o bobl ifanc yn darganfod yr hyn yr hoffent ei wneud fel gyrfa o oedran ifanc- boed yn actorion, neu yn y maes chwaraeon, neu gwleidyddiaeth hyd yn oed, a phwy ydym ni I gyfyngu ar y pasiwn a’r angerdd I fod yn lwyddiannus?
Er hynny, mae angen polisiau a chanllawiau cryf yn ei le er mwyn addysgu pobl ifanc sydd am ddilyn gyrfa modeli am yr hyn sydd o’u blaen, ac am y pwysau fydd arnynt I fod yn denau drwy’r amser. Mae angen I ni hybu hyder yn ein pobl ifanc, ond rhaid iddynt fod yn ymwybodol o’r peryglon o ddatblygu problemau bwyta o’r cychwyn cyntaf, hyd y gwela I. Rwyf wedi blogio o’r blaen am fy mhryderon ynghylch twf anhwylderau bwyta ymysg pobl ifanc sy’n dod yn rhan o’r sin modeli pan yn ifanc, a’r newyddion bod nifer o modeli ifanc wedi marw yn sgil diffyg maeth a fitaminau.
Yn lle cyfyngu ar oedran, efallai y fyddai’n syniad dweud na fedrir person modeli os ydyw eu BMI o dan y canran a amlinellwyd gan y Mudiad Iechyd Byd Eang ( sef 18. Rhwng 18.5 a 25 yw symbol o berson iach) er mwyn bod yna bolisi clir a chadarn nad sydd yn discrimineiddio o ran oedran, ond sydd yn cwmpasu canllawiau ar gyfer y sector yn gyffredinol. Yn ol yr erthygl yn yr Independent, doedd dim son o gwbl am gyfyngu modeli yn ol eu BMI, ac ymateb yr adroddiad oedd nad oedd polisi o bwyso modeli wedi gweithio mewn gwledydd eraill.
Hyd at nawr, mae cwmniau modeli wedi gwrthod gweithredu mesur o’r fath yn ogystal, ond mae’n hen bryd bod yna mwy o ddeialog rhwng y diwydiant, y Llywodraeth a chyrff iechyd er mwyn dirwyn y drafodaeth yma I ben yn llwyddiannus. Bydd yr adroddiad llawn yn cael ei gyhoeddi ym mis Medi, pan fydd Wythnos ffasiwn Llundain yn digwydd. Hyd y gwela I, mae angen gweithredu yn awr yn hytrach na bod materion o’r fath ond yn dod I’r golwg pan mae wythnos ffasiwn o broffil uchel yn digwydd.
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Historical day for Plaid
Dda i weld fod Peter Black, ar ei blog, yn gyffyrddus yn ei rol yn ymosod ar Blaid Cymru yn barod, gan ddweud nad oes aelod o Blaid Cymru yn y Senedd ar gyfer dechrau'r drafodaeth ar bobl sy'n gofalu am eraill yn wirfoddol. Am y record, mae nifer fawr o aelodau Plaid yma yn y Siambr nawr ar gyfer y drafodaeth, ac am wneud cyfraniadau pwysig. Gobeithio fod Peter Black yn gallu deall bod hwn yn ddiwrnod pwysig iawn i Blaid Cymru, dydd pan mae Plaid yn dod yn rhan o'r Llywodraeth gyda'r Blaid Lafur, ac roeddem y tu allan i'r Senedd am 3 o'r gloch yn cyfathrebu'r neges positif hwn i bobl Cymru. Rwy'n hyderus y bydd y ddogfen Cymru'n Un yn cael ei weithredu ac fydd Plaid yn dangos ein bod yn Blaid cryf mewn Llywodraeth.
Ar bwynt arall yn llwyr, mae'n galanogol iawn hefyd bod y cwmni arolygiad barn Beufort wedi datgan heddiw bod cefnogaeth i Blaid Cymru wedi tyfu. Mae hwn yn neges clir i ni, yn enwedig wrth i ni ddechrau arni yn rhan o Lywodraeth Cymru'n Un.
It's good to see that Peter Black on his blog is already practising the art of attacking Plaid by stating that there was no Plaid AM present at the very beginning of the Lib dem debate on Carers. For the record, there are many Plaid AM's here now to take an active and informed role in the debate. I hope that Peter Black can surely realise that this is a historical and hugely important day for Plaid in entering Government with Labour, and that leaving the Chamber at 3 to communicate this positive message to the people of Wales was necessary and vital to show how we aim to implement the One Wales document during the next four years.
On another note, It's also heartening to see that the Beufort's findings today shows that Plaid's appeal has grown of late. This is especially important as we enter the One Wales government.
Ar bwynt arall yn llwyr, mae'n galanogol iawn hefyd bod y cwmni arolygiad barn Beufort wedi datgan heddiw bod cefnogaeth i Blaid Cymru wedi tyfu. Mae hwn yn neges clir i ni, yn enwedig wrth i ni ddechrau arni yn rhan o Lywodraeth Cymru'n Un.
It's good to see that Peter Black on his blog is already practising the art of attacking Plaid by stating that there was no Plaid AM present at the very beginning of the Lib dem debate on Carers. For the record, there are many Plaid AM's here now to take an active and informed role in the debate. I hope that Peter Black can surely realise that this is a historical and hugely important day for Plaid in entering Government with Labour, and that leaving the Chamber at 3 to communicate this positive message to the people of Wales was necessary and vital to show how we aim to implement the One Wales document during the next four years.
On another note, It's also heartening to see that the Beufort's findings today shows that Plaid's appeal has grown of late. This is especially important as we enter the One Wales government.
Datganiad Ieuan Wyn Jones fel Dirprwy Prif Weinidog/ Ieuan Wyn Jones Statement as Deputy First Minister
Llywydd, yn gyntaf hoffwn ddymuno gwellhad buan i Rhodri Morgan. Rydym i gyd, rwy’n siŵr, yn gobeithio y bydd Rhodri yn ôl gyda’i ddyletswyddau ymhen fawr o dro.
Mae hwn yn ddatganiad hanesyddol i ni fel Plaid ac i mi’n bersonol.
Mae derbyn y swydd o Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog ac felly ymuno â llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn fraint ac yn anrhydedd fawr. Yma i wasanaethu pobl Cymru yr ydan ni, ac yr wyf am wneud hynny hyd orau fy ngallu. Diolch i’m cyd aelodau o’r ddwy blaid sy’n ffurfio llywodraeth am eu hymddiriedaeth ynof.
Dyma’r tro cyntaf i Blaid Cymru fod mewn llywodraeth ers ffurfio’r Blaid 82 o flynyddoedd yn ôl i’r mis nesaf! Mae hi wedi bod yn ffordd hir. Rôl y blaid hyd yma yw wedi bod yn wrthblaid i roi pwysau ar y pleidiau eraill i symud pethau yn eu blaenau dros Gymru. O heddiw ymlaen byddwn yn rhannu cyfrifoldeb i weithredu’n uniongyrchol ar ran pobl Cymru. Dwi’n edrych ymlaen yn fawr at yr her.
Yn dilyn yr etholiad fy ddywedais y byddwn am gymryd rhan mewn trafodaethau a fyddai’n arwain at ffurfio llywodraeth flaengar a sefydlog, ac a fyddai’n gwasanaethu pobl Cymru am bedair blynedd. Mae’r trafodaethau gyda’r Blaid Lafur a chynnwys y ddogfen Cymru’n Un wedi cyflawni’r amcanion rheini. Wedi’r trafod, 9 wythnos ohonynt, mae’n amser cyflawni. Dyma yw’r bwriad o heddiw ymlaen.
Bydd y llywodraeth yn amlinellu ei blaenoriaethau’n fuan gan ganolbwyntio ar yr addewidion polisi sydd yn y ddogfen Cymru’n Un. Bydd y rhain yn cynnwys y gwasanaeth iechyd, addysg, tai, yr economi, yr amgylchedd, yr iaith Gymraeg ac ati. Rhaglen gynhwysfawr, gyda strategaeth glir a nod amlwg - sef i wasanaethu pobl Cymru lle bynnag mae nhw’n byw, o le bynnag mae nhw’n dod, beth bynnag yw eu cefndir a’u tras. Mae Cymru yn genedl eangfrydig a goddefgar - a dyma’r gwerthoedd fydd y llywodraeth yn ei goleddu.
Mae rôl bwysig i’r gwrthbleidiau hefyd. Bydd Nick Bourne yn cymryd drosodd fel Arweinydd yr Wrthblaid a dymunaf yn dda iddo. Bum innau yn gweithredu yn y swydd honno am yn agos i 7 mlynedd. Mi all fod yn swydd rwystredig ar brydiau, dwi’n fodlon cydnabod hynny nawr. Ond mae yna gyfrifoldebau pwysig hefyd, i alw’r llywodraeth i gyfrif ac i scriwtineiddio ein gweithredoedd.
Mae rôl yr wrthblaid, wrth gwrs, yn holl bwysig yn y sefyllfa sydd ohoni. Mae hwn yn fath newydd o lywodraeth i’r Cynulliad, un gyda mwyafrif mawr. Wedi dweud hynny, rydw i’n awyddus iawn i weld y llywodraeth newydd yn ymddwyn mewn modd aeddfed gyda chonsensws yn elfen ganolog iddo. Dwi am weld yr ysbryd ôl-etholiadol, o drafodaethau cadarnhaol ymysg y pleidiau yn parhau drwy gydol y Trydydd Cynulliad. Mae’n siŵr y bydd yna adegau o wahaniaeth barn glir ynglŷn â chyfeiriad y llywodraeth, ond mawr hyderaf, yn sgil y trafodaethau yn ystod yr wythnosau diwethaf byddwn yn gallu cydweithio mewn sawl maes. Mae rôl bwysig gan bob plaid yn y Cynulliad i sicrhau bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithredu er budd holl bobl Cymru.
Hoffwn estyn gwahoddiad agored, yn wir, i bobl Cymru gymryd rhan flaenllaw yn y llywodraeth newydd. Llywodraeth pobl Cymru ydym ni, a chyfrifoldeb unrhyw lywodraeth yw gweithredu er lles pobl Cymru yn hytrach nag ar sail hunanol a phleidiol. Bydd y llywodraeth hon yn gwneud ei orau i ddechrau oes a steil newydd o wleidydda yng Nghymru. Mae llwyddiant hynny yn ddibynnol ar i bawb yn y Cynulliad gydweithio yn adeiladol.
Presiding Officer, firstly I would like to wish Rhodri Morgan a quick recovery. I’m sure that we all wish to see Rhodri back in his role soon.
This is a historic statement for us as a Party and for me personally. Accepting the role of Deputy First Minister and therefore becoming a part of the Assembly Government is a great honour. We are here to serve the people of Wales, and I aim to do that to the best of my ability. I would like to thank my fellow members from both parties who form the government for their trust in me.
This is the first time that Plaid Cymru has been in government since the Party was formed 82 years ago last month. It has been a long journey. The Party’s role so far has been one of the opposition party which put pressure on the other parties to move things forward for the benefit of Wales. From today we will be sharing the responsibility of directly operating on behalf of the people of Wales. I am looking forward to the challenge.
After the election I stated that I wanted to participate in discussions that would lead to creating an innovative and stable government, that would serve the people of Wales for four years. The discussions with the Labour Party and the content of the document One Wales has achieved those objectives. After 9 weeks of discussions it is time to deliver. That is the aim from today onwards.
The government will be outlining its priorities soon, which will concentrate on the policy promises described in One Wales. These will include the health service, education, housing, the economy, the environment, the Welsh language and so on. A comprehensive programme, with a clear and evident strategy – to serve the people of Wales wherever they live, wherever they come from, whatever their background and origin. Wales is a broadminded and tolerant nation – and these are the values which the government will harbour.
The opposition parties will also have an important role. Nick Bourne will be taking over as Leader of the Opposition and I wish him well. I operated in that role for nearly 7 years. It can be a very frustrating role at times, I’m willing to recognise that now. However it also encompasses important responsibilities, namely to call the government to account and to scrutinize our actions.
Of course, the role of the opposition party is extremely important given the current situation. This is a new kind of government for the Assembly, one with a large majority. Having said that, I am very eager to see the new government acting in a mature way with consensus as a core element. I want to see the post electoral spirit, of positive discussions between the parties, continuing throughout the Third Assembly. I’m sure that there will be a clear difference of opinion at times about the direction of the government, but I truly hope that the discussions over the past few weeks will enable us to co-operate in several fields. Every party within the Assembly has an important role which is to ensure that the Government of Wales acts for the benefit of the people of Wales.
I would like to extend an open invitation to the people of Wales to play a prominent part in the new government. We are the government of the people of Wales, and any government’s role is to act for the benefit of the people of Wales rather than on a selfish and party level. This government will endeavour to start a new age and a new style of politics in Wales. It’s success will only be achieved by constructive co-operation amongst all in the Assembly.
Every politician in this Assembly seeks office to serve our nation to the best of his or her ability. It is the greatest honour we face as representatives of the people. We want to make the Assembly Government work for Wales and that requires stability. The historic ‘One Wales’ agreement between Plaid Cymru and Labour offers a new hope for the people of Wales. A progressive programme of government that will make a difference in every part of our nation - that will work in the pursuit of the common good.
Briefly I would like to outline the exciting and forward looking policies the ‘One Wales’ Government will deliver.
Health care in Wales will follow a distinct public service delivery model. We will create a new national institute of health research; refocus dental services; develop a rural health plan which considers the unique circumstances of our rural communities. We will review NHS reconfiguration and changes to our District General Hospitals will not be implemented until relevant associated community health services are in place.
The Government will introduce an all Wales approach to economic development supported by an all Wales green jobs strategy. Specific attention will be given to some of our poorest communities. We will explore options for a public sector investment, and small businesses will be aided by enhancing the business rate relief scheme.
In Education the ‘One Wales’ Government will continue to develop a distinctive curriculum that is appropriate for Wales. We will commit to progressing provision of universal, affordable childcare prioritising areas of greatest need.
The ‘One Wales’ Government will place the environment at the heart of its agenda.
Across the range of devolved responsibilities the Government will seek to safeguard and strengthen the Welsh language.
In Housing the Government will aim to increase the number of affordable homes and invest in new social housing. We will also seek legislative responsibility to suspend ‘Right to Buy’ in areas of housing pressure.
We will look after the neediest in our communities by providing extra help for pensioners with Council tax payments; we will refocus and reinstate the Post Office Development Fund.
In Transport the Government will invest to improve road links and work to reduce rail travel times between north and south. We will support new local bus and cycle routes. We will work to promote safer routes to schools.
This third Assembly now brings together a new partnership based on the progressive traditions which have been at the heart of our nation’s politics for over a century, and offers the best hope for stable governance over the next four years. It is the deepest honour for me to be appointed Deputy First Minister and for Plaid Cymru in partnership with Labour to serve the people of Wales in Government. I am looking forward to it.
Mae hwn yn ddatganiad hanesyddol i ni fel Plaid ac i mi’n bersonol.
Mae derbyn y swydd o Ddirprwy Brif Weinidog ac felly ymuno â llywodraeth y Cynulliad yn fraint ac yn anrhydedd fawr. Yma i wasanaethu pobl Cymru yr ydan ni, ac yr wyf am wneud hynny hyd orau fy ngallu. Diolch i’m cyd aelodau o’r ddwy blaid sy’n ffurfio llywodraeth am eu hymddiriedaeth ynof.
Dyma’r tro cyntaf i Blaid Cymru fod mewn llywodraeth ers ffurfio’r Blaid 82 o flynyddoedd yn ôl i’r mis nesaf! Mae hi wedi bod yn ffordd hir. Rôl y blaid hyd yma yw wedi bod yn wrthblaid i roi pwysau ar y pleidiau eraill i symud pethau yn eu blaenau dros Gymru. O heddiw ymlaen byddwn yn rhannu cyfrifoldeb i weithredu’n uniongyrchol ar ran pobl Cymru. Dwi’n edrych ymlaen yn fawr at yr her.
Yn dilyn yr etholiad fy ddywedais y byddwn am gymryd rhan mewn trafodaethau a fyddai’n arwain at ffurfio llywodraeth flaengar a sefydlog, ac a fyddai’n gwasanaethu pobl Cymru am bedair blynedd. Mae’r trafodaethau gyda’r Blaid Lafur a chynnwys y ddogfen Cymru’n Un wedi cyflawni’r amcanion rheini. Wedi’r trafod, 9 wythnos ohonynt, mae’n amser cyflawni. Dyma yw’r bwriad o heddiw ymlaen.
Bydd y llywodraeth yn amlinellu ei blaenoriaethau’n fuan gan ganolbwyntio ar yr addewidion polisi sydd yn y ddogfen Cymru’n Un. Bydd y rhain yn cynnwys y gwasanaeth iechyd, addysg, tai, yr economi, yr amgylchedd, yr iaith Gymraeg ac ati. Rhaglen gynhwysfawr, gyda strategaeth glir a nod amlwg - sef i wasanaethu pobl Cymru lle bynnag mae nhw’n byw, o le bynnag mae nhw’n dod, beth bynnag yw eu cefndir a’u tras. Mae Cymru yn genedl eangfrydig a goddefgar - a dyma’r gwerthoedd fydd y llywodraeth yn ei goleddu.
Mae rôl bwysig i’r gwrthbleidiau hefyd. Bydd Nick Bourne yn cymryd drosodd fel Arweinydd yr Wrthblaid a dymunaf yn dda iddo. Bum innau yn gweithredu yn y swydd honno am yn agos i 7 mlynedd. Mi all fod yn swydd rwystredig ar brydiau, dwi’n fodlon cydnabod hynny nawr. Ond mae yna gyfrifoldebau pwysig hefyd, i alw’r llywodraeth i gyfrif ac i scriwtineiddio ein gweithredoedd.
Mae rôl yr wrthblaid, wrth gwrs, yn holl bwysig yn y sefyllfa sydd ohoni. Mae hwn yn fath newydd o lywodraeth i’r Cynulliad, un gyda mwyafrif mawr. Wedi dweud hynny, rydw i’n awyddus iawn i weld y llywodraeth newydd yn ymddwyn mewn modd aeddfed gyda chonsensws yn elfen ganolog iddo. Dwi am weld yr ysbryd ôl-etholiadol, o drafodaethau cadarnhaol ymysg y pleidiau yn parhau drwy gydol y Trydydd Cynulliad. Mae’n siŵr y bydd yna adegau o wahaniaeth barn glir ynglŷn â chyfeiriad y llywodraeth, ond mawr hyderaf, yn sgil y trafodaethau yn ystod yr wythnosau diwethaf byddwn yn gallu cydweithio mewn sawl maes. Mae rôl bwysig gan bob plaid yn y Cynulliad i sicrhau bod Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithredu er budd holl bobl Cymru.
Hoffwn estyn gwahoddiad agored, yn wir, i bobl Cymru gymryd rhan flaenllaw yn y llywodraeth newydd. Llywodraeth pobl Cymru ydym ni, a chyfrifoldeb unrhyw lywodraeth yw gweithredu er lles pobl Cymru yn hytrach nag ar sail hunanol a phleidiol. Bydd y llywodraeth hon yn gwneud ei orau i ddechrau oes a steil newydd o wleidydda yng Nghymru. Mae llwyddiant hynny yn ddibynnol ar i bawb yn y Cynulliad gydweithio yn adeiladol.
Presiding Officer, firstly I would like to wish Rhodri Morgan a quick recovery. I’m sure that we all wish to see Rhodri back in his role soon.
This is a historic statement for us as a Party and for me personally. Accepting the role of Deputy First Minister and therefore becoming a part of the Assembly Government is a great honour. We are here to serve the people of Wales, and I aim to do that to the best of my ability. I would like to thank my fellow members from both parties who form the government for their trust in me.
This is the first time that Plaid Cymru has been in government since the Party was formed 82 years ago last month. It has been a long journey. The Party’s role so far has been one of the opposition party which put pressure on the other parties to move things forward for the benefit of Wales. From today we will be sharing the responsibility of directly operating on behalf of the people of Wales. I am looking forward to the challenge.
After the election I stated that I wanted to participate in discussions that would lead to creating an innovative and stable government, that would serve the people of Wales for four years. The discussions with the Labour Party and the content of the document One Wales has achieved those objectives. After 9 weeks of discussions it is time to deliver. That is the aim from today onwards.
The government will be outlining its priorities soon, which will concentrate on the policy promises described in One Wales. These will include the health service, education, housing, the economy, the environment, the Welsh language and so on. A comprehensive programme, with a clear and evident strategy – to serve the people of Wales wherever they live, wherever they come from, whatever their background and origin. Wales is a broadminded and tolerant nation – and these are the values which the government will harbour.
The opposition parties will also have an important role. Nick Bourne will be taking over as Leader of the Opposition and I wish him well. I operated in that role for nearly 7 years. It can be a very frustrating role at times, I’m willing to recognise that now. However it also encompasses important responsibilities, namely to call the government to account and to scrutinize our actions.
Of course, the role of the opposition party is extremely important given the current situation. This is a new kind of government for the Assembly, one with a large majority. Having said that, I am very eager to see the new government acting in a mature way with consensus as a core element. I want to see the post electoral spirit, of positive discussions between the parties, continuing throughout the Third Assembly. I’m sure that there will be a clear difference of opinion at times about the direction of the government, but I truly hope that the discussions over the past few weeks will enable us to co-operate in several fields. Every party within the Assembly has an important role which is to ensure that the Government of Wales acts for the benefit of the people of Wales.
I would like to extend an open invitation to the people of Wales to play a prominent part in the new government. We are the government of the people of Wales, and any government’s role is to act for the benefit of the people of Wales rather than on a selfish and party level. This government will endeavour to start a new age and a new style of politics in Wales. It’s success will only be achieved by constructive co-operation amongst all in the Assembly.
Every politician in this Assembly seeks office to serve our nation to the best of his or her ability. It is the greatest honour we face as representatives of the people. We want to make the Assembly Government work for Wales and that requires stability. The historic ‘One Wales’ agreement between Plaid Cymru and Labour offers a new hope for the people of Wales. A progressive programme of government that will make a difference in every part of our nation - that will work in the pursuit of the common good.
Briefly I would like to outline the exciting and forward looking policies the ‘One Wales’ Government will deliver.
Health care in Wales will follow a distinct public service delivery model. We will create a new national institute of health research; refocus dental services; develop a rural health plan which considers the unique circumstances of our rural communities. We will review NHS reconfiguration and changes to our District General Hospitals will not be implemented until relevant associated community health services are in place.
The Government will introduce an all Wales approach to economic development supported by an all Wales green jobs strategy. Specific attention will be given to some of our poorest communities. We will explore options for a public sector investment, and small businesses will be aided by enhancing the business rate relief scheme.
In Education the ‘One Wales’ Government will continue to develop a distinctive curriculum that is appropriate for Wales. We will commit to progressing provision of universal, affordable childcare prioritising areas of greatest need.
The ‘One Wales’ Government will place the environment at the heart of its agenda.
Across the range of devolved responsibilities the Government will seek to safeguard and strengthen the Welsh language.
In Housing the Government will aim to increase the number of affordable homes and invest in new social housing. We will also seek legislative responsibility to suspend ‘Right to Buy’ in areas of housing pressure.
We will look after the neediest in our communities by providing extra help for pensioners with Council tax payments; we will refocus and reinstate the Post Office Development Fund.
In Transport the Government will invest to improve road links and work to reduce rail travel times between north and south. We will support new local bus and cycle routes. We will work to promote safer routes to schools.
This third Assembly now brings together a new partnership based on the progressive traditions which have been at the heart of our nation’s politics for over a century, and offers the best hope for stable governance over the next four years. It is the deepest honour for me to be appointed Deputy First Minister and for Plaid Cymru in partnership with Labour to serve the people of Wales in Government. I am looking forward to it.
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Dim ond i adael i chi wybod y bydd Ieuan Wyn Jones yn dod yn Dirprwy Prif Weinidog yfory ac mi fydd yna digwyddiad i'r wasg i gadarnhau hwn yfory yn ogystal. Mae'n bwysig bod na aelod o dim Cynulliad Plaid Cymru yn rhan o sut mae'r Llywodraeth yn gweithio tra bod trafodaethau, i rhyw raddau, wedi cael ei arafu yn sgil salwch Rhodri Morgan.
Rwyf yn y siambr ar hyn o bryd, a newydd neud cyfraniad am ddyfodol Remploy yng Nghymru. Yn ol gwybodaeth rwyf wedi derbyn gan Undebau ym ffatri Penybont, mae Penaethiaid y cwmni yn derbyn codiad cyflog sylweddol am gynnig trafodaethau un wrth un ynghylch dyfodol y diwydiant! Rwy'n credu bod e'n hollol annerbyniol i Benaethiaid cwmniau buddio yn y fath modd o feddwl y medrir nifer fawr o bobl golli eu swyddi o ganlyniad i'r newidiadau posib i Remploy.
Mae Jane Hutt yn ateb cwestiynnau heddiw, yn amlwg yn lle Rhodri Morgan. Un cwestiwn arall sydd gen i ar y biben nwy LNG a'i heffaith negyddol ar cymunedau yng Ngorllewin De Cymru. Y mater pwysig ar y foment yw'r gorsaf blastio yng Nghilfrew. Mae cynlluniau ar gyfer creu'r gorsaf yn agos iawn at dai pobl lleol ar hyn o bryd, ac yn meddwl bod nhw o fewn ardal risg uchel os fydd damweiniau. Mae angen ail edrych ar safle'r gorsaf blasto yn sicr, a gwrando ar barn y bobl lleol.
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Just to say that Ieuan Wyn Jones will become Deputy First Minister tomorrow, and there will be a press event tomorrow to highlight this as well. It's vitally important that there is a member of the Plaid Cymru Assembly team taking part in Government proceedings in light of the fact that discussions are stalled somewhat due to Rhodri Morgan's illness.
I am in the Chamber at the moment, and I've just reacted to a question on the future of Remploy in Wales. According to information that I have received from Union Officials of the Bridgend factoy, Factory Managers are being given bonuses to hold so-called 'briefing sessions' with staff to discuss the consultation and the future of Remploy! I think that it is absurd that Managers can benefit in such a way considering that so many people could lose their jobs if the consultation suggests that plans are given the go ahead.
Jane Hutt is answering First Minister questions today. I have one other quesion today on the LNG pipeline which is having a detrimental effect on people in many parts of Wales, including South Wales West. The pressing issue at the moment is the location of the blasting station in Cilfrew. The current plans for the station means that it will be located near to people's homes- which means that many could live within the likely blast zone. There needs to be a review of the location of this blasting station, and a concerted effort to listen to local people and campaigners.
Rwyf yn y siambr ar hyn o bryd, a newydd neud cyfraniad am ddyfodol Remploy yng Nghymru. Yn ol gwybodaeth rwyf wedi derbyn gan Undebau ym ffatri Penybont, mae Penaethiaid y cwmni yn derbyn codiad cyflog sylweddol am gynnig trafodaethau un wrth un ynghylch dyfodol y diwydiant! Rwy'n credu bod e'n hollol annerbyniol i Benaethiaid cwmniau buddio yn y fath modd o feddwl y medrir nifer fawr o bobl golli eu swyddi o ganlyniad i'r newidiadau posib i Remploy.
Mae Jane Hutt yn ateb cwestiynnau heddiw, yn amlwg yn lle Rhodri Morgan. Un cwestiwn arall sydd gen i ar y biben nwy LNG a'i heffaith negyddol ar cymunedau yng Ngorllewin De Cymru. Y mater pwysig ar y foment yw'r gorsaf blastio yng Nghilfrew. Mae cynlluniau ar gyfer creu'r gorsaf yn agos iawn at dai pobl lleol ar hyn o bryd, ac yn meddwl bod nhw o fewn ardal risg uchel os fydd damweiniau. Mae angen ail edrych ar safle'r gorsaf blasto yn sicr, a gwrando ar barn y bobl lleol.
...................................................................... ................
Just to say that Ieuan Wyn Jones will become Deputy First Minister tomorrow, and there will be a press event tomorrow to highlight this as well. It's vitally important that there is a member of the Plaid Cymru Assembly team taking part in Government proceedings in light of the fact that discussions are stalled somewhat due to Rhodri Morgan's illness.
I am in the Chamber at the moment, and I've just reacted to a question on the future of Remploy in Wales. According to information that I have received from Union Officials of the Bridgend factoy, Factory Managers are being given bonuses to hold so-called 'briefing sessions' with staff to discuss the consultation and the future of Remploy! I think that it is absurd that Managers can benefit in such a way considering that so many people could lose their jobs if the consultation suggests that plans are given the go ahead.
Jane Hutt is answering First Minister questions today. I have one other quesion today on the LNG pipeline which is having a detrimental effect on people in many parts of Wales, including South Wales West. The pressing issue at the moment is the location of the blasting station in Cilfrew. The current plans for the station means that it will be located near to people's homes- which means that many could live within the likely blast zone. There needs to be a review of the location of this blasting station, and a concerted effort to listen to local people and campaigners.
Monday, 9 July 2007
Fe wnaeth Alun Cairns AC ofyn i fi ymuno a'r grwp hwn ar Facebook. Wrth gwrs nes i ddim ymuno, a gobeithio fydd pobl eraill yn cael y synnwyr i beidio!............... Toris yn newid! Byth!!
Alun Cairns AM invited me to join this 'Margaret Thatcher Appreciation Association' on Facebook. You guessed it, I declined, but I hope others have the sense to do so too! ..................Tories changing?! Pah!
Margaret Thatcher Appreciation Association (Global)
Common Interest - Politics
You have been invited by Alun Hugh Cairns.
Would you like to join this group?
Rhodri Morgan is ill, and has been rushed to hospital, so I'm afraid that for now, nothing has been signed between Plaid and Labour as it was supposed to today( and no, Ieuan Wyn Jones can't stand in for First Minister's questions tomorrow. Although I must admit that that would have been quite interesting!). For that reason, we will have to wait for Rhodri's recovery before we move on. I think that everything that could have happened to stall this coalition process has in fact taken place! Nothing is a surprise anymore, but I hope that Rhodri recovers fully.
There's an article/ interview worth reading in the Independent today about Alastair Campbell's diaries concering his time at 10 Downing Street working with Tony Blair. I'm keen to read his work as I'm intruiged by Campbell's role in the Government during Britain's invasion of Iraq, and the notion that Campbell called the shots. It seems that everyone bar Tony Blair had pangs of doubt about taking action in Iraq, and that Blair didn't show any signs of faultering on this hugely unpopular policy. This diary will also be worth a read if only to discover the ins and outs of the relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, although I understand that Campbell doesn't intend to give all the gory details until after Gordon Brown leaves No. 10 for good!
I am generally quite intrigued about how the Labour Government works if only to compare it to the workings of the National Assembly. I met a person who works in the press team for the Government in a social capacity over the weekend, and it was very enlightening to learn about their style- their discipline and strategic thinking when it comes to working with the press. According to my understanding, Gordon Brown wants to do things differently to Blair( who wouldn't?) and get rid of the 'spin' agenda which dominated Blair's period in office.
I understand, for example, that Gordon Brown is going to make a point of keeping press statements to Parliamentary time. Stories regarding policy will not be trailed, therefore they will not be primed in the press prior to announcement. I wonder whether this new way of working will in fact be successful for Gordon Brown, especially in an age where links between media and politics are becoming more and more vague.
From gauging the press's reaction to Brown's first PMQ's last week, he has a long way to go in convincing them that his new style is the right style to govern.
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Mae Rhodri Morgan yn sal, ac yn yr ysbyty, felly dyw ochr ffurfiol y gytundeb ddim wedi digwydd rhwng Plaid a Llafur fel yr oedd i fod heddiw ( a na, dyw Ieuan Wyn Jones ddim yn gallu ateb cwestiynnau i'r Brif Weinidog yfory, er mor ddiddorol byddai hynny wedi bod) Oherwydd hynny, bydd rhaid aros i weld pryd fydd Rhodri Morgan yn well er mwyn cario ymlaen o fan hyn. Mae popeth a oedd yn medru digwydd i wneud y broses o ffurfio clymblaid yn un hir wedi digwydd! Does dim byd yn sypreis i ni rhagor, ond gobeithio'n wir fydd Rhodri yn brysio i wella.
Erthygl sydd werth darllen yn yr Independent heddiw yw erthygl am ddyddiadur Alastair Campbell am ei gyfnod yn gweithio gyda Tony Blair. Rwy'n bwriadu darllen y dyddiadur a ddiddordeb mawr yn enwedig yng nghyd destun ei rol allweddol yn y Llywodraeth yn ystod ymosodiad Prydain ar Irac. Mae'n debyg bod pawb ond Tony Blair wedi cael pwl o amau os mai mynd mewn i Irac oedd y polisi gorau i ddilyn. Fydd o hefyd yn lyfr i ddarllen er mwyn darganfod hynt a helynt perthynas Tony Blair a Gordon Brown, ond rwy'n amau'n fawr os fydd manylion hynny'n glir hyd nes bod Gordon Brown wedi hen adael 10 stryd Downing.
Rwyf yn chwilfrydig iawn am sut mae Llywodraeth Llafur San Steffan yn gweithio yn gyffredinol- os dim ond i'w gymharu a'r Cynulliad. Fe wnes i gwrdd ag aelod o dim gwasg y Llywodraeth dros y penwythnos mewn sefyllfa anffurfiol, ac roedd dysgu am y modd strategol, disgybledig mae nhw'n gweithio yn agoriad llygaid. Yn ol beth rwy'n deall, mae Gordon Brown am newid sut mae ei dim yn ymdrin a'r wasg yn llwyr- a cheisio cael gwared o'r 'spin' a oedd yn hollol gysylltiedig a Tony Blair( pwy fydde ddim yn awyddus i newid tactegau ar ol Blair, sgwn i?!)
Yn ol y son, nid yw Gordon Brown am wneud datganiadau y tu allan i amser Seneddol, sydd yn gwneud gwaith y swyddogion wasg yn anoddach o ran hybu stori am bolisi newydd ayb yn y wasg o flaen llaw. Tybed os fydd agwedd newydd Gordon Brown yn medru fod yn lwyddiannus mewn oes lle mae'r cyswllt rhwng y cyfryngau a gwleidyddiaeth yn fwy fwy anelwig.
O sylwi ar ymateb y wasg i sesiwn cyntaf Brown o ateb cwestiynnau i'r Prif Weinidog yr wythnos diwethaf, mae gan Brown waith i'w wneud yn argyhoeddi'r wasg mai ei steil newydd yw'r steil iawn ar gyfer rhedeg y gwlad.
There's an article/ interview worth reading in the Independent today about Alastair Campbell's diaries concering his time at 10 Downing Street working with Tony Blair. I'm keen to read his work as I'm intruiged by Campbell's role in the Government during Britain's invasion of Iraq, and the notion that Campbell called the shots. It seems that everyone bar Tony Blair had pangs of doubt about taking action in Iraq, and that Blair didn't show any signs of faultering on this hugely unpopular policy. This diary will also be worth a read if only to discover the ins and outs of the relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, although I understand that Campbell doesn't intend to give all the gory details until after Gordon Brown leaves No. 10 for good!
I am generally quite intrigued about how the Labour Government works if only to compare it to the workings of the National Assembly. I met a person who works in the press team for the Government in a social capacity over the weekend, and it was very enlightening to learn about their style- their discipline and strategic thinking when it comes to working with the press. According to my understanding, Gordon Brown wants to do things differently to Blair( who wouldn't?) and get rid of the 'spin' agenda which dominated Blair's period in office.
I understand, for example, that Gordon Brown is going to make a point of keeping press statements to Parliamentary time. Stories regarding policy will not be trailed, therefore they will not be primed in the press prior to announcement. I wonder whether this new way of working will in fact be successful for Gordon Brown, especially in an age where links between media and politics are becoming more and more vague.
From gauging the press's reaction to Brown's first PMQ's last week, he has a long way to go in convincing them that his new style is the right style to govern.
................................................................................................
Mae Rhodri Morgan yn sal, ac yn yr ysbyty, felly dyw ochr ffurfiol y gytundeb ddim wedi digwydd rhwng Plaid a Llafur fel yr oedd i fod heddiw ( a na, dyw Ieuan Wyn Jones ddim yn gallu ateb cwestiynnau i'r Brif Weinidog yfory, er mor ddiddorol byddai hynny wedi bod) Oherwydd hynny, bydd rhaid aros i weld pryd fydd Rhodri Morgan yn well er mwyn cario ymlaen o fan hyn. Mae popeth a oedd yn medru digwydd i wneud y broses o ffurfio clymblaid yn un hir wedi digwydd! Does dim byd yn sypreis i ni rhagor, ond gobeithio'n wir fydd Rhodri yn brysio i wella.
Erthygl sydd werth darllen yn yr Independent heddiw yw erthygl am ddyddiadur Alastair Campbell am ei gyfnod yn gweithio gyda Tony Blair. Rwy'n bwriadu darllen y dyddiadur a ddiddordeb mawr yn enwedig yng nghyd destun ei rol allweddol yn y Llywodraeth yn ystod ymosodiad Prydain ar Irac. Mae'n debyg bod pawb ond Tony Blair wedi cael pwl o amau os mai mynd mewn i Irac oedd y polisi gorau i ddilyn. Fydd o hefyd yn lyfr i ddarllen er mwyn darganfod hynt a helynt perthynas Tony Blair a Gordon Brown, ond rwy'n amau'n fawr os fydd manylion hynny'n glir hyd nes bod Gordon Brown wedi hen adael 10 stryd Downing.
Rwyf yn chwilfrydig iawn am sut mae Llywodraeth Llafur San Steffan yn gweithio yn gyffredinol- os dim ond i'w gymharu a'r Cynulliad. Fe wnes i gwrdd ag aelod o dim gwasg y Llywodraeth dros y penwythnos mewn sefyllfa anffurfiol, ac roedd dysgu am y modd strategol, disgybledig mae nhw'n gweithio yn agoriad llygaid. Yn ol beth rwy'n deall, mae Gordon Brown am newid sut mae ei dim yn ymdrin a'r wasg yn llwyr- a cheisio cael gwared o'r 'spin' a oedd yn hollol gysylltiedig a Tony Blair( pwy fydde ddim yn awyddus i newid tactegau ar ol Blair, sgwn i?!)
Yn ol y son, nid yw Gordon Brown am wneud datganiadau y tu allan i amser Seneddol, sydd yn gwneud gwaith y swyddogion wasg yn anoddach o ran hybu stori am bolisi newydd ayb yn y wasg o flaen llaw. Tybed os fydd agwedd newydd Gordon Brown yn medru fod yn lwyddiannus mewn oes lle mae'r cyswllt rhwng y cyfryngau a gwleidyddiaeth yn fwy fwy anelwig.
O sylwi ar ymateb y wasg i sesiwn cyntaf Brown o ateb cwestiynnau i'r Prif Weinidog yr wythnos diwethaf, mae gan Brown waith i'w wneud yn argyhoeddi'r wasg mai ei steil newydd yw'r steil iawn ar gyfer rhedeg y gwlad.
74%
Mae fy blogio wedi lleihau yn ddiweddar yn anffodus, ond mae'n ymddangos fel fy mod i dal yn hoff o'r hobi newydd ma!
My blog entries have been waning somewhat recently unfortunately, but it still appears as though I enjoy this new found hobby!
Mingle2 - Online Dating
Mae fy blogio wedi lleihau yn ddiweddar yn anffodus, ond mae'n ymddangos fel fy mod i dal yn hoff o'r hobi newydd ma!
My blog entries have been waning somewhat recently unfortunately, but it still appears as though I enjoy this new found hobby!
Sunday, 8 July 2007
I've just been watching the men's final at Wimbledon between Federer and Nadal. A great game I have to say, and a chance to forget about politics for a while. I was suprised to learn that Federer is only 25- the same age as me. He's won 5 Wimbledon titles now- an excellent acheivement. (But notice that nobody tells him that he is too young to win a competition of that stature!) Perhaps now that he has won 5 times, there will be a chance for a new talent to come through and win next year. My favourite player ever has to be Ivanisevic, but perhaps Andy Murray can win next year to put us Celts on the Tennis map!
I missed the Women's final at Wimbledon between Venus and Bartoli, and I must say I enjoy watching the Williams sisters play. They are strong, feisty women- just as every woman should be! It was also great to see that women were paid the same as men this year in terms of competition money after years of debate concering the importance of initiating such a policy. At last, Wimbledon has grown up, and has arrived at the doors of the Twenty first Century!
Of course, I couldn't blog today without mentioning the fact that I am very pleased about the fact that coalition discussions are now over, and that Plaid Cymru and Labour are entering Government together in Cardiff Bay. I believe that there is a photo op tomorrow in Cardiff Bay, and then Ieuan Wyn Jones will make a statement about who from Plaid will be in the new Cabinet. I have a few ideas of who might be in the Cabinet, but I am confident that Ieuan will make the right decision ( I don't think that I'll be in there somehow, but I'm quite happy to be Minister for Youth!!!)
At the end of the day, Plaid has to now work to make sure that the One Wales document is implemented and that the people of Wales see how effective and strong Plaid Cabinet Ministers will be. Time will tell whether or not we will be successful, but one thing is sure- we will put 100% in to making our new role at the Assembly as effective and as vibrant as possible.
So, an historical weekend for Federer, and an equally historical weekend for Plaid Cymru.....
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Rwyf wedi bod yn gwylio rownd derfynol gem sengl dynion Wimbledon heddiw- Ferderer yn erbyn Nadal. Gem gwych rhaid dweud, a siawns i anghofio am wleidyddiaeth am sbel. Roeddwn i wedi synnu mai 25 oed yw Federer- yr un oedran a mi. Mae o wedi ennill Wimbledon 5 gwaith nawr- buddugoliaeth gwych iddo (ond sylwer nad oes neb yn dweud wrtho ef ei fod yn rhy ifanc i fod yn ennill cystadleuthau o'r fath safon!) Efallai nawr ei fod wedi ennill 5 gwaith, y bydd siawns i rhywun newydd, ffres ennill blwyddyn nesaf. Fy hoff chwaraewr i fyth oedd Ivanisevic, ond falle fydd Andy Murray yn ennill y flwyddyn nesaf ac yn rhoi ni'r Celtiaid ar y map tennis.
Nes i fethu'r gem menywod rhwng Venus a Bartoli, ond rwy'n hoff o weld y chwiorydd Williams yn ware. Mae nhw'n menywod cryf a 'feisty'- just fel dylai pob menyw fod! Roedd hi'n dda gweld bod y menywod yn cael eu talu yr un canran a'r dynion eleni hefyd, ar ol blynyddoedd o drafod a dadlau ynghylch swyddogaeth caniatau polisi o'r fath. O'r diwedd, mae Wimbledon wedi tyfu'n rhan o'r Unfed Ganrif ar hugain.
Wrth gwrs, dwi ddim yn gallu postio heddiw heb ddweud fy mod i'n falch bod y trafodaethau clymblaid wedi dirwyn i ben, ac fod Plaid Cymru a'r Blaid Lafur yn ffurfiol Llywodraeth ym Mae Caerdydd. Mi fydd na 'photo op' yn Mae Caerdydd fory dwi'n credu, ac wedyn mi fydd na datganiad gan Ieuan ynghylch pwy fydd yn y Cabinet( paid poeni, sai'n credu fydda i yno rhywsut, os na fyddaf yn Weinidog dros Bobl Ifanc!!!) Mae gen i gryn syniad o bwy fydd yn rhan o'r Cabinet, ond rwy'n hyderus y bydd Ieuan yn gwneud penderfyniad doeth.
Ar ddiwedd y dydd, mae'n rhaid i ni fel plaid sicrhau bod y ddogfen Cymru'n Un yn cael ei weithredu, ac fod pobl yn gweld bod Gweinidogion Plaid Cymru yn gryf ac yn effeithiol. Amser a ddengys pa mor llwyddiannus byddem wrth y llyw, ond rwy'n gwybod y byddem yn rhoi 100% mewn i'n rol newydd yn y Cynulliad.
Felly, penwythnos hanesyddol i Federer ac yn sicr, penwythnos hanesyddol i Blaid Cymru....
I missed the Women's final at Wimbledon between Venus and Bartoli, and I must say I enjoy watching the Williams sisters play. They are strong, feisty women- just as every woman should be! It was also great to see that women were paid the same as men this year in terms of competition money after years of debate concering the importance of initiating such a policy. At last, Wimbledon has grown up, and has arrived at the doors of the Twenty first Century!
Of course, I couldn't blog today without mentioning the fact that I am very pleased about the fact that coalition discussions are now over, and that Plaid Cymru and Labour are entering Government together in Cardiff Bay. I believe that there is a photo op tomorrow in Cardiff Bay, and then Ieuan Wyn Jones will make a statement about who from Plaid will be in the new Cabinet. I have a few ideas of who might be in the Cabinet, but I am confident that Ieuan will make the right decision ( I don't think that I'll be in there somehow, but I'm quite happy to be Minister for Youth!!!)
At the end of the day, Plaid has to now work to make sure that the One Wales document is implemented and that the people of Wales see how effective and strong Plaid Cabinet Ministers will be. Time will tell whether or not we will be successful, but one thing is sure- we will put 100% in to making our new role at the Assembly as effective and as vibrant as possible.
So, an historical weekend for Federer, and an equally historical weekend for Plaid Cymru.....
...........................................................................................
Rwyf wedi bod yn gwylio rownd derfynol gem sengl dynion Wimbledon heddiw- Ferderer yn erbyn Nadal. Gem gwych rhaid dweud, a siawns i anghofio am wleidyddiaeth am sbel. Roeddwn i wedi synnu mai 25 oed yw Federer- yr un oedran a mi. Mae o wedi ennill Wimbledon 5 gwaith nawr- buddugoliaeth gwych iddo (ond sylwer nad oes neb yn dweud wrtho ef ei fod yn rhy ifanc i fod yn ennill cystadleuthau o'r fath safon!) Efallai nawr ei fod wedi ennill 5 gwaith, y bydd siawns i rhywun newydd, ffres ennill blwyddyn nesaf. Fy hoff chwaraewr i fyth oedd Ivanisevic, ond falle fydd Andy Murray yn ennill y flwyddyn nesaf ac yn rhoi ni'r Celtiaid ar y map tennis.
Nes i fethu'r gem menywod rhwng Venus a Bartoli, ond rwy'n hoff o weld y chwiorydd Williams yn ware. Mae nhw'n menywod cryf a 'feisty'- just fel dylai pob menyw fod! Roedd hi'n dda gweld bod y menywod yn cael eu talu yr un canran a'r dynion eleni hefyd, ar ol blynyddoedd o drafod a dadlau ynghylch swyddogaeth caniatau polisi o'r fath. O'r diwedd, mae Wimbledon wedi tyfu'n rhan o'r Unfed Ganrif ar hugain.
Wrth gwrs, dwi ddim yn gallu postio heddiw heb ddweud fy mod i'n falch bod y trafodaethau clymblaid wedi dirwyn i ben, ac fod Plaid Cymru a'r Blaid Lafur yn ffurfiol Llywodraeth ym Mae Caerdydd. Mi fydd na 'photo op' yn Mae Caerdydd fory dwi'n credu, ac wedyn mi fydd na datganiad gan Ieuan ynghylch pwy fydd yn y Cabinet( paid poeni, sai'n credu fydda i yno rhywsut, os na fyddaf yn Weinidog dros Bobl Ifanc!!!) Mae gen i gryn syniad o bwy fydd yn rhan o'r Cabinet, ond rwy'n hyderus y bydd Ieuan yn gwneud penderfyniad doeth.
Ar ddiwedd y dydd, mae'n rhaid i ni fel plaid sicrhau bod y ddogfen Cymru'n Un yn cael ei weithredu, ac fod pobl yn gweld bod Gweinidogion Plaid Cymru yn gryf ac yn effeithiol. Amser a ddengys pa mor llwyddiannus byddem wrth y llyw, ond rwy'n gwybod y byddem yn rhoi 100% mewn i'n rol newydd yn y Cynulliad.
Felly, penwythnos hanesyddol i Federer ac yn sicr, penwythnos hanesyddol i Blaid Cymru....
Friday, 6 July 2007
The end is nigh/ Tynnu at ddiwedd y daith
Rwy'n edrych ymlaen at ddiwedd y penwythnos hwn pan fydd penderfyniad clir wedi ei wneud ar ddyfodol Llywodraeth Cymru. Rwy'n hapus iawn gyda'r ddogfen Cymru'n Un- y siawns i weithredu polisiau Plaid Cymru ar lefel Cenedlaethol a'r siawns i ymgyrchu ar refferendwm ar Senedd i Gymru.
Mae'n ddiddorol iawn gweld sut mae'r Blaid Lafur yn dadlau'n fewnol am hwn, gyda pobl fel Irene James yn dadlau nad oes yr un egwyddor yn debyg rhwng Plaid a Llafur. Mae nhw'n barod i gwyno, ond nid oes ateb ganddynt am yr hyn hoffen nhw gweld yn digwydd yma yng Nghymru. Nid yw'r ddadl o' r Blaid Lafur yn llywodraethu fel lleiafrif yn dal dwr oherwydd nid yw'n sefydlog. Mae'n rhoi'r grym yn llaw y gwrthbleidiau, sydd yn medru defnyddio'r 'enfys' fel bygythiad parhaol. Hyd y gwela i mae angen i'r Blaid Lafur a Phlaid Cymru ceisio gweithio ar y cyd i hybu Llywodraeth consensws i'r dyfodol.
Ar ddiwedd y dydd, mae'r system etholiadol yn bodoli fel ag y mae, ac ni fydd gobaith o mwyafrif llwyr gyda setliad o'r fath. Os nad yw'r Blaid Lafur yn derbyn y ddogfen Cymru'n Un heddiw, yna mae'n rhaid i ni oll ail ystyried yr opsiynau. Y ddadl iddyn nhw yw naillau dewis gweithio gyda Plaid blaengar fel Plaid Cymru, neu i ganiatau'r Toriaid i ddod yn rhan o lywodraeth yng Nghymru. Dyna'r realiti pur.
Mae'r ffaith bod Beti Williams a'i debyg,( yn honedig) wedi cymharu Plaid i'r Natsiaid ond yn dangos y rhwygiadau rhwng y Blaid Lafur, a'r gwahaniaeth barn o fewn y Blaid. Tra fod nifer fawr o'r Blaid Lafur am gofleidio gwleidyddiaeth datganoledig, mae eraill ( Undebwyr, ac ASau ar y cyfryw) yn erbyn hyn am, hyd y gwela i, rhesymau unigol, hunanol. Rwy'n hyderus y bydd Plaid Cymru yn rhan o lywodraeth erbyn dechrau’r wythnos, ac yn medru ar y cyfle i lywio agenda polisi'r Cynulliad, ac i ddangos ein bod yn Blaid Llywodraethu- nid dim ond yn Blaid gwleidyddiaeth pwyso.
Ar stepen drws heddiw yn Abertawe, fe ddywedodd nifer o bobl eu bont yn hapus am y ffaith bod Plaid a Llafur yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd. Mae'n rhaid i ni edrych y tu allan i ffenestri cul y Cynulliad -canolbwyntio ar sut medrwn weithredu'r polisiau sydd yn y ddogfen Cymru'n Un, ac asesu sut y bydd yn effeithio ar Gymru fel Cenedl.
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I’m looking forward to the end of this week when a decision will be made on the future of Welsh politics. I’m excited about the implementation of the One Wales document- a chance for us to implement Plaid’s key policy proposals in Government, and the opportunity to campaign on a referendum for a Parliament for Wales.
It’s been interesting to say the least to see people such as Irene James argue that there are ideological differences between Plaid and Labour, so much so that she cannot envisage working with us. They are ready to criticise the deal, but I don’t see that they are offering a viable alternative. The argument about Labour remaining as a minority administration does not hold, as this is totally unsustainable. The opposition parties can use the ‘rainbow’ as a threat at every given opportunity. As far as I can see, Plaid and Labour need to work together progressively to create a consensus. The electoral system is as such that a clear majority for any party is not a norm, and therefore we have to seek to work with others.
If the Labour Party reject the One Wales document, then of course we will have to reconsider our options. The argument for them is to either work with Plaid or be in opposition, and let the Tories and a right wing agenda,be part of a Government in Wales. Fact.
The way in which allegedly Beti Williams MP and others have branded Plaid as being similair to Nazis shows a clear rift in the Labour Party between those who are forward- looking and pro devolutionist, to the Unionist, Plaid bashers who effectively put their own selfish interests first.
I am confident that Plaid Cymru will be part of the Government at the National Assembly by the beginning of next week, and that we will be able to play a key role in shaping the policy agenda of the Assembly. We can show that we are a party that is ready to govern, and that we are not only intent on implementing pressure group tactics.
On the doorsteps of Swansea earlier today, many people told us that they are optimistic about Plaid working with Labour. We have to peek outside the glass windows of the Assembly, and look at how we can actively implement the policies in the One Wales document, and how this will benefit Wales as a Nation.
Mae'n ddiddorol iawn gweld sut mae'r Blaid Lafur yn dadlau'n fewnol am hwn, gyda pobl fel Irene James yn dadlau nad oes yr un egwyddor yn debyg rhwng Plaid a Llafur. Mae nhw'n barod i gwyno, ond nid oes ateb ganddynt am yr hyn hoffen nhw gweld yn digwydd yma yng Nghymru. Nid yw'r ddadl o' r Blaid Lafur yn llywodraethu fel lleiafrif yn dal dwr oherwydd nid yw'n sefydlog. Mae'n rhoi'r grym yn llaw y gwrthbleidiau, sydd yn medru defnyddio'r 'enfys' fel bygythiad parhaol. Hyd y gwela i mae angen i'r Blaid Lafur a Phlaid Cymru ceisio gweithio ar y cyd i hybu Llywodraeth consensws i'r dyfodol.
Ar ddiwedd y dydd, mae'r system etholiadol yn bodoli fel ag y mae, ac ni fydd gobaith o mwyafrif llwyr gyda setliad o'r fath. Os nad yw'r Blaid Lafur yn derbyn y ddogfen Cymru'n Un heddiw, yna mae'n rhaid i ni oll ail ystyried yr opsiynau. Y ddadl iddyn nhw yw naillau dewis gweithio gyda Plaid blaengar fel Plaid Cymru, neu i ganiatau'r Toriaid i ddod yn rhan o lywodraeth yng Nghymru. Dyna'r realiti pur.
Mae'r ffaith bod Beti Williams a'i debyg,( yn honedig) wedi cymharu Plaid i'r Natsiaid ond yn dangos y rhwygiadau rhwng y Blaid Lafur, a'r gwahaniaeth barn o fewn y Blaid. Tra fod nifer fawr o'r Blaid Lafur am gofleidio gwleidyddiaeth datganoledig, mae eraill ( Undebwyr, ac ASau ar y cyfryw) yn erbyn hyn am, hyd y gwela i, rhesymau unigol, hunanol. Rwy'n hyderus y bydd Plaid Cymru yn rhan o lywodraeth erbyn dechrau’r wythnos, ac yn medru ar y cyfle i lywio agenda polisi'r Cynulliad, ac i ddangos ein bod yn Blaid Llywodraethu- nid dim ond yn Blaid gwleidyddiaeth pwyso.
Ar stepen drws heddiw yn Abertawe, fe ddywedodd nifer o bobl eu bont yn hapus am y ffaith bod Plaid a Llafur yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd. Mae'n rhaid i ni edrych y tu allan i ffenestri cul y Cynulliad -canolbwyntio ar sut medrwn weithredu'r polisiau sydd yn y ddogfen Cymru'n Un, ac asesu sut y bydd yn effeithio ar Gymru fel Cenedl.
..........................................................
I’m looking forward to the end of this week when a decision will be made on the future of Welsh politics. I’m excited about the implementation of the One Wales document- a chance for us to implement Plaid’s key policy proposals in Government, and the opportunity to campaign on a referendum for a Parliament for Wales.
It’s been interesting to say the least to see people such as Irene James argue that there are ideological differences between Plaid and Labour, so much so that she cannot envisage working with us. They are ready to criticise the deal, but I don’t see that they are offering a viable alternative. The argument about Labour remaining as a minority administration does not hold, as this is totally unsustainable. The opposition parties can use the ‘rainbow’ as a threat at every given opportunity. As far as I can see, Plaid and Labour need to work together progressively to create a consensus. The electoral system is as such that a clear majority for any party is not a norm, and therefore we have to seek to work with others.
If the Labour Party reject the One Wales document, then of course we will have to reconsider our options. The argument for them is to either work with Plaid or be in opposition, and let the Tories and a right wing agenda,be part of a Government in Wales. Fact.
The way in which allegedly Beti Williams MP and others have branded Plaid as being similair to Nazis shows a clear rift in the Labour Party between those who are forward- looking and pro devolutionist, to the Unionist, Plaid bashers who effectively put their own selfish interests first.
I am confident that Plaid Cymru will be part of the Government at the National Assembly by the beginning of next week, and that we will be able to play a key role in shaping the policy agenda of the Assembly. We can show that we are a party that is ready to govern, and that we are not only intent on implementing pressure group tactics.
On the doorsteps of Swansea earlier today, many people told us that they are optimistic about Plaid working with Labour. We have to peek outside the glass windows of the Assembly, and look at how we can actively implement the policies in the One Wales document, and how this will benefit Wales as a Nation.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Helynt Thomas Cook yn parhau/ Thomas Cook saga continues.....
Rwyf newydd dderbyn llythyr drwy’r post fel Aelod Cynulliad gan y cwmni Thomas Cook yn tanlinellu’r hynt a’r helynt diweddara am eu penderfyniad I wahardd staff rhag siarad Cymraeg yn y gweithle. Mae Thomas Cook yn dweud ei bod yn cael traddodiad o hybu diwylliant o fewn Cymru yn ogystal a deall pwysigrwydd gwahanol ieithoedd byd eang, a ffyrdd o fyw.
Mae’r llythyr yn mynd yn ei flaen trwy datgan nad oedd y cwmni yn bwriadu banio’r defnydd o Gymraeg, a'i fod yn derbyn mewnbwn positif gan gwsmeriaid sydd yn defnyddio’r gymraeg yn eu siopau yng Nghymru i bwcio gwyliau. Mae’r cwmni yn esbonio bod aelodau staff yn cael caniatad clir I siarad cymraeg ymysg ei gilydd, ond os ydynt yn trafod materion gwaith, a phobl yn rhan o’r drafodaeth nad sy’n deall Cymraeg, yna yr iaith o ddewis yw saesneg. Mae’r cwmni am gwrdd a Carwyn Jones AC I drafod y mater yn bellach, yn ogystal a Bwrdd yr Iaith.
Mae’r cwmni yn siomedig am y gymhlethdod ynglych y mater yma, ac yn balch o’I gwasanaethau yng Nghymru….
Ond derbyniwyd y llythyr yn uniaith saesneg. Sa chi’n meddwl basa’r cwmni yn gallu neud bach o ymdrech yn sgil ei broblemau cyfathrebu diweddar ynghlych y mater yma! Mae’r ffordd mae nhw’n ymateb yn dangos yr angen gynhenid am ddeddf iaith- am ddeddf sydd yn cwmpasu cwmniau mawr o’r fath, gan fod yr agwedd tuag at yr iaith I’w weld yn arwynebol iawn I ddweud y lleia.
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I’ve just received a letter through the post from Thomas Cook as an Assembly Member, outlining their side of the story as a result of the trials and tribulations of the recent story that the company has banned staff from speaking Welsh to each other. Thomas Cook state that they have a clear tradition of promoting cultural diversity in Wales, and that they understand the importance of embracing different cultures, languages and lifestyles.
The letter goes on to say that the company never intended to ban the use of Welsh, and that it receives positive feedback from customers who have booked holidays through the medium of Welsh. They state that staff can speak to each other in Welsh, but if work matters are on the agenda, and that if they are being discussed with ‘colleagues who speak English and Welsh and those who only speak English the preferred language should be English.’
The company are meeting Carwyn Jones AM and the Welsh Language Board to discuss this further, regret confusion over this particular matter, and are proud of their operations in Wales…..
But I received the letter in English only. You’d think that a company who has suffered so severely on a PR level due to recent events would raise their game! The way that they have reacted shows that we definitely need a New Welsh Language Act that incorporates big business, as their attitude towards the language seems to be somewhat superficial.
Mae’r llythyr yn mynd yn ei flaen trwy datgan nad oedd y cwmni yn bwriadu banio’r defnydd o Gymraeg, a'i fod yn derbyn mewnbwn positif gan gwsmeriaid sydd yn defnyddio’r gymraeg yn eu siopau yng Nghymru i bwcio gwyliau. Mae’r cwmni yn esbonio bod aelodau staff yn cael caniatad clir I siarad cymraeg ymysg ei gilydd, ond os ydynt yn trafod materion gwaith, a phobl yn rhan o’r drafodaeth nad sy’n deall Cymraeg, yna yr iaith o ddewis yw saesneg. Mae’r cwmni am gwrdd a Carwyn Jones AC I drafod y mater yn bellach, yn ogystal a Bwrdd yr Iaith.
Mae’r cwmni yn siomedig am y gymhlethdod ynglych y mater yma, ac yn balch o’I gwasanaethau yng Nghymru….
Ond derbyniwyd y llythyr yn uniaith saesneg. Sa chi’n meddwl basa’r cwmni yn gallu neud bach o ymdrech yn sgil ei broblemau cyfathrebu diweddar ynghlych y mater yma! Mae’r ffordd mae nhw’n ymateb yn dangos yr angen gynhenid am ddeddf iaith- am ddeddf sydd yn cwmpasu cwmniau mawr o’r fath, gan fod yr agwedd tuag at yr iaith I’w weld yn arwynebol iawn I ddweud y lleia.
.................................................................................
I’ve just received a letter through the post from Thomas Cook as an Assembly Member, outlining their side of the story as a result of the trials and tribulations of the recent story that the company has banned staff from speaking Welsh to each other. Thomas Cook state that they have a clear tradition of promoting cultural diversity in Wales, and that they understand the importance of embracing different cultures, languages and lifestyles.
The letter goes on to say that the company never intended to ban the use of Welsh, and that it receives positive feedback from customers who have booked holidays through the medium of Welsh. They state that staff can speak to each other in Welsh, but if work matters are on the agenda, and that if they are being discussed with ‘colleagues who speak English and Welsh and those who only speak English the preferred language should be English.’
The company are meeting Carwyn Jones AM and the Welsh Language Board to discuss this further, regret confusion over this particular matter, and are proud of their operations in Wales…..
But I received the letter in English only. You’d think that a company who has suffered so severely on a PR level due to recent events would raise their game! The way that they have reacted shows that we definitely need a New Welsh Language Act that incorporates big business, as their attitude towards the language seems to be somewhat superficial.
