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!
8 comments:
It's a little unfair of Vaughan to use his blog as a conduit for the Rainbowistas, some of whom are obviously still hurting.
As for "growing up" - perhaps Vaughan needs to be reminded of what he was getting up to when he was in his 20s...
Bethan, Give them hell! In American politics whoever shouts loudest wins! Be consistent and nobody can accuse you of doing naive politics. The stance against the British establishment gives Plaid Cymru an edge of respect that had been lost for a while. At the moment your views maybe a minority one but the worm will turn it's only a matter of time!!
(1) You're far too polite. This is not what the rest of us would call a 'rant'.
(2) Have a read of what I wrote entitled Four Women of Integrity
(go to the bottom of my blog click on 'older posts' - and you'll be able to scroll down to it).
(3) If you read other things on my blog you'll conclude that you and I disagree on a number of things. That is what is called open, healthy, democracy. You and the other three Plaid women were expressing the same open, healthy, right to a democratic position.
(4) As to Vaughan Roderick he has always been deeply motivated by his own political agenda and will sneak out whatever he wants in order to bad mouth those who don't agree with his position. So much for BBC impartiality!
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
Oh dear, you haven't been around long have you. I wouldn't describe you as ignorant. More innocent.
Bethan bach,
Go back to the 'In Praise of Four Women of Integrity' posting, and on to the response I've posted to your comment.
The other three deserve some positive feedback/support/mutual strengthening too.
Ta.
Bethan
Keep smiling:)
As someone on the opposite side to you in the party debate vz to rainbow or not to rainbow I have to say that I didnt support the move by the four of you to attack a decision made by the assembly group leadership.
However some of the comments this attracted are outside what is acceptable as part of normal political discourse.
Both yourself and nerys were selected against tough competition and your critics should accept this and give the "need to mature" bs a rest.
if there are locations where the press and politicians mix on an "on tour" basis and comments made there are then used as a media story it reflects very badly on the particular journalist. The easy thing to do is make sure you give his rivals some decent stories:)
Every party needs its 'arkward' squad. I don't mean this to be offensive in any way, far from it. Unless you have an opposing viewpoint to the percieved majority view, then it never gets challenged. Without it, there is no internal party democracy.
Every Party needs its equivilent of Peter Black (infuriating though he can be!). That's what makes democracy work.
Stick to your guns, Bethan.
Remember though; never trust a journalist, whatever the setting.
david- I think you misunderstood- I was trying to hint at the actions of big-hitters in all parties who talk to the press. I don't think that's innocence on my behalf. I am very aware of what happens.
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