Paul Murphy is the new Secretary of State for Wales. One man, one job to do-for how long is anyone's guess, mind. Lets hope that even though he describes himself as a 'devo-realist,' that the system of transferring powers via the LCO system to the Assembly can now start to run a smoother course. It can only be tried, although if relations fail between Westminster and Cardiff Bay, there may be interesting times ahead...The Lib dems have already come all out criticising the appointment. Roger Williams, said:
“I have the highest regard for Paul Murphy as a person and as a Minister. However, his views on devolution are well known – in policy terms he is a devo-sceptic. I do not believe he is the right person to take devolution forward.”
Plaid's Elfyn Llwyd took a far more conciliatory approach:
“He is hard working and sincere, and his track record in Northern Ireland speaks for itself. He is a man of the highest calibre, and we’re sure he will co-operate with the One Wales government'.
So there we have it.
