I've noted how other Welsh bloggers are tackling the issue of coalition deals of late- from reading Matt Withers's column today on a possible Plaid-Labour deal, Glyn Davies who favours a minority Labour Government until a Rainbow coalition takes over, Chanticleer on Lib dem internal wranglings, and Blamerbell, who suggests that a Parliament for Wales should not be a deal breaker due to its inevitability as written within the Government of Wales Act.
What underlines the arguments in the blogs are the red-line issues for each political party- where we are ready to co-operate and sacrifice on policy proposals or political viewpoints, and where we are adamant to remain head-strong and refuse to compromise. The problem with this is that undoubtedly red line issues will differ from member to member, from area to area, and they will also differ with regards to a party's approach to an opposing political party.
It is of course fair enough to say that for us, a New Welsh language Act would be a red line issue as one of many, but I don't think that it would be enough on it's own merit to justify, for example, a rainbow coalition for the next four years. Glyn Davies mentions my 'misguided socialism', but does not outline any clear reasoning for encouraging me to embrace the concept of a rainbow coalition further than that of creating an 'alternative' to Labour in Wales. What is the long term gain of such an outcome for Wales?
However, what is of interest to me is this- If there is a different Government in Westminster to the National Assembly (for example, there could be a Rainbow Coalition in Wales, and a Labour Government in Westminster) how will Hain's veto play out with regards to passing new powers, will a referendum on a Parliament for Wales be off the cards, and could this mean more effective scrutiny of a Labour Westminster Government? It is far from clear how this would pan out.
In my humble opinion, the talks about talks must now develop in to talks about Government here in Wales. We should be discussing our aims and objectives as parties, and whether or not working together is a viable option. It could all culminate with the impossibility of any deal between us due to ideological and practical differences. Until we reach the point where we know when we would be prepared to work with other parties, and under what auspices, we will not be sure of how best to go ahead with forming any style of working Government here in Wales.
10 comments:
I think you're quite right about this, Bethan. Plaid Cymru is by nature a nationalist and socialist party (leaving aside the unsavoury associations). We were founded as quite a conservative party, until the changes led by Gwynfor Evans which brought a realisation that socialism was a necessary complement to nationalism.
This being the case we can not sit comfortably in a rainbow coalition, if it forces us to choose nationalism above socialism, or vice versa. To do so would be in the face of our nature as a political entity. The point is to reinforce your argument that there is no red-line issue, as there might be in some other parties.
This is not to rubbish the very idea of a coalition, rainbow or otherwise. But it will have to be for a better reason than forming a majority government or creating an alternative to Labour - it will have to reflect both Plaid's socialism and nationalism.
As for your rhetorical questions regarding Hain's veto in lieu of a rainbow coalition, I think it will actually be quite simple. Hain will allow any moves that Labour in Westminster approve of or are indifferent to. A referendum would be very much off the cards.
A referendum would be very much off the cards.
what is your reason for saying this Cymro?
I'm not sure that I have made my case completely clear. I have favoured a Rainbow Coalition - but accept that it couldn't work if the Assembly had full law making and particularly tax raising powers. I don't think an inherently 'socialist' party and a centre/right party could be a coalition in those circumstances. At present, the Assembly is more concerned about how to manage public services and spend within the confines of Westminster budget decisions. At present a coalition could work - in my opinion. But I suppose that my opinion doesn't matter now.
I just can't see the deal breakers between us - and I have to say that your party and leader seem to be showing a staggering lack of ambition. You are the second biggest party for goodness sake.
There are a lot or Conservatives who think as I do. We love Wales and we want our nation to succeed economically and culturally - and we do not believe that an overbearing state, too high a level of taxation and undermining of individual responsibility are the right ways to acheive the success we want.
'I have favoured a Rainbow Coalition - but accept that it couldn't work if the Assembly had full law making and particularly tax raising powers'.
I understand that, but I am a little confused overall. Does this mean that if we did go in to coalition with you that calling for a referedum/tax raising powers would be a no go area as well?
I don't agree that there is lack of ambition within Plaid. We are talking to all the parties at the moment. It would be unwise of us to jump to a deal without such discussions taking place. For my part, my concern is that talks go so slow that it will play to Labour's advantage. That cannot be a good thing for Plaid, or the other parties.
The whole rainbow coalition is a bit silly. We need 40 AMs to agree to a referendum. A rainbow coalition gives 33 AMs. Do we expect 26% of Labour AMs to rebel? Then a majority in the Commons and Lords need to agree to it. All provided that Hain doesn't veto it, which he would - this is the reason that a veto exists after all.
So why go into a rainbow coalition? Unless we manage to convince rabid free-marketeers and others from the centre-right to support our community socialism, there is no reason to go into coalition. Plaid Cymru is a bigger party than to want power for the sake of power.
If we can subdue the neo-conservative leanings of New Labour, a deal with Labour supporting a referendum might protect our socialist ideals. But we should be wary of agreeing support for too little in return, and comprimising our ultimate aims.
Cymro- you sum up my thinking.
Good to know that future Plaid leaders are good thinkers!
We stand more chance of securing the referendum on a full parliament by not entering a rainbow coalition - by making it a 'red-line' issue for supporting a Labour FM.
Rhodri & pals face a stark choice - 1) support a referendum and get Plaid support - 2) support STV in local government to get LD support - 3) face the embarassment of having to handover power to a rainbow coalition
Penddu, I think that's a good idea but I imagine that Rhodri - he's a bit stolid, but not thick and a seasoned politician - would see right through it and call our bluff. 'No deal with Plaid's threats', he'd say.
We'd be forced into an coalition that would be an ideological mess, and that would probably fall apart due to internal contradictions - which could only harm Plaid. Imagine how Labour would laugh at us then. Not a pretty picture...
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