Welsh women bloggers please stand up.

Everyone is starting to talk about who has the most political bloggers- is it Plaid, lib dems etc (its certainly not Labour in Wales that's for sure, although Labour are excellent at providing plenty of anonymous comments...)

Nevertheless, my plea is for more Welsh women to blog about Welsh politics. From scanning welshblogindex.blogspot.com I can only identify seven women bloggers- Betsan Powys, Miss Wagstaff, Heledd Fychan, Leanne Wood AM, Jill Evans MEP, Valleys Mam, and me. If there are more then let me know. Perhaps some of the other bloggers with pseudonyms are women, but I don't think they are. Jane Davidson AM started a blog on her myspace page before the election but that has fallen by the wayside, and some of the other women candidates for the National Assembly stopped blogging very soon after the May result.

It would give a different angle on the blogosphere if more women decided to blog, but I think many are put off by the mainly male orientated vibe that the blogosphere exudes. The remarks which are left in some of the comment boxes of various blogs are sexist on occasions- one comment talked about the weight of female politicians in a negative way, for example. Yes, I know that you will say that we should take it with a pinch of salt- and believe me I do, otherwise I would never blog again, but there has to be a positive way in which we can attract more women to the world of the blogs. In other fields of interest, women have embraced the blogosphere (often to the detriment of their personal lives) but here in Wales the phenomenon hasn't really taken off.

Considering that there are so many female politicians at the Assembly we should encourage a campaign to get more women blogging and contributing to the debate online. Only then can we rival Glyn Davies's infamous wet t-shirt competition blog entry a while back...

The future of the Wales Office. Need it all be so negative?

I have to admit that I don't particularly see eye to eye with Elfyn Llwyd's analysis as to why the Wales Office should not be reformed under new constitutional changes by Gordon Brown- i.e that "it would slow down the democratic process and hinder the work being done on LCOs [legislative competence orders]' and that ' it would be foolish to take this step at this moment in time. '

The Westminster Government has plans to introduce a new super department for the UK's nations and regions. Whether Wales is classed as a region in this instance I'm not so sure, but the main thrust behind this particular change is the argument that it would serve to benefit devolution, not undermine it. I haven't seen the plans in full, but I would tend to agree with Peter Black AMs analysis ( there's a first!) in that the main concern lies with the status of any new super department, and the need for Wales to be fully represented in such a department. To do away with the current system of having a dedicated Secretary of State for Wales would be insufficient without taking this into account.

I am more flexible about changes to the Wales Office as I believe that it must evolve as devolution progresses. To leave it as it stands would be in denial of the system that we have in place at the moment, and the development of the Welsh Assembly to date. Of course, as I have said on so many occasions that I am now becoming bored of myself, the current LCO system was created by Labour for Labour, and the veto by the Secretary of State on new legislation brought forward by AMs still stands. I would be much more supportive of any ideas to change the make up of the Wales Office if Gordon Brown and his advisers scrapped this injustice, and gave the Assembly more flexibility to govern without strict caveats to power here in Wales.

The sooner we get a Parliament for Wales the less we will have to worry ourselves with the workings of the Wales Office. In my opinion, an office that combines the work of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland could be given the flexibility to be more progressive in that it may encourage those in the department to share cross border ideas on legislation, and encourage greater communication between the Celtic Nations.

We shall wait and see what comes of this idea.

petitions committee celebrates its first year

Its been a busy few days for me, and now I have time to sit down and blog. I was privileged that Huw Lewis responded so quickly to my blog on his comments on devolution. I have read his article on this issue, but I based my blog on the general BBC story to clarify to all. I'm pleased that Huw is so passionate about devolution, and that he has emphasised his commitment to the process. I need never attack him again on this matter.

Yesterday a delegation of the cross party group on eating disorders met with Edwina Hart to discuss the future strategy for eating disorders in Wales. I will expand on developments in due course, but I can say that it was a very productive meeting, and we all came out with smiles on our faces! Sarah Aldritt, a young woman who is recovering from an eating disorder came to the meeting also, and put forward her opinions to the Minister regarding the lack of access to Dietitians in Wales, and a carer- Martin Ball also came along to provide the Minister with a valuable insight in to his experiences caring for a daughter with an eating disorder. Health professionals were also present, and could obviously provide the Minister with expert knowledge of what is happening in the Trusts and LHBs ( if anything) regarding the treatment of eating disorders in Wales.

Yesterday I also attended the launch of the AMs photo display at the Senedd. Many AMs took part, and the photos are there are week at the Senedd for you to look at. I took pictures around the theme of the 'Iron Lady'. I'll post them here for you to look at!

I also took part in a petitions committee event last night to mark a year since the establishment of the petitions committee. It was a hugely successful event, and Andy Williamson from the Hansard society chaired a panel debate about the petitions system, and how we are developing it here in Wales. We have had over 100 petitions now, and the committee is going from strength to strength.

Today I attended the Unison/Unite public sector pay rally at The Point in Cardiff Bay. I'm hoping to go and meet those who are on strike at the Bridgend picket line tomorrow. Its an issue that is totally unacceptable. When MPs can award themselves hefty pay rises and such, its unacceptable that those in the public sector are not been rewarded the pay rise they deserve. London Labour undermining the workers in the public sector again. No surprises there.

Convention on a parliament for Wales

I hear that there is going to be an announcement on those who will be sitting on the All Wales Convention later today/ tomorrow. It'll be interesting to see who is on it, and how they intend to go about their work. As far as I'm concerned, its important that the members of the group get to work straightaway, and canvass opinions on the future powers of the National Assembly.There is a general acceptance that the Assembly should have the same powers as Scotland ( of course we should have had such powers in 1999..)

The fact that there are differing structures and varying forms of devolution in the UK is a joke, and has meant that progress has been far slower- with a lack of consistency throughout the UK. With the Tories opening the floodgates yesterday on the discussion of stopping Welsh MPs voting on English legislation, it only goes to show that the current system is rife with difficulties.

We now have to look forward to the imminent work of the Convention, and how we can shape the agenda to ensure that there is a yes vote on a Parliament for Wales. No doubt there are MPs at Westminster intent on ensuring that a referendum does not go ahead, therefore there must be a large scale campaign to undermine such self interest and self protection from the MPs.

I believe that a yes campaign should start now, in conjunction with the Convention. The timeline is as such that I believe that it is necessary for us to be pushing ahead with gathering information as to the population's opinions, but at the same time, ensuring that leading up to a referendum people care about the issues, and that they feel that they are part of the wider campaign for the development of Wales as a Nation.

One of the flagship elements of the One Wales agreement is the referendum on a parliament for Wales, therefore we have a clear duty to ensure that it takes place, and that it is successful.

Politicians are human too!!

I have had a relatively quiet day today, which is more than I can say for my colleague Nerys Evans AM who has been running around doing interviews about her anonomous survey of AMs on their own experiences of domestic abuse and sexual assault. This was initiated in relation to an Amnesty and NUS Wales led survey on the perceptions of domestic abuse amongst students, and the rate at which it takes place. Of course, the findings of the questionnaire are not surprising as we all, no doubt, know people who are victims of domestic violence in one shape or another. But it was actually surprising that so few AMs took part in the process. Nerys Evans was, after all, only seeking to communicate the fact that politicians are involved in this situation, and that we too have experiences that shape our society. I commend her for raising awareness of this issue, and hope that the Assembly's report on domestic violence will lead to action in this area, as well as place additional pressure on the UK government to push this to the forefront of the political agenda.

The eating disorders cross party group went really well last night, and I thank everyone who attended. We will be meeting with the Minister imminently to discuss the care pathway with regards to eating disorders, and I hope that we can get assurances that there will be substantial investment in this area. Carers and those suffering from an eating disorder, as well as those working in the health sector were present, and I look forward to the next meeting, and arranging more events to raise awareness of the issue.

Tomorrow, I am taking part in a British Council event in encouraging young people to get involved in politics. I met with a group of 6th form pupils to discuss their political aspirations yesterday, and their enthusiasm is clear for all to see. I only hope that we can try and ensure that young people feel part of the political system as opposed to believeing that their voices are irrelevant to us as Assembly Members.

Senedd today

I'm not taking part in any of the debates today at the Senedd, but I am listening in on the debate on co-payments in the NHS. There is a debate later by the lib dems on bus services in Wales, where no doubt they will add to their growing wish list of financial demands from the Welsh Assembly Government. A few months ago, the idea was floated that backbenchers should be able to table debates here at the Assembly. We are still waiting to find out whether there is scope to table time for backbench debates. It is frustrating sometimes that those within the ruling groups in the Assembly cannot be pro active in initiating debates on this level. I believe this would inject some energy in to debates in the Chamber, and ultimately add another layer of scrutiny of Government Ministers. Of course, we respond diligently and thoughtfully to all the opposition party debates, but I sincerely believe that there is a need to re- assess the way that debates are run here, or how time is used during the afternoon, mid-week sessions.

Another conversation that I had today with fellow AMs was about the potential for more academic discussion amongst AMs on policy and strategy. We all know about the House magazine which is produced at Westminster, but there is no Assembly equivalent. Of course, we could look at doing an online journal of sorts, and encourage critical debate amongst AMs and political thinkers alike on the web. Those of us who blog take part in such discussions on a daily basis, but I believe that we could look in to this idea again, as this may be another way of encouraging public interest and involvement in our National Assembly.

An update on the Royal visit tomorrow- supposedly the cleaners have been asked to polish the plants on show at the Assembly! What a joke. The place is smelling of paint, and flowers have been placed on display. Its interesting that so much effort is being made for one person, for one day. Why don't the public have this treatment when they come here every day? I asked for a debate on the future of the Monarchy during business questions yesterday, and Nick Bourne AM also agreed that such a debate should take place. Perhaps that could be a theme for a backbench debate for the future?

Cameron on pay rise for MPs- political opportunism?

Does anyone recall Nick Bourne's remarks back in March this year with regards to the decision by a number of Plaid AMs to reject the 8.3% pay rise that was suggested by an Independent review? I'm sure you do, but I'll remind you- Bourne said that it was the 'worst kind of political opportunism'. Well, fast forward a few months, and the same debate is taking place on a Westminster level following an Independent report on MPs salaries. However, Tory hypocrisy is clear yet again, with David Cameron clearly indicating that those on the Ministerial payroll will not accept the suggested pay rise, or the above inflation pay rise for MPs. Will Nick Bourne be telling his leader at Westminster that he is guilty of political opportunism, and that of the worst kind? I don't think so somehow! Will Nick Bourne and his group at the Assembly refuse to take their pay rise retrospectively as a result of their colleagues' decision at Westminster? Hardly.

Don't think for a minute that I'm letting the other parties off the hook, either. Harriet Harman, a Labour Minister has also been quoted in the press as saying that MPs should not accept the pay rise due to rising inflation and household finances. It was for this very reason that I did not accept my pay rise- how can it be justified when workers on the front line are being squeezed due to rising social pressures, and a lack of salary increase to coincide with this?

At the time, I received hundreds of emails from Police officers and nurses, amazed that we were even considering accepting such a hefty pay rise under current circumstances. Of course I understand that we have more responsibilities as AMs due to new powers at the Assembly, but like those in the third sector, and those who work diligently on low wages throughout their lives, if we are passionate and committed about what we do, finances should be at the back of our minds, not the main reason as to why one becomes a political representative.

I understand that there will be a vote at Westminster on this issue on the 3rd of July, but I agree with the recommendation made that MPs should not vote on their own salary increase. It somehow defeats the object of having an independent investigation in to the issue in the first place.

I look forward to seeing what individual MPs have to say on the matter. Following the somewhat controversial discussion on MPs allowances, I think that many MPs will make up some excuse or another for why they deserve a pay rise of such significance.

Will the ' Welsh' Tory Party please stand up?

Gosh. Just heard Nick Bourne AM on a question to the Heritage Minister regarding supporting the commemoration of Owain Glyndwr! Whatever next? Supporting Welsh Independence?! I wonder whether their leader in Westminster knows what they are up to here in the Bay. After all, Alun Cairns Tory AM ( a Parliamentary candidate) has said on record during a debate last week that Cameron isn't their leader in Wales. For a Unionist party, they appear on face value to be on very shaky ground. But I know full well of course what the Tory strategy is in terms of merely appearing to be a unique Welsh party. However, we need only look at how Glyn Davies and his colleagues are refusing to accept that the decision on the right to buy be devolved to Wales to know that the cracks are appearing in the 'Welsh' Tory game.

The same divergence in opinion is clear from the Tory camp when discussing top-up fees. David Cameron has of course stated on numerous occasions that he now supports the rolling out of top-up fees, but his party in Wales purport to be able to take a differing line in opposing such fees here in Wales for now, at least ( or until the General election campaign kicks off) Again, there is a lack of consistency in the Tory spin machine, and a robust opposition in even admitting that they will have to take a UK Unionist opinion on most policy decisions and directions.

On the Referendum front, the Tories are holding a consultation process on whether they support future devolution for Wales. If this consultation results in a positive outcome to support a referendum on more powers for Wales, it will be highly interesting to see whether they place this in their Uk General election manifesto, and whether they will promise to enact on this if they take power on a UK level.

Of course, if the Tories win power at Westminster, or even if all the polls prior to the election indicate as such, I will be keeping a keen eye on Labour party activity in this area. I want to see whether or not those who are current devo sceptics in Labour's Unionist wing, (we all know who they are) and who are currently intent on talking down the referendum in the One Wales Government will be manouvering to change their mind, and to support future powers for our National Assembly in fear of losing all power in the devolved administrations.

More on Thatcher....

I'm quite angry at the moment. So I'll write a blog to cool down. I went on Radio Cymru today to speak about my opinions on the Thatcher art display (or whatever you wish to call it) that is being unveiled at the Assembly on Wednesday ( I wonder who will officially open it?) Alun Cairns, the Thatcher loving AM was on the show with me, and effectively accused me of censorship because I do not wish the art to be displayed at the front of the Assembly. He then went on to compare such a stance with actions taken by previous leaders...such as Hitler- of all people! I am offended, frankly, because I have no interest in censoring what is shown at the Assembly. Having said that, I would like to think that AMs could make decisions which are sensitive to those who view the National Assembly as their National building, who have no interest in Margaret Thatcher towering above them as they enter the building! At the end of the day, this piece of art was commissioned by the Assembly, therefore AMs had the decision at that point to accept it or reject it. Why not commission a piece of art that celebrates Wales and its people, and shows where we want to go as a Nation?

In the interview, Alun Cairns went on to say that this was commissioned to provoke debate, yet he did not see why or how it should provoke 'political' debate. This stance is unbelievable. Of course it is going to create a widespread political debate.

I shouldn't expect any better from a Tory who has a picture of Margaret Thatcher in his office, and who believes that she was a 'positive influence' on Wales. Please, give me strength.

Thatcher at the Senedd....

You may be aware of my opinions on that Thatcher piece of art at the Assembly which is set to be unveiled on the 21st of May. You can read the story here, and make up your own mind on it. I personally don't see why we should be giving Thatcher any legitimacy in the new Wales. The existence of the National Assembly can be largely attributed to the decimation she and her government administered over Welsh communities and the fact that sufficient political will was generated to ensure that Wales would never be fully exposed to a future Tory Westminster government.

The new Wales is supposed to be about moving away from the Thatcherism of the two main UK parties, which is alien to the political values of our nation. What is the purpose of placing a statute of Thatcher in the building that is supposed to symbolise the re-birth of our nation?

I understand the concept behind the display. That doesn't mean that I have to agree with it. I perhaps wouldn't mind so much if this was done in a sensitive way e.g placed on display in a room filled with other pieces of art, or portraits of other political leaders. I may have been less disturbed than when I heard that it was going to be displayed at the front of the Senedd, but nevertheless it has been given the go-ahead.

We had a lively discussion on the Richard Evans phone in on Friday about this very issue, and it has obviously polarised opinions quite substantially. I did find it quite ironic, however, that Jenny Randerson AM told me on air (she was on the panel of AMs that commissioned the display) that my opinions 'were dangerous', when the main reason why she supported the art display was to encourage free speech!

I think this venture on behalf of the Assembly will backfire on the Institution quite frankly. Hardly anyone from the South Wales Valleys will come to the Senedd, view the display and think 'Oh, that's why we need a Referendum on a Parliament for Wales.' They will be angered, they will be upset, they will question why we made such a decision in the first place. Her very presence legitimizes her appalling legacy in Wales. I feel strongly that this is a massive own goal and shows grave insensitivity to former miners and their families, and whole coalfield communities, who suffered under the Thatcher government.

Some of the people who phoned in said they would organise a protest at the Assembly. It will definitely make people 'confront their demons', but was this what the artist really had in mind?

Port Talbot Residents Against Power Station

I went to a protest this morning in Port Talbot ( having recovered from my awful day of suffering from food poisoning on Friday) against the wood chip burning plant set to be erected in Port Talbot. The campaigners- Port Talbot Residents against Power Station, are taking the Westminster Government to court, claiming on their latest newsletter that ' it is morally unjustifiable for the Government to build more power stations in Port Talbot when the town is already failing EU air quality health standards on a regular basis.'

I have raised such concerns on an Assembly level, and will continue to so. I also believe that Wales should have the power to decide whether planning is granted for developments which are bigger than 50 mw.

Many residents turned up, but I was glad to see Brian Gibbons AM present, who must be concerned with the way his Labour colleagues in Westminster are dealing with the situation ( and his colleague Hywel Francis, perhaps, who was not present today) I noticed that when the crowd endorsed taking the Government to court, Brian Gibbons clapped in approval. Is this another sign of a divergence of opinion between Labour in Cardiff Bay, and Labour in Westminster?

I hope to raise the issue again this week at the National Assembly because the Environment Agency now has the license to operate the power station and to regulate it. There is an ongoing court case, yes, but if there are ways that we can pursue this matter via the Assembly, then I will do my utmost to represent the voices of the people of the area.

No to Oath of Allegiance

As you can imagine, I do not agree with the comments made today by former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith to introduce a mandatory oath of allegiance for school pupils.

I'm deeply disturbed by proposals to force young people in our schools to swear an oath of allegiance to the monarchy. The conscious right of people in Wales to express their political and cultural identity in their own way would be violated if such proposals are ever realised.

I firmly believe that such practices have no room in a confident, forward looking Wales that is perfectly at ease with its identity. We need reassurances that our National Assembly will have the powers to block any such proposals if Gordon Brown chooses to embrace Lord Goldsmith's recommendations in full.

What we need is more investment in political citizenship across the board at a younger age, not an attempt at forcing a narrow, old fashioned and Imperial political ideology on our young people. Scotland has already rejected the plans, so too should Wales.

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Fel y medrwch ddychmygu, dydw i ddim yn cytuno gyda sylwadau yr Arglwydd Goldsmith heddiw i gyflwyno system o dyngu llw gorfodol ar bobl ifanc.

Dydw i ddim yn cytuno gyda’r fath gynllun i dyngu llw i’r Frenhiniaeth. Byddai cynllun o’r fath yn tanseilio gallu pobl Cymru i leisio eu barn gwleidyddol, a’u hunaniaeth diwylliannol.

Dydw i ddim yn credu y dylai’r fath weithred fod yn rhan o’n gwlad hyderus, blaengar, sydd yn balch o’i hunaniaeth unigryw. Mae angen i ni sicrhau yn nawr bod gan ein Cynulliad y gallu i wrthwynebu unrhyw gynlluniau y mae Gordon Brown yn ceisio gweithredu yn y maes hwn.

Beth sydd angen arnom yng Nghymru yw mwy o ymwybyddiaeth o wleidyddiaeth yn gyffredinol, ac nid ymgais negyddol i wthio barn ideolegol hen ffasiwn, Imperialaidd ar ein pobl ifanc. Mae’r Alban wedi gwrthod y cynlluniau yn barod, a dylai Cymru wneud yr un peth.

Obesity at the Assembly

A question on obesity was raised today at the Assembly, to which Darran Miller's intellectual intervention was that we should not debate this issue as there are many overweight Assembly Members, and so we cannot tell others what to do! Well, he may have a point, but there are those of us who exercise on a regular basis and look after our health thank you very much!

I don't think that this warrants the Assembly sitting back and doing nothing to help other people, although I do agree with his argument that we should practise what we preach. I spoke during this debate also, and asked the Minister to meet with the WLGA to discuss planning persmission for fast food outlets in new Retail Parks, and whether there would be any possibility in limiting the amount of fast food outlets opened in any one development.

I know of many such Retail Parks with numerous fast food 'restaurants', with not one healthy eating option available for shoppers or workers alike. Many of these new Retail Parks have been built in relatively deprived areas, which were sold to communities by local representatives merely because they created a few jobs that would be created for local people, in low paid, McRubbish jobs.

I think there should be a debate about this issue, and a realisation that these developments are failing to assist our desperate need to become a healthy Nation. Obesity is on the rise, but unless we change the culture of the way we eat, this issue will only intensify.

Paul Murphy is Secretary of State.

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.

Who will be the next Secretary of State for Wales?

Hain has gone. We all know this by now. He has done the honourable thing in resigning, as his position had clearly become untenable-especially following the referral of the investigation to the police by the Electoral Commission. I think that looking to the future, the Labour party as an institution has to reflect and ask itself whether its obsession with big business is healthy. What were Hain's donors gaining from giving him such vasts amount of money anyway?

For now, and until we get primary legislative powers here in Wales, a Welsh presence at the Cabinet level is a practical necessity. Once Wales has the powers to pass its own laws, the need for a Secretary of State is questionable. The appointment of a new Secretary of State is imminent, and a decision for Gordon Brown to make ( if he doesn't dither for too long) We need a Secretary of State who will be consistent with the progressive agenda of the One Wales Government in Cardiff Bay, and not someone who will act in the inherent self interest of the unionist wing of the Labour party. A Secretary of State who will oversee the historic transition of primary law making powers to the National Assembly following a successful 'yes' referendum campaign.

Hain the untouchable

I didn't go to the ITV and the Welsh Yearbook politics awards this year. I was surprised that there would be such a bash for politicians considering the financial crisis that ITV are in at the moment, but there we are....

The only news that I've heard from the evening is of Hain's speech and its bad taste, especially with regards female AM's past and present- comments which I have no inclination to laugh at whatsoever. Other references were made about Doctor Who...Peter Hain travelling in the tardis....failing to see any bother regarding donations in the future....ha ha...

I'm so glad that he can make light of a situation which only last week was plastered on every news channel, and which may cost him dearly in the future. I'm not laughing, and I could hazard a guess that the people of Neath aren't either. Perhaps Hain thinks that he is beyond criticism, that he is untouchable. After his enlightening 'speech' the other night, perhaps he will consider taking a good look at himself and the affect of his actions and words on others in the future.

I had a productive meeting with Brian Gibbons regarding child poverty yesterday. I hope that the schemes underway in Wales will play a part in tackling this issue, although I did raise concerns that while we can show leadership in Wales, we have to work with Westminster if the targets are to be met.

Ed Balls's 10 year plan may be an area to look at but considering that there was no discussion with the WAG prior to Westminster's announcement, we will have to wait with baited breath as to how London's plans will coincide with what happens here( and the child poverty unit in the DWP)

It is somewhat adventurous for the Government in London to term it a '10 year plan', when there is no guarantee that Labour will remain in Government in Westminster for that period of time. I will reserve judgement on it until I receive more information, although I am concerned about the pressure that could be placed on schools to take on more responsibilities with regards the welfare and health of young people across the board.

I also had a meeting with Joseph Rowntree Foundation regarding their work in Wales this week, and they are initiating a significant amount of new research here, which is to be commended. I am eager to organise an event at the Assembly alongside JRF next year, which will again raise the profile of this issue at the Assembly...I hope!

Today is the last day of term at the Assembly, so back to South Wales West it is....

The 'diplomatic' AM for South Wales West

I am still in the Assembly's plenary session, and it will be extended until 6pm tonight. Of course, its vital that we discuss issues as AM's, but for those of us who are not allocated to contribute on debates at certain times of the session, it can be quite a long stint in the chamber!! I think there has to be more emphasis on the Assembly's external communications department to encourage a growth in the number of people who choose to attend the plenary sessions, and encourage interest in the debates here at the Assembly. Personally, I have contributed a number of new, innovative ideas for this purpose, and I hope that Dafydd Elis Thomas and his team will implement them in due course.

I have raised questions on the funding of the One Wales Government agreement today at the Senedd so as to ensure that the Government priorities are implemented and that we are seen as a Government to be delivering on our promises. Nick Bourne quipped in that my comment was coded and diplomatic. I have never been described as 'diplomatic' before, so I take it as a compliment!!!

I have also contributed in the questioning of the Education Minister, Jane Hutt, with regards the Government's grants for school uniforms, and the way in which it should be implemented so as not to conflict with the grants currently implemented by Local Authorities.

Tomorrow, the Equal Opportunities Committee will sit at the Assembly. We will discuss the establishment of a Children's committee at the Assembly- a committee which I deem as being essential so as to look at how our policies and measures affect children across the board. We will also be discussing a review of polling stations and their accessibility for disabled people, as well as the proposal of a scrutiny committee on Migrant workers in Wales. All very interesting issues, and which I will blog on in greater detail at a later date.

10 years of Devolution

I've written quite a heartfelt article for the Bridgend Post about 10 years of devolution, but I won't reiterate it here as I prefer to keep these posts a bit lighter (not that it gets me anywhere in any of the blog awards;-))

I was 15 when the referendum on a National Assembly took place. I couldn't vote at the time, but I did take part in the rally from Pontypridd to Cardiff with the Yes campaign. I remember that my Dad was involved in the campaign from the Socialist Alliance perspective, and I can recall proudly carrying a banner on the rally, taking in the excitement of the day.

I didn't get involved in the ins and outs of the campaign as such, but I remember that there was a buzz about the referendum taking place, and I watched with interest the live TV coverage of those in pubs and venues across the country sporting t-shirts with 'Yes for Wales'.

I did watch some of the coverage and I distinctly remember scurrying downstairs to switch on the television the next morning, like a Christmas morning- the present being a successful Yes vote. Ron Davies is no Sion Corn but his 'Good Morning Wales' speech still resonates now, and of course I could never forget the powerful image of all the leaders raising their hands in celebration at the result, however narrow the margin.

Following this occasion I did not take part in party politics for some time, but I did decide to study politics at Aberystwyth ( so 97 must have had some sort of effect!) At Aberystwyth, I was told repeatedly by the likes of Richard Wyn Jones and Dafydd Trystan how important Ron Davies's statement that 'Devolution is a process, not an event' was in framing the discussion surrounding devolution in Wales, and how it was vital for us to deliver on the challenges of devolution here in Wales.

At first, I can remember believing that Plaid had taken on the challenge with vigour, and Plaid's election successes conveyed such. Nevertheless, on one level, people began to correlate Plaid with the Government despite Labour being in power, and I think we suffered as a consequence after the early honeymoon period of devolution. Plaid have now become a much more professional, pro-active party, and now, a party of Government with responsibility to deliver.

I would be mindful not to say that we are 'celebrating' devolution today, because we yet have a long way to go. Of course, we have started the process of bringing politics closer to the people, of passing laws in devolved areas of policy, and the opportunity of politicians in Wales to raise local issues on a political stage in Wales.

Nevertheless, we have to be one step ahead at all times, and the next step is the Convention, which will engage the public and key opinion forming bodies on their concerns about the extension of powers in Wales, so as to prepare the ground for a Parliament.

What we have at the moment is a halfway house of an Institution, with a veto from the Secretary of State for Wales, implemented to appease a handful of Labour MP's in Westminster. This isn't sustainable, and those who took part in the Richard Commission will tell you as such.

I am proud, of course, to be part of politics here in Wales at this important juncture in our history as a political party-in Government for the very first time. I have always believed in the importance of the National Assembly, even when other campaign groups were still going to London with their lobbies and campaigns.

Now I am looking forward to our Nation's progression, and to the confidence that we must find to create a Parliament for Wales, to serve the future generations of Wales.

A National Conversation

Jack McConnell, the Leader of the Labour Party in Scotland has resigned today. Perhaps he is just not ready to put up a fight against the SNP, especially following yesterday's White Paper on Independence.

However, this is improbable given that the opposition parties were quick to issue a joint statement against the SNP's Independence conversation. Could this be a sign that a Rainbow coalition is on the way in Scotland, in a desperate attempt to oust the minority administration of the SNP? I sincerely hope not!

The National Conversation website seems very professionally thought out, and addresses the issues head on. The aim is to create an atmosphere where people can talk about Independence in Scotland, and have a chance to take part in the process of deciding on the country's future.

As the Scotsman duly suggests, the SNP are taking a gradualist approach, partly because they do not have a parliamentary majority, and will struggle to win any vote at this stage. Nevertheless, I believe that a gradualist approach is needed in the debate on Independence, so that there is a concerted effort to pick away at the stereotypes and the myths surrounding Independence, and a clear attempt at outlining the arguments for and against Independence in the cold light of day.

On the issue of holding a referendum on a Scottish Republic, from what I have read, I gather that there would be a follow on referendum on a Republic if the Scots voted for Independence initially. The Queen would continue to have a Castle at Balmoral( lucky her!) Nevertheless, I can't see the Scots agreeing to maintaining the English Monarchy in such circumstances. I may be wrong, but constitutionally it would create tensions- this without even contemplating the effect on Gordon Brown and other Scottish MP's, who, if prevented from sitting at Westminster would deny Labour a majority.

As yet there is no timeline for the Conversation on Independence, but I am sure that the SNP will be spearheading a campaign as part of this White Paper, and will be working at grassroots level to promote a positive outcome to the referendum.

I believe that the One Wales Government should be looking with interest to what is happening in Scotland at the moment. We have the challenge of initiating a referendum on a Parliament for Wales by 2011- of setting up the Convention successfully, and of encouraging people to take part in the debate surrounding additional powers for the Assembly. It will be a challenge, especially with tensions in the Labour ranks, but it is, after all, part of the One Wales agreement, and as far as I am concerned, we must work positively to make a success of the process.

New term, new ideas?

I am sitting in the Senedd for the first full session of the Assembly. I'm finding the key pad quite hard to use, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Rhodri Morgan and Ieuan Wyn Jones have spoken about the programme for the year- Rhodri outlining his party's ideas, Ieuan noting that we have not had sufficient debate, and that Rhodri has sought to communicate his vision via the press. Nick Bourne is now speaking about the issue, and it's getting quite animated... He's saying that the lack of consensus politics already loud and clear, and so on......

There will be much more work for AM's now due to the new powers. I am especially looking forward to the petitions aspect of the new powers, whereby the public will be allowed to text/email in new policy ideas and initiatives to the Presiding Officer for discussion. I think that this new concept could be a good starting point for a cross party youth group to take up- to get young people thinking and participating in the ever day workings of the Assembly. This should also be a way in which, of course, pressure groups and community groups can put forward their messages to us.

Rhodri Morgan is speaking again, now about reconfiguration. I think that this will be discussed quite often in the next few weeks. Will Labour go back on their reconfiguration programme, and impose a moratorium, or will they carry on regardless? I think that it will depend on whether or not this progressive, consensus politics really will work. It's entirely up to Labour as to whether they are serious about it or not.