tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65175375670727476322024-03-08T19:57:53.358+00:00CeredigCeredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-82094784369800872332008-09-05T12:03:00.003+01:002008-09-05T12:20:25.393+01:00The referendum that never wasStill on the subject of the highly unlikely referendum on further powers, I find myself – somewhat unusually – in agreement to some extent with both Peter Black and Glyn Davies. (Well, there’s a first time for everything - but it is only a partial agreement!)Glyn Davies says that “…I believe there to be no longer any intention to hold such a referendum before 2011”. If he hadn’t included the Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-84699620906909871162008-09-04T13:13:00.003+01:002008-09-04T13:22:37.868+01:00Blue on blueIt has hardly come as a surprise to anyone that David Davies MP has decided to set up a ‘cross-party’ campaign against further devolution to Wales. Nor should it come as any surprise to anyone that he is planning to base his campaign on dishonestly equating devolution and independence and on the equally dishonest notion that Wales is inevitably and permanently stuck in a state of poverty which Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-33237439122789245592008-08-27T12:26:00.002+01:002008-08-27T12:33:16.840+01:00Talent spottingIt was in the 1992 election that Neil Kinnock issued his famous warning to us all. "Don't fall ill in Britain", is what he said. I thought that he was referring to the dangers of electing a Tory government and what it might do to our NHS, but it seems from today's story that the Labour Party might equally have used it as a warning to their own candidates.So desperate are they to improve the poolCeredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-61558499950749429142008-08-26T18:19:00.002+01:002008-08-26T18:25:46.827+01:00Llwyd's Last Stand?Today’s Western Mail article made me realise just how little public attention has been paid to Plaid’s internal election for a President. I suspect that most observers feel that it will make very little difference to Welsh politics; and reading today’s article certainly left me wondering why on earth the election is taking place. There certainly doesn’t seem to be any hint of a real political Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-29774133914707721672008-08-15T09:33:00.004+01:002008-08-15T09:38:49.445+01:00Extracting the UrineThat’s what I thought some of our beloved AMs must be doing when I first saw the lists of who had claimed what. If it had only been the Tories making the outrageous claims, I might even have believed that it was a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of both the institution and its membership, but given that some members of all parties are at it, I had to dismiss that thought.They sayCeredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-65823896364628358162008-08-11T13:34:00.003+01:002008-08-11T13:58:43.925+01:00Unity of PurposeSometimes, it's not easy to tell how united any party is. There is, however, one obvious giveaway. When prominent figures in a party start to call for unity, you know that there is a problem.In the case of the Labour Party recently, the number of calls for unity only serves to highlight the extent of the problem that they face. Splits within Plaid haven't been that obvious to me; but might Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-13280248863339746792008-08-06T16:31:00.002+01:002008-08-06T16:37:51.436+01:00Blair's Big BootI am quite willing to accept that the 'leaked memo' setting out what Blair apparently really thinks about Brown was not penned by Blair himself. But it was certainly penned by someone close to the man, and there seems little reason to doubt that it accurately reflects his feelings towards his successor.Whether Blair authorised the 'leak' is at best uncertain; but there seems little room to doubtCeredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-70198511808017013022008-08-04T13:18:00.002+01:002008-08-04T13:24:53.239+01:00Cometh the hour, cometh the man?The IWA exists to provoke thought and debate, and generally, I think they do a pretty good job. But I was more than a little disappointed with their latest offering on the idea of an elected mayor for the Heads of the Valleys.There is a very good argument to be made for a reduction in the number of local authorities in Wales. Politicians of all parties know it (although they're mostly afraid toCeredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-90070290475712728392008-07-30T11:32:00.002+01:002008-07-30T11:38:32.069+01:00Today's story is...For more than ten years, New Labour somehow managed to keep the media on board with their own version of the political narrative. Critics called it ‘spin’ from the outset; but whatever you call it, it’s a pretty impressive achievement. Now they seem to have lost it, completely.I heard a journalist on the radio the other day, talking about the way the story about someone nicking Cameron’s bike Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-14284349361976802842008-07-28T14:16:00.004+01:002008-07-28T14:31:19.453+01:00RespectFascinating to see the Shadow Secretary of State for Wales standing up for the Wales Office. She is suggesting that Wales needs a strong voice in the Cabinet. But not, presumably, the sort of voice which might come from appointing a Welsh MP to the job. I wonder how she keeps a straight face making statements like this.I have to say that I'm not entirely convinced by Plaid's argument either. Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-58642062340937506392008-07-21T13:58:00.002+01:002008-07-21T14:28:59.601+01:00Cigars and PromisesAt one level, the issue which led to the resignation of the Culture Minister looks pretty minor, and taken at face value, it does look like something of an over-reaction. Glyn Davies is not the only one who seems to think so, and indeed, it was noticeable that few, if any, political opponents were baying for blood.Peter Black picks up on Matt Withers’ story, and suggests that this is a piece of Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-41153939840363108792008-07-21T11:16:00.002+01:002008-07-21T11:24:05.339+01:00Back, after a fashionNow returned after an extended break, only to find that some bloggers have departed the field. Normal Mouth, in particular, I shall miss. Didn't always agree with him, but his posts were often thought-provoking. The Labour Party will be much more poorly represented in the blogosphere as a result. Both Normal Mouth and Southpaw Grammar refer to 'other projects' as being behind their departure.Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-82592200408454500072008-06-26T07:27:00.002+01:002008-06-26T07:33:27.502+01:00Ceredig est en vacancesHeading across La Manche tomorrow to spend some time in la belle, belle France. Comment moderation enabled during les vacances.It's been just over a year since I started this blog and I've managed barely 100 posts - an average of rather less than two per week. The next three weeks' absence will thus be something of an opportunity to reflect on the whats and whys.Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-57773838090282348012008-06-24T18:58:00.003+01:002008-06-24T19:19:50.881+01:00The grey manIt’s interesting that Plaid seem to be facing one of their most significant internal debates for many a year by holding an election for the rather meaningless post of party president. The party isn’t even sure what the job is, if it exists at all (I think Bethan Jenkins is suggesting that it doesn’t). Penderyn sets out a number of possible options as to what the job actually comprises, which I Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-44937389834337232392008-06-24T08:35:00.003+01:002008-06-24T09:03:04.998+01:00Belated Birthday GreetingsI appear to have inadvertently missed a very important anniversary. Last Friday, 20th June, marked exactly one year since the Assembly Government announced that it was to set up a commission to examine the funding formula which determines the resources available to Wales. The decision, of course, predated One Wales; there was a minority Labour government at the time whilst negotiations continuedCeredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-18473745214313404322008-06-17T15:07:00.002+01:002008-06-17T15:11:17.448+01:00The Great Escape?I haven’t responded to the David Davis resignation to date, because it seemed to me that it was premature to judge. Indeed, it may still be premature, given that he hasn’t even resigned yet, as I understand it, merely announced an intention to do so.He has tried to present it, of course, as demonstrating that he is a man of principle. It looks to me as though it only proves that he doesn’t think Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-47093607640498963922008-06-12T07:59:00.003+01:002008-06-12T08:14:36.340+01:00...and a bit under the weather, tooThe second great religion of the doomsayers who may not be challenged is the concept of man-made climate change. I'm not a climate change denier, but I think that many of those who are rightly concerned about climate change do themselves no favours by overstating the case. In that sense, the climate change doomsayers are remarkably similar to the peak oil doomsayers.We know that the earth’s Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-11894027615880235722008-06-10T12:37:00.003+01:002008-06-10T12:48:06.322+01:00Feeling a little Peaky...In comments on previous posts, Draig chides me a little for my scepticism over the connection between the current high price of oil and the concept of Peak Oil. Peak Oil (like Climate Change) is certainly on my list of things to worry about. Both issues are challenging for all of us – although they may not be the two most pressing.Peak oil, again like climate change, has become one of those Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-62708035208100258002008-06-05T17:49:00.003+01:002008-06-05T18:00:23.244+01:00Lost in TranslationTranslation of latest post on Nick Bourne’s blog:"Understandable angst and concern about the massive hikes in fuel prices shouldn’t obscure the need to continue to take green measures."I’ve spotted a massive political opportunity for the Conservatives, but it isn’t very green."It is quite compatible to ensure that the tax on fuel is postponed for example, and some of the VAT is abated, whilst Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-28596088209289318282008-06-04T08:35:00.002+01:002008-06-04T08:49:58.563+01:00From the Heritage Bunker (Last in series)Minister: Sir Humphrey. Where have you been for the last few weeks?Sir Humphrey: I’ve been negotiating with Whitehall on your behalf, Minister.Minister: Excellent, Sir Humphrey. So we’re ready to announce the details of the Elco?Sir Humphrey: Not exactly, Minister, no. There are a few small problems remaining.Minister: Look, Sir Humphrey, I’ve promised this to people. I promised it to Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-4848689630930699392008-05-28T16:34:00.003+01:002008-05-28T16:49:45.385+01:00Fuelling ProtestYesterday’s fuel protests by truckers brought to the forefront some key dichotomies in public attitudes, and drew out some interesting political responses as well. The situation raises a number of different issues at the same time.Firstly, we all know that, whilst the world is not about to run out of oil (despite some of the more alarmist projections) neither is the supply unlimited. Demand is Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-86999754091936878822008-05-23T16:55:00.003+01:002008-05-23T17:04:26.422+01:00Overheard in a London clubSir Frank: So, Humphrey, how can I help you?Sir Humphrey: Good of you to see me Frank, I know how busy it gets in the Cabinet Office. To put it in a nutshell, my Minister is determined to press ahead with an Elco on the Welsh language which goes much further than any of the Permanent Secretaries can agree.Sir Frank: This sole is excellent. Elco? Oh, yes, I remember. One of our better ideas,Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-26504540063005575402008-05-20T13:00:00.002+01:002008-05-20T13:07:38.174+01:00Cherchez L'agendaA somewhat plaintive complaint from an unnamed Labour source formed the basis of a story in today’s Western Mail. It seems that there may be some people in the Labour Party – who, if they really exist, prefer to remain anonymous – who think that it’s out of order for Plaid to form any sort of arrangement with any party other than Labour to run our councils.At one level, this merely underlines Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-16931560087045451142008-05-15T19:20:00.002+01:002008-05-15T19:27:09.872+01:00An expensive gimmickOne of Gordon Brown’s earliest acts as Chancellor was the introduction of the 10p tax rate. I thought that it was a bit of a gimmick at the time, but it wasn’t one that was easy to disagree with, since it unquestionably benefited the lowest earners. His supporters, of course, thought that it was a master stroke, and I can see why.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:officeCeredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6517537567072747632.post-47259228300862031592008-05-14T09:44:00.002+01:002008-05-14T09:49:19.323+01:00Convention CluesWith the recruitment process for the Executive of the Convention now in progress (soporific, claims Ordovicius), we will presumably soon know who the four parties are to appoint as their nominees. For all the talk about involvement and participation, the final decision will be a political one, and these four appointments are critical in determining whether the parties do, or do not, sign up to Ceredighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07328928643766735216noreply@blogger.com4