The two Dafydds 10 years on

This just in from Plaid Cymru's honorary president, Dafydd Wigley:

"10 years ago today was one of the most exciting days in my political career.

For over 70 years Plaid had been campaigning for a Welsh Parliament and despite its weaknesses, which were apparent even then, the prospect of Welsh politicians finally being responsible for the destiny of our nation was truly remarkable.

Of course we all had to wait until the following day for the count to take place but it was possible to sense the silent earthquake that was on its way and everyone knew that Welsh politics would never be the same again."

Lovely stuff. Nice to see a political figure able to forget about partisan divides on a day like today, when all four parties will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Assembly's first elections.

But then the party's actual president, Dafydd Iwan has also had his say:

"I, along with many others who had campaigned for a Welsh parliament for so long, saw 1999 as a great step forward.

But be under no illusion, there are still many vital steps ahead of us until Wales gets what it deserves.

For most of the last ten years, we have had weak Labour governments in Westminster and Cardiff who have failed to deliver for the people of Wales.

We now need real powers for the Assembly to defend us from the whims of future Tory or Labour governments in London."

Never mind, I suppose politics just wouldn't be politics without a bit of politics.

Dewi Dau

No to Dafydd Wigley - Lordy Lord

Is anyone else genuinely surprised that Gordon Brown has allegedly been blocking Dafydd Wigley’s ascension to the House of Lords? If it’s true I wonder what the motive behind this action is. It’s been almost 12 months since the selection by Plaid of Mr Wigley and two others, former AM Janet Davies and Eurfyl ap Gwilym, was made. When the “Prince of Darkness” Peter Mandelson came back into government, he was made a Baron faster than you could say “resignation”.

Whilst the official line at the moment is that Plaid did not follow correct procedure, I do wonder how much truth there is in that. But the argument that Brown is purposefully blocking the decision by Plaid seems a little farfetched. Would a couple more dissenting voices in the Lords really have that much of an impact on the stuttering Brown premiership? Surely this was a golden opportunity for Brown to win some friends with the Nationalist movement whilst giving not all that much up in return. So I am a little confused. Had the whole Nick Bourne thing not kicked off (and been prolonged by the Western Mail) I wonder if this story would have had more coverage?

I doubt we’ll get an answer any time soon, seeing as Mr Brown can put off dealing with this thorny issue by saying “Sorry I’m too busy saving the World.” So I will have to remain frustratingly out in the cold wondering what the motives of the Government are on this one, because I simply don’t understand why they would want to tick more people off. Of course it could be that Plaid are simply rubbish at paperwork!

Any thoughts are welcome

Dewi Un