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Wales and Assembly at political crossroads

Copy of a statement today from Nick Bourne on the future of Welsh politics which says it all really.

Clearly, I am in agreement with Nick that the All Wales Accord, negotiated between the three opposition parties in Cardiff Bay, offers the best chance for generations for a fresh start for Wales, and that making the wrong choice could have consequences "for years to come".

In particular, his emphasis on the new ideas and consensus-based politics contained in the All Wales Accord is to be welcomed.

"Wales is standing at a political crossroads. It is incumbent on all parties to decide which way to turn. Take the correct path and we could usher in a new political era, one which I believe will bring about real and lasting changes to every community in Wales. Take the wrong route and there is a real danger that people could pay the consequences for years to come.

I believe that the prospect of a non-Labour administration in Cardiff Bay can develop a new style of governing. I also believe that the prospect of Labour in government for another four years will stifle progress, restrict choice, and shackle our nation's potential both at home and abroad. The events of the last few weeks have shown that a more competitive politics is developing in Wales. That can only be good for the political process.

Entrenched Labour government and perpetual opposition for the other parties would allow our political processes to stagnate. Rhodri Morgan's Jurassic government - and his own shambolic performance as First Minister - cannot take us in the new direction we so badly need. Mr Morgan and Labour are desperately clinging onto power. There is no leadership, no vision, no big idea.

Rhodri Morgan has closed his mind to new ideas and new ways of doing things at a time when government must be open-minded to the new challenges our country faces. Like Gordon Brown he believes in big government and centralised control. He has shown in the last few weeks that he has not changed, and that the Labour Party has not changed.

They are now telling us they are willing to change because they know they face the real prospect of being kicked out of office. However, it is simply not enough for us to criticise Labour's record, appalling as it has been. We must set out our alternative not only as individual political parties, but as a united opposition. I believe we achieved that in the All Wales Accord. As a party we remain committed to it. It is now for others to decide whether they want to follow that path or seek an alternative route."

Comments

Unknown said…
Well thought out, and utterly absorbing stuff. Keep up the good work.
Anonymous said…
I'm in Ohio, and believe that the small nation of Wales could learn a lot from the US system. Come on over any time and I'll fill you in.

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