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Predictably disappointing

Alun Ffred today gave support for the Assembly Government's rate relief scheme in the Western Mail (and which is discussed in the article below).

His response was, to say the least, predictable (in attacking UK Conservative policy from eleven years ago) and disappointing (in that he defended a decision essentially made by a Labour Minister before May 2007).

Whether it was also hypocritical, I will let others judge, especially given what he said twelve months ago before his party joined the OneWales Government:

"Four hundred Gwynedd businesses are set to lose out due to the Labour Assembly Government’s new business rate relief scheme. Among those concerned is Geraint Thomas who has just set up a picture gallery in Caernarfon. Alun Ffred says: The total loss in Gwynedd could be £2m. These changes show how out of touch New Labour is with more rural parts of Wales".

or

Alun Ffred Jones AM, Plaid’s spokesperson on the economy said that it was vital that the Assembly Government recognise the contribution that small businesses make to the Welsh economy by enhancing and extending the relief scheme for business rates.
The Arfon AM commented: “Plaid’s proposals to enhance the present relief scheme were welcomed by small businesses the length and breadth of Wales. By bringing our proposal to the chamber we are looking to turn our manifesto commitment into positive action for the people of Wales.”

Comments

Anonymous said…
Why are you surprised? Plaid will say and do anything to stay in power. Alun ffred is the norm, not the exception. They no longer have any principles, as recently seen in Gwynedd and have forgotten their roots. As for referring to 1997, what do you expect from a party where they still refer to mrs thatcher as the bogeywoman.
May 13, 2008 7:23 pm
Anonymous said…
This a clear betrayal of small businesses. They will not forget this at the 2011 elections
May 14, 2008 7:00 am
Anonymous said…
I wonder what Dafydd Wigley has to say about all this? He is most definitely out in the cold if his main policy has been dunped by his own party.
May 14, 2008 9:37 am
Welshwalker said…
Well, yes it is hypocritical. So there.
May 14, 2008 6:52 pm
Anonymous said…
Plaid said in the One Wales Document that if it got into government it would bring back the rural rate relief of 50% for small businesses. Well, it's in power and what has happened......nothing.
As usual "Iuean Air" is full of the stuff !
May 16, 2008 1:01 am
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