On the move
So there we have it.
Plaid's National Council members (minus 18) went home happy on Saturday, especially since a sharp-eyed party man had ripped down a home-made poster stuck to the gate before they all drove past it. Scrawled on it were the words:
Better dead
Than RED
Never vote
PLAID again.
It wasn't as professionally produced as Plaid's election poster - Kick Labour into touch. It made the point though.
But the Plaid party faithful who came to Pontrhydfendigaid didn't really need to see it. They know what the challenge is: to prove that this deal can deliver the kind of change and boost to public services that the electorate wanted; to prove too that Plaid aren't the only losers in four years' time. The Conservatives form the official opposition which is what they'd aimed for from the start and Labour to get another chance to prove to the voters of Wales that they can and do listen. Plaid must make their mark early.
Which brings me to the cabinet. I'm off to London today but if you want to post your well informed guesses/wild stabs in the dark as to who's out and who's in, you're very welcome. Three and a half jobs for Plaid? Yes (ish) we're told but expect some surprises.
Meanwhile the Tories and the Lib Dems are on the move. Literally. The new enlarged Tory group, that I keep spotting walking around the Senedd as if they're on tour, want to 'cluster together'. That's an euphemism for 'hoy Lib Dems we want your offices'. The Lib Dems have decided, wisely, to pick their battles. Jenny Randerson says the cardboard boxes are arriving next week.
I'm Betsan Powys, 大象传媒 Wales' political editor. I'll be blogging the inside track on .
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whatever the makeup of the cabinet I guess we need a new name for this coalition that will combine its newly shared aspirations of the national and the socialist. so perhaps we should call it the National Socialist (Coalition)Government of Wales. Now that has a nifty ring to it that should look good internationally!
Looks like it's all on hold (not again!). Rhodri Morgan treated in hospital - there are some things you just can't stomach. Get well soon Rhoders!
As for the three Plaid members, suppose it has to be Ieuan Wyn Jones, Rhodri Glyn Thomas and Jocelyn Davies (probably the only deserving members). All set to carve up the Economy, Transport (or Sustainability and Rural Development), Culture, Welsh Language and Europe between them, with a shared role with Labour on Business and the Budget - will Wigley be pleased???
Surely a few of the above areas are not suitable due to their lack of experience, so expect some rearranging of portfolios - an opportunity for those Labour Cabinet members to get rid of portfolios they were lumbered with in the first place (DD) if they have the luxury of that opportunity. As a bonus, Plaid members may have pencilled an amendment into the 鈥極ne Wales鈥 document 鈥 make sure we get to watch Special Adviser, Professor Mark Drakeford eat some humble pie.
Why don鈥檛 Rhodri and Iuean go for the 鈥淏ig Tent/All the Talents鈥 format a la Mr. Broooon?
Charlie Church for Culture?
Mike German for Minister for the Elderly (and newly retired)?
Neil & Glenys Kinnock for Overseas Trade鈥nd/or 鈥淭he Family鈥?
Peter Hain for Health, Sun and Tourism (Hey, what鈥檚 another job!)?
Nick Bourne for 鈥淰ale Voter鈥檚 Complaints ~ Disgusted鈥 (new post)?
Laura McAllister for Independent Broadcasting and Welsh Medya? (Cos she鈥檚 ALWAYS on and no-one knows she鈥檚 Plaid!)
Will we see plaid use some talent from North Wales to balance representation in the cabinet? What about giving a post to someone from the valleys where they are trying to break into? Or should those candidates be focusing on constituency work? Then again, it's not worked to date...What about the rural heartlands? What about thosed who spoke out about coalition in the beginning? Should they be brought in to keep plaid's faith? One thing is for sure, I don't envy IWJ's position given that there will be only 3 other posts to assign.
It's a tough call. Rhodri Glyn Thomas may well be used to rally the troops as deputy leader. HMJ could well be in a post. Other than that, the jury is still out..
Todays news about the health of the First Minister could force retirment or at least a period of taking it easy (I hope he gets well soon by the way) this may result in a fresh broom , would IWJ survive if Rhodri Fawr was to be replaced as Labour Leader ?
I bet HMJ is calling for a covern as we speak - Massala or Pathia anyone ?
Although we feel for Rhodri and his family at this time, certain questions spring to mind鈥
Is Rhodri the Welsh Assembly Government and the Welsh Assembly Government, Rhodri? Doesn't Rhodri have faith in those within the Labour group that negotiated the 'One Wales' agreement to make decisions for him based on his terms and agreement?
Surely Janet Ryder has to be in the Cabinet?
Perhaps IWJ will only use 'list' AM's in the cabinet after all they can't defect to Labour , can they ?
I suspect that Alun Fred Jones and rhodri glyn thomas will have ministerial posts - as will jocelyn davies, elin jones have junoir posts. i think it would be silly of plaid if they don麓t offer helen mary jones a position - she is probably one of the ablest AM in cardiff - also it would be good to see leanne wood in the cabinet
I would love to see Leanne Wood in the cabinet the most principled, sincere and genuine AM in the Senedd.
As long as we lose Brian Gibbons I don't care who Y Blaid put up for office!
Y Parch. Rhodri Glyn could bring some divine support to the coalition and god knows they need it.
Gender balance will surely give us HMJ ( better than HM Carlo)and one of the gog women.
As an outside bet, what price Brinle as Transport ministe?