Guessing Game
This afternoon Labour backbencher Lesley Griffiths AM wants to ask the First Minister to "make a statement on progress in establishing an all-Wales convention on further powers for the Assembly."
I'm getting the increasing feeling (despite the denials adn the blanking we got yesterday) that is what some might call an "inspired" question - in other words someone whispered in her ear that it was a good question to ask.
If you're marking the passing of a 100 days since you formed a government, wouldn't you think today was the perfect day to make an announcement about that convention? A chair perhaps?
And I notice Peter Hain is far away in America. Aaah. Now I'm convinced they're going for it.
Update:
It's Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the UK's former ambassador to the UN. The job that needs such an experienced diplomat? To chair the convention that will carry out the groundwork for a vote in 2011.
Now we get the chance to ask Nick Bourne - diplomatically - if he already knew that ...
Update: He didn't. "That's very different to the way Rhodri used to behave" But on the appointment itself? Excellent. And for what it's worth I'd be surprised if you heard anyone saying otherwise.
I'm Betsan Powys, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales' political editor. I'll be blogging the inside track on .
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We need a new convention working party re. the planned convention to set up a convention. Conventionally
It's the new convention.
Memo to DET ~ Order more biscuits. Rhodri and young Bethan like the ginger ones.....Ahhhhh the D'Issembly, it's getting more like an AmDram production of "Educating Rita" every day!
We need a new convention working party re. the planned convention to set up a convention. Conventionally
It's the new convention.
Memo to DET ~ Order more biscuits. Rhodri and young Bethan like the ginger ones.....Ahhhhh the D'Issembly, it's getting more like an AmDram production of "Educating Rita" every day!
Bit of a coup in this apointment just goes to show how serious Plaid and Labour are regarding parity with Scotland. Most interesting reactions will be Labour MPs and the Tories - will their Welfhification stand the test or will it all come crashing down.
Sir Emry Parry Jones is indeed the most prefect person (saint?) in contemporary Wales to chair our wonderful new Convention seance...in recent history.
I can't understand why he is not a household name, given the big up respect he carries "down the Bay". Maybe he should get out more? Does he know Sir Ivor Richard who went "bravely before? Cliff Richard? Wendy?
Whatever, I predict a 100% turnout and a resounding "Yes" (88%) vote for Greater Powers (and "BIG new responsibility payments) for ALL!
Cos he's a gent...or a "Sir" Innit.
are the great and the good down the bay preparing the way to obtain the decision they would prefer? i am doubtful if there will be a serious truly open agnd wide ranging debate. will the vote be authority by authority? what if one or more authority area votes heavily against will they be offered the opportunity to return to direct UK government ? one suspects some border areas are more comfortable as part of the UK and they also have democratic rights and many see this as just one more step to the break up of the UK.
are the great and the good down the bay preparing the way to obtain the decision they would prefer? i am doubtful if there will be a serious truly open agnd wide ranging debate. will the vote be authority by authority? what if one or more authority area votes heavily against will they be offered the opportunity to return to direct UK government ? one suspects some border areas are more comfortable as part of the UK and they also have democratic rights and many see this as just one more step to the break up of the UK.
What village is he from.......?