Its really irritating, having to speak positively about political opponents. But there can be no denying it. Plaid Cymru have pulled off a master stroke today by electing its nominees for the House of Lords. The system of individuals being placed in the Westminster Parliament with no regard for the democratic principle does not look right in 2008. The 'Plaid Three' have made a monkey out of the Labour Government in particular, which has been 'banging on' about introducing democracy into the system of nomination to the Lords for years, but have done nothing whatsoever about it. Plaid have just done it - or at least done enough to make it look as if they've done it.
Even worse from other party's standpoint is that Lord Wigley is going to be sitting on the red benches, his standing enhanced by the votes he has behind him. I can see it now. He's going to be all over our television screens whenever there is a Welsh issue dominating the Westminster news. I can see the pseudo outrage that he has mastered to perfection over the last 40 years. And that guttural grunt that makes his voice seem as if its rising up from the centre of the planet. Lady Janet will be sensible and quiet, and I don't know Eurfyl ap Gwilym. I don't see them as dangerous at all. But the Lord Wigley is an entirely different matter. Its not the debates where he will star - its the village green in front of Parliament where all the cameras gather. He's going to be everywhere. The only man to counter what's to come is the great Lord Roberts of Conwy. I do not think we can afford to allow him a peaceful retirement. His country and his party is going to need him.
7 comments:
Glyn,
Eurfyl is a successful businessman and finance expert, who is currently deputy Chair of the Principality. He has been in the party for over 40 years and has an excellent working knowledge of London's banking system.
He is also a very personable individual and should be a huge asset to Wales as well as Plaid in the Second Chamber. It's not just Mr. Wigley that you have to keep an eye on.
Who's killing who with kindness now?
Glyn, the time is approaching for the switch in allegiance, is it not?
Ian - but its Wigley who will fill our screens!
Alan - You are a menace. You damage my standing in my own party when you comment thus. I'm a true blue Welsh Conservative, dedicated to the pursuit of good government in Wales, whether this be from Cardiff Bay or Westminster (or Brussels for that matter). But its not tribal, and I like to think that I can see good in others.
True Glyn, but it has to be better than Kinnock.
Seeing the good in others is very commendable and I apologise if I cause your standing in your party to be undermined - this is not the intention. However the stance I adopt is far from tribal and I recognise the necessity for all good men and true to work together to achieve unity and consensus and eventual freedom for the nation.
ian - with you on that.
Alan - Not to worry. Tongue was in my cheek. I was with you too until the last line. 'Freedom' is always a subjective concept, and we would all define it differently. I rarely read about your concerns about the loss of political freedom to the European Union.
The concept behind Europe is a good one and has ensured peace in our time. The workability is a complex problem owing to the diversity of nations and the number of them. It is not helped by Britain attempting to remain separate on a number of issues. I can understand the frustration caused by this in France and Germany. We are either in, wholeheartedly, or we are out, which would be a shame. All nations should work together for the good of the whole. However, as we know, Britain is not a nation.
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