However, in between nappy changes and feeds, I have been keeping up to date with goings on in the Assembly mainly through regional television news. As a result, while an essay I wrote about the All Wales Convention for BBC Online was mentioned briefly in a news package a few days ago, I was unaware until today (thanks to the best efforts of my staff to give me a few days break with our newest arrival) of the online discussion surrounding my contribution.
While the BBC coverage was fair and balanced, and most discussion good natured and substantive, I was actually astounded by Bethan Jenkins’ rant here. I can only assume that she either has not read my piece and is taking pot-shots in the dark, or has read it and still chosen to wilfully and mendaciously misrepresent my position.
In my article, I make it abundantly clear that I am in no way opposed to more powers for the Assembly here in Cardiff Bay. I also talk at length about the huge opportunities that the Convention affords the people of Wales, as long as the engagement is real and vibrant. As I was asked to, I also outline some of the real and genuinely held concerns of some people - both in my Party and outside - that the quest for further powers is perhaps a tad hasty, as those powers devolved under the Government of Wales Act are yet to fully bed down.
Now people may agree, people may disagree - that is the purpose of the piece, the purpose of political debate, and of course the essential purpose of the Convention itself. However, Bethan's ill-judged, personally vindictive and poorly thought out remarks are just the sort of thing that alienate people and detract away from the hugely important issues that are meant to be under discussion here.
For someone who purports to be such a passionate devolutionist (and, at the risk of sounding like a boring uncle, I was campaigning for devolution here in Wales before Bethan was born), Bethan has displayed a worrying reluctance to engage in debate and regrettable willingness to name-call instead. The future of our country, and its devolved settlement, is being decided here. It's a shame that she has decided to kick the debate off in such a grubby fashion.
Apologies for being a bit slow off the mark with this post, but I have simply not had the time – or the energy – to read or blog on much over the past few days!
5 comments:
Huw
We've crossed swords on issues many times before, but I am with you on this issue 110%. I thought that the article on BJ's blog was plain daft. I did try to post a comment there, but she is clearly censoring any comments which disagree with her. Here it is:
Bethan
This is a very disappointing analysis. I hope that it represents a politically expedient wilful misinterpretation of the Huw Lewis article (which I actually read in full) because if you genuinely think your tired "Unionist Labour" rant is backed by any evidence in this piece, then I question whether you have the analytical skills required to sit as an AM.
In the article Lewis argues that the Convention is an unprecedented opportunity for people to engage with politics and the Assembly in particular. And whilst he says that he has some sympathy with those that question the timing of the Convention, he concludes by stating that popular support for further devolution will only be won on the basis of positive proposals which show how a Welsh Parliament (or similar) would make Wales a better place, and popular support - won on this basis - would be a fine thing.
On this point - to be fair - you do at least show your own pro-independence credentials very honestly in your retort, by saying "We shouldn't have to justify why we want those powers, especially not at this stage in the devolution process." Frankly, that's one of scariest sentences from a (kind of) democratically elected politician I've ever read - but I do admire the honesty. If you think a politician should primarily be chasing power, not pursuing good social policy, well then good luck.
Those comments are on Bethan's blog and not censored.
"We shouldn't have to justify why we want those powers, especially not at this stage in the devolution process."
Bethan's point, I think, is surely that the state of the current powers are argument in themselves for more powers. They are grossly inadequate and, as Peter Black notes, are a road block rather than a road map.
What sort of mindset are we in as a nation that we have to "justify" why Welsh politicians should legislate on Welsh matters.
The "let's see how it goes" argument is about kicking this issue into the long grass of a Cameron government in the hope that it never rears its ugly head again.
One LCO has become law since last year. How many 'tests' do you want Mr Lewis, and, at the current rate of less than one a year, how long would it be before you have a satisfactory picture in your view.
I agree that there needs to be "engagement" with people but I'm not sure why you are so sceptical that this will occur in the Convention process. I also believe that such engagement needs to happen all the time - and the convention should not have the finger pointed at it for the failure of the Assembly and political parties to "engage" with people over many years.
David Walters
I do hope that any referendum will include an option for "abolish the assembly"
Or is this bit of democracy too much to hope for ?
GW
I completely endorse David Walters views. To state that laws about devolved matters should not require approval outside the nation they apply to is completely logical. You don't disagree with this do you Huw?
I sometimes think Huw that because your name appears on a paper or an article, people read what they think into it.
I have never seen you condemn devolution, or in fact the Welsh language. Its always been a step at a time approach and lets see if its what people want - I would call that sensible democracy ,if people do not feel ownership of change it wont work, may be that understanding comes with age and life experience , Bethan is a very able young woman, full of enthusiasm and noble cause. Life experience takes a little longer to digest.
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