Whatever Peter Hain, the Welsh Secretary, says or does is compromised for the simple reason that he supports Gordon Brown's promotion of "Britishness" and fears the breakup of the Union. Nevertheless, he is committed to the process of devolution as he was one of the architects of devolution. As I see it the natural consequence of devolution is the breakup of the Union, beginning with Scotland's bid for self-determination which is already being replicated in Wales.
Should Plaid take Hain's comments lying down or should they respond and challenge the logic and legitimacy of them? I would say the latter. The manner in which they do so is something that deserves consideration, in my view, as Plaid will be judged on its ability to reveal and rebut the inconsistencies of the opposition, and maintain its own unequivocal profile.
The fact is that Labour is divided on greater steps to devolution. The One Wales Agreement was ratified by the majority of Labour party delegates. Therefore Labour must make its position clear and speak with one voice. Plaid has a right to demand consistency from Labour, otherwise it throws the terms of the agreement into question in my view and threatens to bring the agreement into disrepute.
"The Nineteenth century saw a great Springtime of Nations as the revolutions of 1848 saw new countries created the length and breadth of Europe. In our world today we are now seeing our own Spring Awakening with people and cultures that have long been dormant and subdued asserting their right to exist, their right to dream." Adam Price MP
No comments:
Post a Comment