Sunday, 3 January 2010

Winning Llanelli for Cymru - Portrait of a Lady

It is striking to note how many nationalists (including alanindyfed) were born outside Wales. The numbers include Saunders Lewis, Dafydd Wigley, Helen-Mary Jones and Janet Ryder and many more. One of these is the candidate for Llanelli, Dr Myfanwy Davies. Whether one is Welsh or not is not a matter of birth or even of genes - it is one of allegiance (see the archives - Sunday 5th August 2007 - "Hearts and Minds").

Llanelli

Dr Myfanwy Mair Davies was born in 1975 in Halifax, Yorkshire.

She is from the Furnace area of Llanelli and attended Ysgol Dewi Sant, Llanelli and Ysgol Gyfun y Strade.

After leaving school, Myfanwy went on to continue her education at Oxford, Cambridge, Sheffield and Middlesex Universities. She completed her studies with a PhD in health services research focusing on the relationships between doctors and nurses caring for women from minority ethnic groups during pregancy and birth.

Myfanwy is a former university lecturer (Univeristé de Rouen) and freelance researcher. She is currently a post-doctoral research fellow and leads a team of researchers in health services research at Cardiff University focusing particularly on health care decision making, health inequalities and women’s health. She is a former chair of Plaid Cymru Youth Section and Plaid Cymru Women’s Section and contributed to developing health policy for the last assembly elections as one of the party’s Wellbeing Commissioners. She is currently Director of Political Education for the party and is responsible for engaging the party membership in policy development and dissemination.

Myfanwy’s mother, Mari is a Yorkshirewoman who has made her home in Wales since the 1960s. She is a Plaid Cymru county councillor for Hengoed and chair of Llanelli Rural Council. Her father, Dic is the former borough Librarian for Llanelli. Her grandfather and great-grandfather were prominent figures in Rhandirmwyn and Cil-y-Cwm in the Upper Tywi valley where her fathers’ family still farm. Family legend claims that Twm Sion Cati, highwayman and later justice of the peace at Llandovery married into the family.

Her family has links with the Pontiets and Ponthenri in the Gwendraeth valley where generations of the family migrated to work in the collieries, returning to the family farm during the 1926 strike.

Myfanwy enjoys reading, walking and cooking for friends. She supports the Scarlets, Furnace RFC and Llanelli Wanderers. She writes for Tu Chwith, the Welsh Arts periodical.

She is a school governor and has particular interests in the environment, health and economic affairs.

http://www.myfanwydavies.org

Saturday, 2 January 2010

2010 - A Year of Austerity

The year ahead provides a great opportunity for the new government in Britain and governments around the world to pare and prune and manage the economy far more efficiently than ever before.

Years of mismanagement, extravagance, squander and waste have left the economy in a sorry state and nobody envies the immense task which lies ahead for local and national government. Millions, billions and trillions of dollars, euros and pounds have been misused, by governments, bankers and greedy entrepreneurs and all this has resulted in a catastrophic global meltdown.

Nations such as Iceland, Ireland and Greece have teetered on the edge of bankruptcy and the massive powerhouse which is the United States of America, despite its resilience, has suffered, resulting in drastic unemployment figures as more workers have been laid off and fewer have been taken on. In Spain unemployment has risen to 19% as the unsustainable housing market collapsed.

Chancellors and economists could not have learned the lessons spelled out in the writings of Charles Dickens. One of his characters in "David Copperfield" is Wilkins Micawber.

"He is famous for frequently asserting his faith that "something will turn up." His name has become synonymous with someone who lives in hopeful expectation. This has formed the basis for the Micawber Principle, based upon his observation:

"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery."

Great Britain's pre decimal currency was pounds, shillings and pence, abbreviated to £sd. "Nineteen pounds nineteen and six" or £19/19/6d is six pence less than twenty pounds. Likewise, "Twenty pounds ought and six" or £20/0/6d is six pence more than twenty pounds. A similar expression in dollars might be, "Annual income, $10,000, expenditure $9,990, result happiness; annual income $10,000, expenditure $10,010, result misery." (wikipaedia)

The answer is clear - savage cuts, wise spending, conservation of resources. This is a policy set in motion in Ireland to deal with the national economic crisis. In the UK the Labour benches mocked and derided the Liberal and Conservative pronouncements, by Vince Cable and George Osborne. They were accused of subjecting the British taxpayers to cuts of 10% in public services. These cuts are necessary and the Labour government knows it full well.

Alarmed by rising house prices and personal debt, Vince Cable saw the recession coming long before his political opponents - and it turned out he had the solutions, too.

What is needed in the year of 2010 and in the years to follow is a personal, national and global commitment to a behaviour of industry and frugality reminiscent of the Amish people, the Quakers and the Pilgrim Fathers. The profligate behaviour of the past has to be reined in and a change of consciousness has to emerge which will transform life on earth so that mankind can live at harmony and in collaboration with nature and his environment.

These lessons cannot be ignored and people and politicians have to heed the warning signs which are numerous and insistent. We are entering the Age of Austerity and future generations will live or die according to the actions and policies which we put into practice in the present.

Note: according to the Archbishop of Wales a dose of austerity will do the people a power of good. Time to don a frock coat and stove-pipe trousers (and don't forget the winkle-picker shoes).

A MAN OF STRAW

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/simonheffer/6922127/Hypocrite-Jack-Straws-role-in-destroying-the-police.html

Straw is mentioned in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, in the Nun's Priest's Tale, as the leader of a mob targeting foreign workers:

Certes, he Jakke Straw and his meinee

Ne made nevere shoutes half so shrille,

Whan that they wolden any Fleming kille.^[7]

Friday, 1 January 2010

A View into Rural Wales

Bloggers of 2009 - Glyn Davies

I agree with many of Glyn Davies' views and sentiments, despite the fact that he is a Conservative as well as a a Unionist (for the present). He has a strong affinity with nature and the countryside. He is an environmentalist and animal (and baby) lover. He represents the best of Welsh community life and cares for the health and welfare of the rural electorate of Montgomeryshire. He could be Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the future Welsh government. He is down-to-earth and practical and not averse to building garden walls and cleaning out cowsheds and pigpens. He is a family man and a very different political animal from his nemesis with the very unWelsh name who seeks to cavort in the limelight and shock little old ladies. Despite having said all that my vote would go to Heledd Fychan, the Plaid candidate.

No Dissent Within the Ranks - Absolutely!

BLOGGERS OF 2009 - Peter Black

On June 4th 2009 Peter Black AM wrote in his blog a posting entitled:

"Dissent Within the Ranks" following an article I wrote for the "Western Mail" with the heading "Time for Plaid to Pull Out of Coalition with Labour", with a suggestion (only a suggestion) that it might be the time for Plaid to disassociate itself from Labour following the series of gaffes and revelations, as well as the mismanagement of the economy, which have discredited the government in the eyes of the British public. Recently I have conducted a poll on this blog to ascertain the reaction of the readers to this proposal, and it has come out in favour of the status quo. So be it.*

Let it be said that there is no dissent within the ranks nor is any intended. There has always been transparency and open debate, which is a healthy sign of a democracy and of a democratic political party. Dissent, if there is any, is between the Labour Party in Wales and the Labour government in London, mainly with regard to funding and the Barnett formula. Although Plaid Cymru is in coalition with Labour in the Assembly, it has its own views, its own agenda and its own programme for Cymru.

Peter Black AM is a prolific blogger and expresses many views and ideas on Welsh politics. In fact he does a service to Plaid by producing a host of free publicity even though his views are often in opposition to those of the Party of Wales. Let us remember that the Liberal Democrats in Wales, as in Scotland, have not yet declared themselves in favour of self-determination and an independent nation status and remain a party of the Union. Nevertheless, as Alex Salmond would say, there is still time for them to change their minds on this issue!

Note: *the final votes are in on the poll with the result being a tie, again it's neck and neck.

Comments from Peter's blog:

is this the same Alan in Dyfed who was claiming that a Labour Plaid coalition was the best thing that could ever happen and slagging off those Plaid people who disagreed?

Surely not?

For the record I think the coalition government has been much better than I expected...but I had low expectations!

# posted by Blogger

cymrumark : 12:34 AM

It is arguable to say that it is in Plaid's interests not to be associated in coalition with Labour. On the other hand Plaid could be seen as the better part of the coalition when compared with Labour.

Either way, it's not Plaid's interests that ought to be paramount but the interests of Wales and this is where I think Alan is wrong. If Plaid leaves the coalition it leaves a minority Labour administration, swfitly followed by the Labour-Liberal coaltion that Ms Williams AM is seeking. Whither Wales' best interests then with either of those options?

Green Man - I suspect the Plaid AMs just ignore you!

View from Penarth - when I hear a Liberal describe Plaid as having "no principles and are opportunists" why do you think I keep hearing the words "pot", "kettle" and "black"?

# posted by Anonymous

David Walters : 1:21 PM

Ireland and the End of Recession

By STEVE HAWKES

Business Editor

Published: 17 Dec 2009

Add a comment (5)

IRELAND — one of the worst victims of the credit crunch in the world — is OUT of recession.

Revised official figures showed the Irish economy grew by 0.3 per cent between July and September.

Previous stats had shown a 0.6 per cent fall.

The figures will heap yet more pain on the British government.

Britain is the last of the G20 countries to escape the clutches of the worst downturn since the Second World War.

Chancellor Alistair Darling has repeatedly claimed the economy will finally begin to recover at the turn of the year.

In stark contrast to the UK, Ireland has announced savage spending cuts of nearly £4BILLION in a bid to turn their economy around.

Ireland's finance minister Brian Lenihan last week said the cuts were "simply a matter of budgetary necessity in these extraordinarily difficult times".

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/money/2775974/Ireland-is-out-of-recession.html#ixzz0bLwnCnBw

Comment: The countries worst hit by the recession are, in this order - Greece, Spain, Ireland, United Kingdom.

The next government should be ready to upset people by cutting spending and raising taxes, says Neil O'Brien.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/6918324/Why-politics-must-leave-the-Noughties-behind.html

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6972931.ece

Education,education, education - did we hear that before?

In Ireland Gaelic schools "gaelscoileanna" are enjoying a rising popularity. Just as in Wales the Welsh schools are very popular and have an excellent record.

Education 'key' to Wales' success, says first

minister

Education is crucial for Wales to thrive, says Mr Jones

The key to Wales' success as a country depends on the education and skills of its people, says the first minister.

Carwyn Jones, in his new year message, said the assembly government would continue the task of building the economy to ensure "prosperity for all". He said there had been tough economic challenges in 2009 but "our core values of social justice have served us well". Other party leaders in Wales also addressed the "devastating" effects of the recession in their messages.

Mr Jones, who became first minister and leader of Welsh Labour little under a month ago, said he was "very proud to have this opportunity to serve the people of Wales".

In Wales and in Westminster, Liberal Democrats are putting forward radical policies that can change Wales for the better

Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Kirsty Will

"In 2009 we faced tough economic challenges, but our core values of social justice have served us well," he said.

"I was brought up to respect the idea of chwarae teg, fair play - and now we are able to ensure Wales' strong sense of social responsibility and justice guide our young democracy.

"By working together in that spirit we are weathering the storm, and during the coming year we will continue the task of building the economy we need to ensure prosperity for all."

He said that education and skills were crucial to the country's success and added that despite budget pressures "we are determined to strengthen still further the valuable work of our schools, colleges and universities".

However, Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Kirsty Williams referred to "devastating" cuts in Welsh colleges and universities - and talked of how the "story of 2009, for too many in Wales" was the recession.

With the possibility of a hung parliament on the cards, only Plaid will be putting Wales at the top of the priority list in London

Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones

"In Wales and in Westminster, Liberal Democrats are putting forward radical policies that can change Wales for the better," she said.

"A year ago, I suggested that 2009 would see a battle of ideas.

"I was wrong, in so far as it takes at least two parties to tango and, on all the major issues, Liberal Democrats have provided the only substantive contribution."

Ieuan Wyn Jones - deputy first minister and leader of Plaid Cymru, Labour's partner in the assembly government coalition - used his new year message to highlight what he called the "stark choice" that Wales faced in the UK general election in 2010.

Mr Jones said: "With the possibility of a hung parliament on the cards, only Plaid will be putting Wales at the top of the priority list in London.

Our victory in the European elections in June nailed the lie that Wales will always be Labour

Welsh Conservative assembly leader Nick Bourne

"Be under no illusions, only Plaid will be demanding a fair funding settlement for Wales' public services at any negotiations.

"We will put protecting jobs, hospitals, schools and care services for our most vulnerable first."

Welsh Conservative assembly leader Nick Bourne also talked of the forthcoming UK election.

"This year has shown the Conservative Party to be changing too - and just how far we have come in the last 10 years," he said.

"Our victory in the European elections in June nailed the lie that Wales will always be Labour.

"The fact is, only the Conservative Party can beat Labour in Wales."

Comment: rather a rash comment, Mr Bourne?

Thursday, 31 December 2009

Is Carwyn Jones a Closet Nationalist?

Opinion

There is reason to believe that Carwyn Jones, the new Chief Minister of the Welsh government, puts his country ahead of his party. For Rhodri Morgan, imbued in Welsh socialism in its heyday, it may have been a step too far, but now the time is right, with a General Election and a Referendum on the near horizon, to push towards national recognition for the powers which both Wales and Scotland so desperately need in order to advance their programmes of renewal and regeneration. It must be said that the system of LCOs foisted on the Assembly by the Wales Office and the government at Whitehall has been a dismal failure and a half-hearted attempt at placating the forces of change sparked by the advent of devolution throughout Britain.

It is right that the First Minister of a nation should put his country first, particularly as he is from a Labour background, as it is generally realised that Labour is known for putting its own interests as a party before everything else. Loyalty for New Labour socialists recalls the spectre of solidarity and comradeship of the workers (the joiniing of arms and the singing of the "Red Flag"), reminiscent of Communist totalitarianism in the countries of Eastern Europe. But the times are a-changing. New Labour has moved to the Centre, even to the Centre Right in politics in its avaricious desire to garner votes, and to that extent it has been successful over the past ten years and more, though at the expense of largely forsaking its socialist Bevanite principles. Former radical socialists have become Lords in an unelected chamber, advancing their own selfish interests and ambitions in their climb to power and high office and accruing considerable fortunes in the process. I name no names.

In the survey which Independence Cymru is currently conducting it appears that those who favour Plaid disassociating itself with Labour in the Assembly are running neck and neck with those who believe that the alliance should remain. There are distinct signs that Labour in Cymru is distancing itself from the recalcitrant Labour MPs in London who are adamantly opposed to the forces for change at work in their nation. They will be left behind, as "yesterday's men" (in the words of Adam Price MP), and their vain attempts to undermine progress towards independence for Cymru will not succeed. Thus, by putting his country first, with an eye on Scotland, concerning himself with the social, cultural and political welfare of the people of Wales, and maintaining a distance between Welsh Labour and New Labour, Carwyn Jones may be placing himself firmly on the path of national progress and renewal.

"Democracy that is not 100% does not mean democracy".
Aleksander Kwasniewski. President of Poland

Labour wastes taxpayers' money again:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8436390.stm

Wednesday, 30 December 2009

Cymru's Claim to Freedom Begins Here in 2010

2010 is set to be one of the most important ever years – the next Westminster Election offers us our best ever chance of securing a Plaid Cymru MP for Llanelli; someone that will serve our communities, listen to our needs, and put Llanelli first. A win here in Llanelli will be a remarkable achievement and provide a boost for our campaigns across South and West Wales . A win in Llanelli will open up possibilities and opportunities in Neath, Islwyn, Cynnon and Merthyr… we could go on. Winning in Llanelli could mean the difference between coalition and governing our own country in 2011.

We wish you a very happy New Year, and look forward to working alongside you at this very exciting time.

Cofion gorau/ Best wishes,

Myfanwy Davies Helen Mary Jones

Ymgeisydd Seneddol/ Parliamentary Candidate Aelod Cynulliad/ Assembly Member

Llanelli Llanelli

Natasha Cody

Trefnydd/Organiser - Plaid Cymru Llanelli

Opinion

Government is running scared.....
What are they afraid of? ----- freedom of speech, democracy, transparency, referenda, media investigations, independence, headscarves, crosses, education, the internet, proportional representation.

Debate (sorry - no debate)

No television debates are planned to include the SNP and Plaid Cymru, only the three main British Union parties. Both nationalist parties are in government.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8426374.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8425645.stm

Tuesday, 29 December 2009

New Welsh Language Strategy

The Assembly Government is currently reviewing its Welsh Language strategy, 'Iaith Pawb', which was published in 2003.

The review is needed because

there have been changes and developments since Iaith Pawb was published; and
it is also preparing a Welsh Medium Education Strategy and seeking legislative competence over the Welsh Language.

Key issues

The future of the language was discussed in a public forum organised by the Welsh Assembly Government, and attended by the Minister for Heritage, at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Bala in August.

Officials have discussed Iaith Pawb, and the key issues that should form part of a future Welsh Language strategy, with the Welsh Language Board and organisations working to promote the use of the language.

And now we want your views.

How to take part

To take part, please follow the related link on the right to our consultation.

Meet the Minister

Alun Ffred Jones AM, Minister for Heritage, will be visiting different areas in Wales during December and January to discuss what should be in the new Welsh language strategy and the future of the Welsh language.

Please download the document below to find out more.