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November 17, 2008
The book that Wales is talking about
The biggest news story today from the Welsh press is all about a book. 'Politics in 21st Century Wales' has just been launched this evening by its publishers, the Institute of Welsh Affairs. The media has gone wild over Rhodri Morgan's foreward to the book. And specifically over his comments on electoral reform and the need to go further in Wales. I'm London-based and haven't been sent an advance copy of the book, so I can't quote yet from the actual book. But this is a flavour of what the press has picked up:
“Rhodri Morgan wants PR to boost Labour in North West Wales‿
Headline, The Daily Post
“Had we followed the framework set out by the recommendations of the Richard Commission, we would not be about to begin yet another consultative process on the future development of the Assembly. The Richard Commission agenda was a missed opportunity to seek to build a consensus.‿Welsh Conservative Assembly leader Nick Bourne, Western Mail
“To support Labour once again as a junior partner… would be a Big Ask for Plaid, and it is not clear at this stage what Labour could offer in the way of political inducements. ... (One) element would be… implementation of the remaining Richard Commission agenda - primary lawmaking powers for the Assembly, an increase in the number of AMs from 60 to 80 and the introduction of a single transferable vote electoral system.‿Adam Price, Plaid MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
So the Welsh media is alive today with talk of reform. Voices from across the Senedd are forming a cross-party consensus, not only that the failure to implement the Richard Commission – with its suggestion to bring in the Single Transferable Vote to the Welsh Assembly – was a grave error, but that proportional representation can still make a meaningful difference to national and local politics in Wales.
Electoral Reform Society's Welsh office is asking all Welsh-based reformers to contact their local and Welsh national newspapers to ensure that this debate continues to get the coverage it deserves.
More information on the publication - including how to get hold of a copy - is available at the Institute of Welsh Affairs website.
Posted by malcolmclark on November 17, 2008
