What were you doing 25 years ago ?

This article sparked that thought ss back in 1982 the creation of S4C was not on my highlights of the year. I was in post Polytechnic (what that ?) job pursuit mode, probably gigging and having fun. But dman that reference to Thatcher which will ujpset me and remind me what was wrong with whole period.

Looking to learn

Scottish Parliament had a spat because someone told the BBC about the SNP lead new plans for housing before the Parliament (watch the video and the 'not me guv' effort by the Minister).

I will watch with interest where this goes, especially given the emphasis in the One Wales agreement on affordable housing.

However all over the UK I feel we will need to also harness, influence and cajole the private sector to deliver more affordable products in addition to more traditional measures involving council housing and housing associations.

I must admit to laughing.......

This news made me laugh at the ironies of life. The offence was also caught in North Wales which adds to the irony. Was it wrong to laugh ?

"monitoring the state of public opinion"

I think this was the term used in the One Wales agreement to provide some context for the proposed referendum on further powers for the Assembly. It seems a sensible get out clause if the skies start to look a little cloudy as the day approaches. Peter Hain seems a little premature in reporting on the state of opinion, but I don't think it requires over reaction.

As from last week we know there is much detailed work to be completed in preparing the ground for any poterntial referendum and people should keep calm heads and focus on that work in the period ahead. That there will be opposition in some quarters to further devolution is not news and part of a mature response will be to get the home work finished in time.

Yawn in the rain

Its 10 to 7 and everyone got excited because a man threw a ball in the NFL game involving some Dolphins taking on New York.

It proves to me why the Americans can keep this game (I registered for tickets - what a lucky escape !) and why it will not replace "soccer", having just enjoyed the action of L'Pool - Arsenal a few minutes ago.

Anyway wins for the Baggies, Caernarfon Town and Bangor City. Albion go to Watford next week for a top of the table clash.

Light entertainment

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oulQwIP9VQQ

Will Plaid back slide ?

The stakes are really high for Plaid in the schools debate. At a national level as part of the 'One Wales' government they cannot over turn the logic that money spent on surplus school places is money being lost to other important public service priorities ( the same as for Labour councils). Yet the issue is far more emotive for traditional supporters of the Party of Wales as I perceive much of their traditional campaigning - while in opposition - was for small schools and rural areas. It was the evil Labour Party who ignored their rural interests etc etc.

It is the stench of hypocrisy that will drive much of the anger that will be vented at Plaid in the coming weeks and months.

Having previously 'persuaded' people on to the Plaid ticket for council elections I wonder how many will suddenly find independence an attractive option before May 2008 ?

Sod the revolution........

As history illustrates many times the seats of power can prove very comfortable and make one start to forget what got you there in the first place. Referendums for independence ? - that can wait, indeeed the people might say no. Time to read and check those endless promises again and see whether they had a caveat - let me enjoy power first.

Local democracy - local responsibility

The schools debate is local democracy at its rawest. It is a councillor's dearest wish to exert an influence over local matters and the organisation of schools is a clear example of the hard choices facing elected members. They also have a responsibility to use public money wisely as there are many competing demands on scarce resources.

Therefore it is a vital few years as decisions are made on future educational patterns.

Of course parts of Gwynedd made a major change many years ago when Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor replaced sixth forms in the more rural areas of Gwynedd. So does this prove change can happen and deliver - or have I missed something important about a decline in post sixteen education in south Gwynedd ?

Gap in postings - it was Goodison's fault

A complicated little story. I had origiinally obtained tickets to go and see White Stripes in Manchetser. Unfortunately that was cancelled as Meg White can't tour. So I ended up, via my wife Sue, with a ticket for Everton's european game at Goodison Park. This is an old fashioned stadium which can produce a good atmosphere, although it was strangely quiet at times last night. Anyway after an average first half the 2nd half livenend up and Everton ran out 3-1 winners. Arteta is a good skilful player and Anichibe seems to have the knock of coming on and making a difference.

Public service announcement

I am happy to share the following information for those following the Gwynedd schools debate.

As night follows day.......

Well I only mentioned Denbighshire briefly but it seems the fall out from Gwynedd's school reorganisation is mounting. Of course the dispute is now at its most serious in those heartland areas where former colleagues are now becoming foes. Here is Cllr S Glyn callling for resignation of council leader. I suspect there are a hot few weeks ahead -or will Plaid bottle out and opt for more debate until after May's elections. We wait to see.

Schools debate hotting up for Plaid

From all of this it would seem my prediction of a troublesome time for Plaid is proving ever more correct. Will Denbighshire be the only council to see a new leader in the coming months ?

Hard life in the Lords

Tiger Tales flagged up this bit of information. I must get my ticket for the Lords sorted soon....

"Thursday, October 11, 2007

Just had a look at the House of Lords' expenses for 2005/06.Assembly Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas attended 21 times and claimed £10,861."

"the world of the flat-earthers and of the ostriches"

I do not jump to condemn Richard Brunstrom who often decides to lead from the front and is not afraid to confront (perhaps even create) controversy. His contribution to the drugs debate is not one I immediately accept but I will take the time to consider the evidence he has provided via his blog.

To what extent this is the role of a Chief Constable may be debatable and his style is not that of a traditional public servant. Where I think Richard lets himself down in his attitude to those who may hold different views - his blog refers to them as "flat earthers and ostriches". Labelling a significant cross section of the population in this way does not seem language suited to such an important debate, indeed it is a tone of language unbecoming of his role and status. I assume the people he describes as such may include some of his own employees, other chief constables (judging by ACPO reaction) and other folk across our communities. What scope for internal dissent and debate if the boss has already stated publicly he considers you a "flat earther"?. That could be unhealthy for any organisation.

It might include me, but I will consider his evidence without the need to resort to language of such a tone.

Big steps

I will need to read the detail of Gwynedd's school reforms but it seems the council cannot be accused of holding back. We will all await with interest the reaction but I suspect this could prove seismic for Plaid in heartland areas.

There is also the tactic of making a big splah expecting a smaller return.

Public service quality

I suspect a lot of the focus on the BBC will seek to understand how the changes being announced will affect the public service quality of news and related services. In spite of this sort of nonsense the true public service quality that the license payer expects comes from a range of balanced news and current affairs coverage. Or is that just the slanted view of a wanabee politician ?

Some interesting debate on last night's news progammes including those questioning whether we have reached the stage where the shelf life of a public service broadcaster has passed - time eating away at another public sector principle. Reform or die ?

I don't think it can be seen in such simple terms and the details of the announcement may tell us more about where public service broadcasting is heading.

Health across North Wales

Edwina Hart said

Presiding officer, last week I was able to make a statement to Plenary on reconfiguration of health services and structures in South Wales. I indicated, then, that I hoped to return today with a similar statement of progress in relation to issues in North Wales and Powys.

Members will be aware that proposals for service reconfiguration in North Wales have proved controversial across the whole of the area. My approach has been to identify the underlying difficulties which have caused such public disquiet, and to put in place new procedures which, I hope, will allow us to take local populations with us in shaping new , and better services, for North Wales.

Today I want to bring together four strands in that approach, so that Members can be aware of the full picture, as it currently stands.
Firstly, Members will already know, from my oral statement of 25th September , that Michael Williams, then Acting Chair of the Swansea NHS Trust, has been commissioned to undertake a review of consultation processes adopted in relation to service reconfigurations at Prestatyn and Blaenau Ffestiniog. I remain convinced that we have to find new ways of ensuring that consultations are fair, open and thorough and that they are perceived to be so by local patients and clinicians. The Williams report will be with me in December , and I intend to study it carefully, not only for what it will tell us about what took place in Prestatyn and Blaenau Ffestiniog, but for any more general lessons on consultation it may contain. In the same statement I set out new arrangements for consultation on proposals in relation to Llandudno Hospital, making it clear that no services changes should proceed until that new consultation has been completed. That work is now underway, with the CHC in the lead role.

Secondly, I have concluded that in North Wales, as in the South, one of the key reasons why secondary care proposals have run into difficulty, is that plans for developing primary and community health services had been under-developed and under-described. I have therefore asked Dr Christopher Jones, RCT LHB Chair and a General Practitioner himself, to undertake a review of current plans in North Wales for community services and to provide me with a report on their appropriateness for the communities they serve. I want to ensure that primary and community services in North Wales are as strong and as forward-thinking as we can make them. The report which Dr Jones has agreed to produce by December 2007 will help make that happen and, in the process, give confidence to patients that services are being strengthened, rather than diminished.

Thirdly, in reviewing reports of what has taken place so far, and in meeting individuals and groups across North Wales, I have become additionally aware of the importance which clinical governance issues play in some of the decisions which come forward about individual sites and services. The proposed closure of Abergele Hospital, for example, turned, to a large extent, on clinical governance considerations. I have agreed to meet local representatives from Abergele in the near future to hear their views on these proposals, but I have to say today that I cannot ignore the considerable governance concerns about the current services which have been expressed by local clinicians. Presiding Officer, Abergele is only one place in North Wales where these issues have come to the fore. I have decided, as part of my general effort to secure, and bolster, public confidence in bringing about change in the Health Service, to obtain an independent view of those clinical governance issues which are already a matter of public debate from the Academy of Royal Colleges in Wales, and to continue to do so, as and when such matters arise in the future.

Finally, and in order to complete the picture of outstanding work, I turn to a somewhat different issue which has arise in relation to the structural integrity of a major block within Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. While I am pleased to be able to confirm to Members that the building remains safe for its current use, my concerns are that the design of the block is not capable of supporting the improvements in services which will be necessary in the future. I have therefore asked my officials to commission a review into the structural issues in the context of the changes that are proposed for Glan Clwyd hospital and report back to me in December.
Taken together, the four different reports which I have outlined this afternoon will provide vital pieces in the jigsaw of service development which I want to see taking place in North Wales. By January of next year I shall be in a position to take a view on the results of the work I have commissioned and I shall provide members with a further statement at that time.

In the meantime, I repeat the principle which I set out in relation to South Wales services last week. Where there is sound local endorsement of proposals to reform services I do not intend to stand in the way of those reforms proceeding. The completion of the new Porthmadog community hospital and the closure of Bronygarth hospital will go ahead, as will completion of the new hospital at Holywell and the closure of Lluesty and the existing Holywell hospitals, to cite just two examples of developments which are proceeding. Where there is no local agreement, however, as for example at Blaenau Ffestiniog or Flint, then no further change will take place until the work identified earlier has come to fruition.

Presiding Officer, that concludes my up-date of major issues in relation to North Wales. I am as anxious as any Member to make progress towards an agreed and settled set of proposals in every part of the North. But I am even more anxious to do so in a way which demonstrates that local concerns have been listened to carefully and with real respect. I am under no illusions that it will be possible to satisfy every group, or every individual objection to what finally emerges, but I am determined that we do everything we can to find a ways forward which command confidence and credibility amongst patients, staff and the public.

Quitting

No not a reference to Ming, but the implosion that seems to be hitting Plaid Cymru around the schools reorganisation in Gwynedd. With a new political "party" also in the making for next May's council elections it is clear that Plaid face a difficult 9 months as they struggle to reconcile a responsibility for efficient public services with the decline in the numbers of young people in our midst.

Anyway those not wanting to support Plaid's Gwynedd leadership have to face the hard truth that in Dwyor and Meirionnydd there are major school issues, surplus places, that need to be addressed.

Plaid's problem I feel is that they have spent so long going round the issues and the options, that they have lost people's confidence and the ability to act. I suspect it could prove very damaging to them. When it is time to act it is often better to get on with it - ask Ming !

Blast from the past

In line with the current trends of reliving our youth I am off to Manchester to see Rush. Yes I know they have kept touring but I have to admit this is the first time I have gone to see them since 1982 (?). One way of not reading the Sunday's and all the Brown bunkum. In the same way that polls have turned this way and the other they can as easily turn again.

Perhaps the main lesson is that people are not as sure in their views as they were 10 years ago (no major surprise) and the next General Election will therefore be a different sort of election to those in 2001 and 2005.

Meet the Members

Although we all now know we are not facing a 'snap' election in this (mild) October month the wheel of politics keeps turning. The Arfon constituency is in the process of selecting their next Prospective Parliamentary Candidate and today was "meet the members" at the Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon. Nice turnout and a chance to talk about key issues for the Westminster campaign. We await shortlisting and selection meeting.

ps was it ever going to be a 'snap' election when people had spent over a month deabting it ?

Hywel sends jail somewhere else

Well it seems from the Chronicle that Hywel Williams MP would like a jail in North Wales, but not on his patch. There are a number of pracical issues for the Ferodo site like ownership, its distance from centres of population but I would like a jobs profile/economic impact etc before closing the door.

Cardiff's affordables

Work took me off to Cardiff and an Excellence Wales event on Cardiff CCs affordable housing policies. The coach tour took us past the Millenium Centre, but having missed last night's Dragon Eye (drinking I'm afriad) the significance passed me by.

Anyway we all know of Cardiff's economic boom and the dramatic increase in house building levels (they have built more in one year than Anglsey builds in ten yers) but it seems many of Cardiff's completions are in apartments in the Bay.

That is of little use to local families and not aimed at need - this all sounds a little familiar.

Also much debate amongst housing and planning officers on the coach on how we will all feel in 20 years time about the new apartment blocks that have been put up ?

Anyway worthwhile and always lessons that can be transferred in spite of rural-urban differences.

Prison down the road

It seems that in addition to the new court buildings I looked at t'other day that any naughty boys and girls could then walk to one of the possible sites for a North Wales jail. I await local reaction reaction with interest as I think the Ferodo site formally sites in the area of Y Felinheli community council. The site will also be known to many of you for the long running TGWU dispute.

Narrow politics of middle ground

It is an oft quoted feature of current political life that much of the battle is for some rather narrow politics in the middle ground. At the moment I can only see the announcement on Inheritance Tax in that vein.

I understand the big picture politics of it all, but it seems to suggest that to those who have we can give more while those in real need, without adequate homes or the homeless, don't get a sniff. But as a society we may reap what we sow. I note Will Hutton outlined some reasons for our recent predicament in last Sunday's Observer.

The "dirty" work of affordable housing

Through my work I spent the day at a WLGA event on affordable housing which was crammed full of presentations, good advice and ideas.

However I left feeling we have enough advice and pointers to good practise. Barring some unforeseen change in the political culture of our nation I feel we have to get down to the daily, solid work of Councils using our housing and planning powers to produce more affordable housing although any extra spending which might emerge from the Spending Review and the so called consequentials would be welcome to local authorities.

Hywel's extra spending

In the heat of May's Assembly election a few of us kicked up a fuss when MPs like Hywel Williams suddenly took out full adverts in the Daily Post, much of the space being taken up by Plaid Cymru logos, I felt it was election material masqurading as House communications.

Well it seems from here and here that I was not alone. It will be interesting to see how this evolves.

Overtime on the Sunday papers

Following this I wonder how many Suday papers are busy writing new articles, new angles and trying to recover any early editions distributed from their print rooms ?

Having told a Radio Cymru phone in some days ago that I thought the wise decision was not too go, I was still a little unsure whether to buy some new walking shoes over the weekend. Well now i know the answer and can buy a new CD instead ! Foo Fighters here I come....

Old football habits

There must be a stato somewhere in the world who has counted the number of times a football team equalise only too concede a goal within say five minutes of the equaliser. So Southampton 3-2 Baggies after recovering from a 2-0 defecit.

Well done Cardiff and Swansea and great to see Wrexham getting a win.

And wherever people sit on their nationality I thought the rugby win was an immense tactical victory for that team which beat the Aussies - but the All Blacks will take it all to an extra level.

Investment showing through

Labour's investment in public services is showing through in various ways. In Caernarfon the cranes are up and the new court buildings are taking shape and I called by for a look. Here I am in strange pose (perhaps half in fear of a summons) with a facility that will serve Caernarfon's economy well in the coming years.

"Fit and ready"

It is a matter for the Labour Party but I am happy to confirm that if Gordon Brown calls an election I am "fit and ready" for a Westminster election. One Wales has changed the dynamic of Welsh politics but in a Westminster context I have little doubt that a devolution sympathetic Labour MP could be important and effective for Arfon.

Here I am checking out the CAST sentre in Parc Menai, Bangor a sign of progress and the new economy in Arfon after the Objective One investment.

Over to you Gordon

Well the right wing press will rant and rave and other media stoke up the fires - the Sunday's should be a joy to read with their sources and speculation.

However with the Comprehensive Spending Review due Gordon has his ducks lined up.

Over to you Gordon - ?.

"Our Prime Minister"

I resisted the temptation to stay off work for Cameron's speech but on returning home I am sure I heard him refer to "our Prime Minister". Now some "friends" will say this just confirms their fear about Labour's alleged slide to the right. However I think it is also very telling that Cameron refers to Brown in this way - suggesting that not even he anticipates a change in the situation.

Assembly's helping hand

I am pleased to see that Leighton Andrews AM has been able to announce funding that will see Ty Cegin on the Maesgeirechen estate , Bangor to continue its transformation and vital role within the local community.

Sustainable funding streams are often vital to the long term future of Lottery funded projects and integration with mainstrem services is a way of acheiving this.

Its the way they tell em !

"We have another problem as well. The public does not know that it can trust the Conservatives on the administration of public services."

Philip Hammond - Tory Shadow Treasury

BBC News / politics

Wise move by Tories

I have always beleived that in many constituencies Tories could comfortably vote for Plaid candidates as a safe bet against Labour. I have no doubt that (Lord) Dafydd Wigley's big majorities were based on an appeal across Plaid/Tory boundaries with, I will acknowledge, some Labour supporters thrown in for good measure.

As I have argued before it is possible that this cozy relationship is more strained after the One Wales agreement. This is one element of the additional interest in the Westminster election when it arrives. Welsh Tories clearly see some potential ground to exploit. With Plaid's grip on fortress Gwynedd facing a challenge on several fronts it will be an interesting few weeks/months/years.

Fight back ????

It is perhaps a sign of the weakness in the Tory's current position that the conference is opended by the phrase "the great Conservative fight back". I cannnot see how the launch of a "fightback" ties in with speculation that this conference sits on the verge of an election. It just feels all wrong tactically from their perspective. Surely they should be sitting on top of a curve, hammering the government, and with the public sweeping in behind.

It is the absence of these forces that must make an election very attractive for Gordon Brown.

Shining new ground

Being married to a rabid Evertonian I was amused to be sent a picture of their new ground. The sender may have supported the other Merseyside team !

Being NMs guest blogger

Normal Mouth invited me to answer a few questions. You can see my responses here.

(thanks given for not mentioning Cardiff City too often after results this week !)

Entertainment in the sunshine

Not much was expected at the Oval today.A weakened Caernarfon - too many recent headbuts and punches - against table topping Llanelli.

It started badly with Llanelli scoring inside 30 seconds at the Oval before, to most people's surprise, Caernarfon bounced back to lead 3-2 at half time. The entertainment was increased by the number of errors, but Llanelli made fewer in the second half to run out 4-3 winners.

Then I come home to see Wales blow my £12 in the office sweep.

I have some feeling that Fiji were my second team out of the sweep so we are all, unfortunately, Fijians now.

Taking policy up a level

I didn't make it to Bournemouth but monitoring activities via the computer suggests I was successful in election to Labour's national policy forum. Conference approved Gordon Brown's reforms so it will be an interesting period in which to directly participate in national policy development on behalf of Welsh CLPs.

Vaughan well briefed

The BBCs Vaughan Roderick blogs about Welsh Labour's election review and I suspect is well briefed. How do I know? Well as one of those who helped the review group it became clear the Party needed an honest, open assessment so we could learn valuable lessons to strengthen our future activities. Find a translation here.

Clearly the circumstances of the next Assembly elections will be different by 2011 and we will have completed several more sets of elections before that time (Westminster, councils and Europe) but the need for a clear programme of work and activities is made in the report.

The report may well feed a short frenzy of speculation but mature responses will realise that it is valuable for a Party like Labour to reflect, learn and move forward. While Gordon's poll ratings give us a valuable short term boost we must continue to adapt our work to evolving situations.

Waiting for Leighton !

Its only a mickey mouse cup ! I can just hear Leighton Andrews winding up some obsevations on Baggies 2-Cardiff 4........

Keeping the tent large

Eluned Morgan MEP has started to unfold the debate about lessons Welsh Labour may need to absorb after May's Assembly elections. Eluned's point is well made that our electoral strategy has to maintain a broad base and a drift to any comfortable territory on the left could leave the Tories space to prosper. This is one of many difficult issues Welsh Labour must face as we move forward from May 2007.

Blogs offer coverage here, here, here amongst others.

Paul Flynn takes an upbeat view.

Advice taken

So advice taken, blog upgraded, and over the next few days various links will be added. I have got in to practise with a couple of Labour bloggers but will diversify as time allows.

So thats a yes then ?

Lord Wigley of Derby ? Valleys Man notes developments in the Lordships saga. Plaid have become so "New Nationalist" that Lord Dafydd is simply another pragmatic stage of transformation. If the support of the Plaid group is as high a test as is now necessary, then surely its a done deal - or would the Arfon-Anglesey tension in Plaid see an attempt to block Dafydd's Lordship bid ? Unlikely.

32 miles + - I am the junior partner

The Eaglestones ran 32 miles today and we were sent on our way by Colin Jackson. Nice guy. Anyway to clear up any misunderstanding I am the junior partner and it was Sue who completed the Marathon Mon-Anglesey Marathon, while I made do with the 10k.

I spoke to one man who was completing his circa 250th marathon - Madness on two legs...?

"A step in the dark"

I have been unsure how I might present today's posting. I have decided as follows.

Today I sat in the company of an IRA bomber and the daughter of a Tory MP.

It was a priviledge because the people concerned were Jo Berry and Patrick Magee who spoke at the All Wales Peace Festival at Y Galeri in Caernarfon. "A step in the dark" was a phrase used by Prof Nick Wheeler at the event to describe that moment when people take a step the consequence of which they cannot be sure, but which can open the door to peace and reconciliation.

Jo Berry is the daughter of Tory MP Sir Anthony Berry who was killed by Patrick Magee with the Brighton bomb in 1984. They stood together to explain how their journey had taken them to find the human face behind the conflict but I'm not sure any words in a blog can convey the power of being present before such witness.

10,000 plus - but time to be more communial

It seems that over 10,000 visits have been made to read over my musings about politics, the Baggies etc etc. I however realise I have not been very communal in my links so over the next week I am taking advice (yes I need techie support) to add some more links. Blogging is simple but I don't find the making of links easy. How sad.

I also think we need a North West Wales/North Wales bloggers get-together, even though it may prove more risky for a Labour blogger!. However I might get a chance to gather some spectrum of views, over a drink, for my pamphlet on Labour, language and rights.

Let me know what you think ?

Galeri bar ?

Are you dancing ?

Well its High School Musical II so I hope you are tuned in and dancing ?

Belgium on the BBC

My thoughts about beer and chocolates are shared here. If beer is one of the few things keeping them together then Welsh seperatists should presumably produce lots of crap beer ?

10 years ago

Lots of recollections about where people were ten years ago. For my part it was delivering pre-breakfast 'vote today' leaflets in the Maes Barcer estate,Caernarfon and at the end of the day at the Gwynedd area count at Arfon leisure centre. I think someone has footage of Tom Jones (T&G) and myself jumping arm in arm as the 'yes' vote was announced. One of many memories I have with Tom over the years of union/political work.

Prior to that point I also recall the atmosphere going a little colder when some of our nationalist friends thought it was slipping to a 'no'. ? But we are all friends now.

Inside the tent

Glyn makes use of some leaked info which I find perfectly illustrates why the dynamic of Welsh politics changed with the One Wales agreement.

If IWJ and other Plaid politicians now find themselves speaking to official stats rather than the former tactic of pursuing people like Andrew Davies then I see that as a benefit if having them in the tent. Their former motives (perhaps just the role of opposition?) can be queried but what do their activists think - surely their world didn;t improve that quickly ? Or is was never too bad in the first place ?

Oh well welcome to Government and a new maturity.

1-1 and then another Cofis win

Well Bristol City fought back and took an honourable draw with the Baggies. In truth a point away from home against a team high on the adrenelin of promotion is okay.

Meanwhile Caernarfon returned to winning ways away at new entrants Llangefni. My place of campaigning against my place of work.

Now as for Mourinio - well I think he'll land on his feet, and suspect the new manager(s) know the rules (i.e Chamions League within two seaosons or out) .

Nice compo cheque I'm sure !

An unwritten rule of capitalsim - they write the rules

After the financial events of the last few days many people are left in wonder at the situation where those people who have earned huge incomes (in various forms) for many years telling all us ordinary folk - for which I will include politicians for now - that the power of the economy is best left to the unfettered private finance, and all will be well.
Keep away you state/politicos as we knows wots best.

Now it seems that state support, and semi nationalsition of debt, (I am sure it is not described as such in our Treasury announcements) is best for all.

In my younger days I would have ranted and raved at such situations but I now just accept that one unwriten rule of our system is that they will at critical times re-write the rules to suit them. And it is probably in all our best intererests that the economy on which we now depend for so much does not throw an even bigger wobble.

No doubt someone has today been cashing in as some investor confidence was restored and share prices increased - will that be handed to us the taxpayers who underwote the cheque called "confidence" ? I somehow suspect not.

Long way to go yet

I didn't manage to get to the Oval on Saturday and therefore missed Caernarfon's first loss of the season. Glyn makes comment but loosing to Rhyl 1-0 is not a disaster and perhaps, in a way, shows some of the improvement made. Still there's a long way to go and everyon emay now be finding their feet.

Meanwhile the mighty Baggies bang in 4 and I say bring on Trundle, Bristol City and all that tomorrow night.

Belgium - good beer and chocolates, linguistic and devolved issues

Saw this piece in the Observer. Anyone able to share a little more light ?

Will people accept Plaid facing two ways ?

One of the big unknowns after the One Wales agreement, and Plaid taking seats in government, is the extent to which ordinary voters will accept Plaid seeking to face in two directions (similar but not the same concerns for Labour as we did it before). IWJ is right to focus on the big change this means for Plaid.

At one level the tactic of putting Labour at semi-arm's length is understandable but many people will not be fooled by conference rhetoric. To deliver each element of our Assembly programme we need each other to be supportive, and, as Labour has the whip hand in London then, for the moment at least, I judge they need us more.

So Adam can sabre rattle as he wants, but Elfyn seems to be talking real politik (step forward Lord Wigley of ??), and Ieuan knows that One Wales (and his future?) sinks or swims by joint effort. Blow it and there is no certainty of a sunnier day on the horizon.

Meanwhile we wait to see how the Assembly events influence the Westminster election process - because in reality noone really knows. It will actually be for Wales an election in a unique context.

Half time - sweep prize under pressure

Cymru - Cymru. There is still hope but my stake in the office sweep looks a little under pressure ! C'mon Cymru.

Only a few years - but so many grey hairs !

Leighton Andrews AM has flagged up the fact that HTV have put coverage of the Assembly referendum on line. A really interesting view and a chance to see how political views can be caught out in a very short period of time.

Original request remians-sensible debate please

I won't go into what suddenly came out of my posting about Labour, language and the rights agenda but I have a genuine ongoing wish to explore the issue.

Needless to say I did not see the Daily Post until a work colleague made a comment about Labour over morning coffee.So if anyone still wishes to post comments (perhaps less likely now??) then I will follow up - it seems I was right to think there may be a debate to iron out.

Review not yet complete

It seems some academics want to wind up Labour as the new Assembly term gets close. A bit strange given that Labour's internal fundamental review,set uo after May's weak result, is ongoing and will have a number of vital things to say. But it cannot be disclosed until the Welsh Executive has met to review the report and the review turned in to a concrete set of actions for Welsh Labour in the coming years. Perhaps we are facing up to big questions but taking time to consider issues in the depth they deserve.

Meanwhile some issue in the Lib Dems only sneaks on to the bottom of page 11 of the Daily Post - a word no one can currently associate withe LDs: leadership.

Brunstrom blog draws strange comment in Observer

Brunstrom being zapped on his blog is picked up by Porter in The Obersver but with the slightly strange argument that the N Wales Police, and their new baseball caps, are better armed than troops in Afgahnistan. It is this type of sunday paper argument I find a little strange and showing a loss of perspective for what might be an important point (adewquarw resources for the Army).

(anyway after an early wobble Wales won and I remian confisent of collecting my office sweep - provided several other nations have a handicap of at least 50 points!).

My big opportunity ?

The Caernarfon Herald this week reports an investment opportunity that I may find hard to resist, and I have Plaid lead Gwynedd Council to thank for my current dilemna. It seems that flats in the new, and endlessly debated, Victoria Dock development will soon be available and I will only have to find £690,000 - yes thats nearly seven hundred thousand pounds - to take advantage.

I may need to lower my bedroom matress nearly three inches to grab this golden opportunity !

Any way up above is Rhodri taking a look at the site back in May - perhaps it was the £690,000 that caused the heart scare !

On a more serious note this situation stirs several thoughts.

Firstly when and where will the affordable housing pushed by Gwynedd Council and, we are told, that has been promised in exchange for this development site be delivered ?

Secondly will other homeowners have cause to celebrate as these prices filter in to the local housing market ?

Thirdly if I am forced to hold back my investment due to stock market uncertanties can the project survive ?

Cymru Cymru

Well the world cup approaches and although I am not much of a rugby fan I am now fully committed to the cause having drawn Cymru in the office sweep. No matter what Woodward says I know Jenks can deliver the big £12 prize for me ! Does anyone feel my 2nd team Fiji have a better chance ?

Communities First brings more success-ask Max Boyce

It seems that even Max Boyce has felt the power of Communities First with the success of the funding in Maes Barcer bringing new people to Y Galeri to see a perfroming opportunity. This is just one example of how Labour's programme for hard pressed communities can bring success.

Interesting few months

Many people have been focussed on the coverage about whether Brown will go for an early poll.

However having been away for the Bank Holiday weekend I have been a bit slow in picking up on more local developments of interest. The Herald has run a story announcing the arrival of a new political party that promises to dislodge Plaid Cymru councillors in the elections of May 2008.

I find it a pity that Labour is not seen as a home for the protests of such people but accept this is unlikely to happen in a Gwynedd context. Perhaps one of Plaid's success since 1996 has been to corale many an "independent" under their banner and subject them to the Plaid whip. As`their influence extended they have become the establishment and show many of the traits associated with those who feel beyond reach.

This is fascinating stuff as my guess is a number of those involved with the new party include many Plaid Cymru stalwarts who know where the bodies lie ! There are a number of voices raised in protest at Plaid's actions in Gwynedd and disillusion at a small cabal who effectively wield power.

So it will still be time to start lining up the wards and the candidiates .... interesting times.

All Wales Peace Festival - experiences not to be missed

The All Wales Peace Festival will be held in Caernarfon in Y Galeri on Saturday 22nd September from 12.00 midday onwards.

There will be many interesting activities and speakers that should not be missed including Jo Berry and Patrick Magee. Indeed I was looking at an exhibition for Forgiveness project at Greenbelt and it makes one realise the depth of emotional, political and spiritual journey that many people make.

Anyway the Festival deserves our support.

Sorry Orwell

Today's Observer contains the latest of what seem ever more regular commentary in newspapers about those who dabble in blogging. There seems some great confusion that those blogging are seeking to engage in some great literary mission when, I think, many are just exercising some democratic expression/frustration and happy to share our thoughts with others. Often badly written and misspelt (can I be bothered spell checking ?). I'm glad Orwell would have done the same but is it really that important ?

Not quite Brazil

Unfortunately it did not turn out to be Brazilian style football today and on balance, and in spite of taking an early lead, Caernarfon were perhaps the happiest with their 1-1 draw. Anyway still unbeaten after three league games which is good in any league.

Its just like watching Brazil ......

Well it will be another Saturday afternoon with table topping Caernarfon Town at the Oval. And what a strange sight to see TNS languishing at the other end. But its still "early doors" as the footie saying goes...

Do you know something we don't ?

That was the question of interest to one Plaid Cymru councillor as Arfon Labour hit the campaign train with a street stall this morning in Caernarfon.

Who knows ????- but Arfon Labour is ready and we will be working hard in the coming weeks to build up our profile just in case Gordon Brown wants to pulverise Cameron at the polls.

An age of identity crisis

There is clearly something in the water.

Apart from reliving some of Billy Bragg's great sing along tunes ( with added edge) I attended his talk on "Can Britishness be defined in a new bill of rights?" and was interested to see how Bragg would devlop the debate.

In truth, and as the audience pointed out, his Britishness debate was perhaps more closely linked to him defining a progressive and left view of Englishness, rather than "Britishness" per se. The purpose of his admirable journey being to grapple with issues of identity in order to counter more extreme views promoted by the BNP. Bragg understood why people might feel a dual identity (e.g. Welsh-British) but I'm not sure he was tuned in to the impacts of those seeing a single national (non-English) identity as can be found around Welsh blog land.

I then return home to find David Banks in the Daily Post writing about Wales "Resigned to being a nation divided" and some August ramblings about the north-south divide and cultural differences, seemingly fostered by Labour MPs.

Must check my water suply.

Hello again

Having spent several days in a tent at Greenbelt 07 there a number of trhings to reflect on but I come home to another musical link just down the road. Greenblet is an incredible mix of music, art and thought provoking faith and I listened with interest to Billy Bragg, Douglas Alexander, Martyn Joseph, stand up comics, and many more who were unknown to me prior to the weekend but have left many a thought to ponder in the coming weeks.

Bush throws a last dice ?

The enemy would not follow America home, but perhaps it has arrived some time ago and prior to 9/11. Perhaps the battering in Iraq is somehow of symbolic importance to Bush while the ideological battle should be taken up in other ways. Bush may have a difficult closing period.

Its all gone bangers and mash

As decisions are taken on the priorities for Police time it seems one got their CBM - community bangers manager - in a twist.

Can't get it right - even in August

I suspect some bright spark in the Tory research team is feeling the heat if even a part of today's farce is true. It might have been a bright idea to grab some headlines in the August silly season by listing NHS services under threat. Yet the claims are melting like snow in the summer sun (remember that ?).

Oops !

Don't slide in to nationalist speak

It seems lots of people are sliding in to nationalist speak and if the priorities of the people are to be met then we should focus on health, economy, environment etc. It seems Glyn Davies has now wandered down routes shaped by nationalsit thinking. Why, what has Alex Salmond's barmy paper in Scotland got to do with our situation in Wales ?

So I will spend the next period pondering a few of the ideas contained in One Wales and seeing what progress we need to make as the Assembly returns from recess.

Cofis of f to winning start

Well it was wet and heavy going but Caernarfon managed an entertaining enough 3-1 over Port Talbot. A pretty even match in many ways with Caernarfon going 2-1 ahead before Port Talbot missed a very late penalty (fine savw from Caernarfonb's keeper)and then Caernarfon went to the other end to head home for 3-1.

Town seem to have signed some skilful players (Scouse accents a plenty yet again) and there could be some entertinment in the weeks ahead. Port Talbot a little unlucky not to get the draw but in the heavy conditions their larger players struugled a little more.

Meanwhile the Baggies ran up a win and new signings came good.

League of Wales kicks off - go and give support

Well it is often derided, and finances are obviously in short supply compared to the global investors in the Premiership, but the Principality League of Wales kicks off today and I would urge people to go and support one of the teams. In Arfon we can follow Bangor City and Caernarfon Town and today it will be the visit of Port Talbot to the Oval which provides my afternoon's entertainment. Best wishes also to Llangefni Town as they enter the top level for the first time.

League of Wales kicks off - go and give support

Well it is often derided, and fianances are obviously short compared to the global investors in the Premiership, but the Principality League of Wales kicks off today and I would urge people to go and support one of the teams. In Arfon we can follow Bangor City and Caernarfon Town and today it will be the visit of Port Talbot to the Oval which provides my afternoon's entertainment. Best wishes also to Llangefni Town as they enter the top level for the first time.

Rebuild and strengthen

Not Wales 20:20 but the new signings by the Baggies - but I feel another big cheque is due this week - I wonder how much Luton get if we sell Davis to Spurs ?

Wales 20:20

A couple of commentators thought I might have jumped the gun in my blogging about the new discussion forum but, some 24 hours on and having read the pamphlet in full, I remain with mixed feelings.

I have no doubt that debate is good and never to be feared in a democracy. It is partly why I enjoy blogland, not because it contains the future of democracy, but adds to debate.

Huw makes a number of points that many will share. We can have Labour majorities - PR simply makes it more challenging. I feel however that Huw loks at the bleaker side of May's results, I perhaps see the glass as half full. Loosing some seats, but doing comparatively better than other parts of the UK. After some distraction we should now be able to focus on delivering major parts of Labour's manifesto as the senior partner in a coalition. I am sure Scottish Labour would like to be in our position.

Yet review and reform are right. The Party itself is doing that and we can all contribute. I'm not sure we need new Forums and websites to debate Party organisation and which I feel takes up a major part of the new pamphlet.

My impression of May 2007 - and factors hardly mentioned by Huw are Blair and Iraq, stay at home voters and yes I agree to an extent our decreased resources as a Party. However when the wind is against I feel we might have spent much more for not much return in the PR system.

Huw refers to a fresh intake of AMs but I am not sure what mechanism he proposes. People work hard to get elected and at both Westminster and Assembly levels do not often voluntarily opt to step aside for fresh blood. Nor does it always work - Sue Essex being a big loss in my opinion and we know the pain of imposing central solutions on local parties.

Clearly Labour, of all parties, faces the big challenge in closing any talk of a widening gulf between MPs abd AMs. Could it be we had no commonly agreed vision of where we wished to actually take devolution after delivering on Labour's referendum ? The shortfal on the Richard Commission recommendations was noteable sign of any gulf. So that is common ground as a task to be resolved.

Neither does Huw address the linguistic cultural issues that I feel are part of political life in modern Wales. Eluned Morgan has asked how we are to reach out and embrace potential support in western/Welsh speaking parts of Wales ?

Huw feared some would react angrily. Perhaps he had Paul Flynn in mind !

For my part I see no need to fear debate. I have several reasons to disagree with elements of Huw's analysis

* many of these points about organisation could have been tackled internally,
* it is not just resources,
* what about Blair/Iraq and May 2007 ?
* perhaps Wales fared better than Huw admits ? (although not well enough)
* modern politics requires relatively broad churches working to a common good,
* can Wales reach outwards across current cultural divides (not for example by missing the Eisteddod)

So there is some thought generated by the pamphlet and new blog.

Finally is the language wise. Talk of not being fit for purpose (in bold print) is, I feel, aimed at generating controversy for its own sake. Perhaps distracting from oterh elements of the pamphlet.

Mud glorious mud

Well that was the Anglesey show and a chance to compare notes with Albert Owen MP on recent political developments. However main issue today was mud glorious mud after the overnight and torrential rain. Forgot my camera so can't show - how boring.

Language not suited to Wales 2020

For those waiting with drawn breath it seems that Huw Lewis is going to stir up debate by saying Labour is "unfit for purpose". If`true (and not just headline grabbing spin) this seems a little unwise and a view with which I would take difference. Wales 2020 will be a new forum for debate - is it not the already the title of a Cymdeithas campaign ?

Vaughan up the wrong tree ?

Ordovicius flags up Vaughan Rodericks blog in which VR starts to reassess his views on the timing of the Westminster election. He reviews and reassesses seats and suggests Betty Williams should go for Arfon.

VR may not be tuned to recent announcements at the Aberconwy and Arfon Labour CLPs, which I will leave for him to research, but information suggests one of these seats is about to run a full selection process and it is the Arfon constituency who have appointed a secretary for the selection proceudre.

Gey your CVs ready.

20,000 % inflation

There are many terrible aspects to the horror that is Zimbabwe but the simple economic fact reported in the Guardian that inflation runs at 20,000% shows an economic crisis that will keep in the country in despair beyond Mugagbe's years.

I wonder at what point the telephone book numbers involved with such inflation become meaningless - 500%, 1000%, 5,000% ???

Footie kicks off

Well off we go for another season of a pain but being married to an Evertonian my season kicked off at Goodison Park and a chance to see whether Jason Koumas would start well. Well in truth it was one of Jason's less effective games and it was Arteta who shone in the misfield battle.

Of course Goodison is in many one of the last of the old fashioned grounds and EFC and their fans are engaged in an active debate over a new ground outside the city boundaries and funded off the back of a Tesco supermarket (don't tell Cymdeithas).

Anyway the Baggies lost so we could be in for a long season ahead.

Dafydd stamps his feet !

Judging by the letters page and corrections in the Daily Post it seems Dafydd Wigley has thrown a strop that anyone should suggest his Eisteddfod speech was a criticism of red-green. Dafydd is fulsome in his explanation that all he had in mind was a call for more dosh from London.

Now this is where I think its more difficult as it is simply not practical for Plaid to now sign up for a programme of government that is delivered out of hard negotiation and then expect someone else to fund major chunks of it. It means either (a) Plaid and Ieuan don't undertstand the costs of their programme - thus I agree dragging Labour down the same road, or (b) they are not really serious about focussing on delivery.

Perhaps specific bids for joint priorities might get some chance of attention but I doubt if generalised calls for more dosh will ever succeed. Otherwise we await the outcome of spending reviews, but with less stable economic conditions I don't expect much. However some pre election sweeties might prove useful to Wales. is that right - perhaps not but it is where we currently are and no use pretending otherwise.

Hot on Y Maes

Diwrnod boeth iawn ar Maes yr Eisteddfod ac gyfle am sgwrs gyda nifer o wynebu o gwahannol cefndir - sedd un o cryfderau y Maes.

Scorching weather on the Maes and a chance to catch up with various friends and acquaintanes. Including a chat with Dylan Iorwerth about the Welsh language print scene and whether we can cope with Y Dydd as well as Golwg, Y Cymro, (and the Herald Cymraeg insert in the Daily Post) amongst others. I sense no one is quite convinced about the market for a daily Welsh langauge paper, and how much capacity is their in the market ? What did the seemingly positive tone of the red-green deal mean in this respect ?

A claim to Welsh cultural fame as I played football (aged some 7-15 years old) with Dylan who is a winner of the "Goron". I am sure it was Baggies influence that drove him to greater things ! (Not his support of the Spurs as I recall)

No doubt this revelation may lead some to question Dylan's choice of company but I find him an interesting, amicable and passionate acquaintance.

It's a beautiful game !

Well I never thought I'd see the day but it seems Pele has had enough of adverts on erectile misfunction and returns to football with the Baggies. Its a beautiful game and there will surely be a rush for Baggies shirts with the name Pele on the back.

I remember him (shurely sum mistake !) in the 1970 world cup and I am sure he brings skill and experience to the Hawthorns.

Crachach - an easy hit ?

Lots of excitement in Welsh blogland after Dylan Jones-Evans (like myself a candidate who missed out in May) posts on the "crachach", clealrly a group feared/despised/hated in various degrees. They may exist, as in other societies, but I commented as follows :

"On the substantive point it is surely no surprise that societies contain some political/ societal "elites" and the job of the rest is to unsettle them and create our alternative structures.Just don't get sucked in and then change is more possible. Perhaps reflecting that devolution in itself is not the solution but the policies / values that drive us".

So we might get more value from exploring common values amongst those who are not the crachach to generate more change- but then we might be infiltrated by the crachach - and more paranoia generated. In addition there are clearly problems in how some perceive the C, who is in and who is out ? Perhaps someone should open those blog polls I see in other places to poll on the C !

Oh well off to Mold/Wyddgrug to see the crachach.

Foot and mouth

I work many miles from Surrey but today the hand of foot and mouth reached me at work in Ynys Mon with general advice to minimise contact with farming lands/workers as a precautionry measure to minimise risks. Very sensible but let us hope the restrictions are lifted quicly, the industry heading back to normal. Oh and all buy tickets for Sioe Mon/Anglesey show in solidarity.

Yesterday's man bites back

Crikey I didn't expect Dafydd Wigley to answer so quickly but no sooner had I wondered aloud about DWs stance on the coalition that he raced to the Eisteddfod Maes to tell the world.

Is this really a query about finance or another shot from the "Dewis" faction in the hope of joining others (in both parties) trying to shake the foundations of red-green government.

Some words from AFJ on Red-Green

Gwe usefully highlights a forthcoming publication from the IWA about the red-green process. Some comments about Jane Hutt but also some words from Arfon's AM Alun Ffred Jones :

"The book also reveals why Plaid Cymru opted to be a junior partner in a Labour-led government, rather than choosing what became known as the Rainbow alternative, with the party’s leader Ieuan Wyn Jones as First Minister in a coalition with the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Plaid was divided on this question, but the Rainbow deal would have required the three Opposition parties to devise a reason for a motion of no confidence.

As Plaid Cymru’s Arfon AM Alun Ffred Jones, who switched sides for this reason, explained: “One we’d installed Rhodri Morgan as First Minister, the game had changed. I felt we couldn’t play fast and loose with votes of no confidence. There would have to be a credible reason for making a challenge. I would have felt uncomfortable in manufacturing a vote of no confidence.”

So Aron was rainbow but moved as the debate moved on. At least a confirmation of elements of the process and debate. Did Wigley agree with Ffred?

Bright young Tory hope defects to Labour

Bright young Tory hope defects to Labour in response to Brown's leadership
- Moderate Conservatives joining Labour, says Gordon Brown

One of the Tories' brightest young politicians in Wales has defected to the Labour Party, praising Gordon Brown's strong leadership as the main reason for his switch.

26-year-old school teacher David Anstee was a member of a powerful Welsh Conservative Policy Group which wrote the party's 2007 Assembly election manifesto. Today Prime Minister Gordon Brown welcomed him to the party, saying that moderate conservatives were responding to his call to join Labour to build a better Britain. David Anstee will be joined today by Rhondda Welsh Assembly Member Leighton Andrews at the New Assembly building.

Mr Anstee cut his political teeth as the only Conservative to stand for election as a councillor in Rhondda in over 20 years. He was the vice chair of the Rhondda Conservatives. But he has resigned his membership and applied to join Labour.

GORDON BROWN said:

"I am pleased that David listened to my call for moderate conservatives to join the Labour Party and help build a better Britain. I welcome him to the party and look forward to hearing of his positive contribution in the future."

DAVID ANSTEE said:

"Like many political moderates I had hoped that David Cameron's leadership of the Conservatives would herald a changed party that reflected the concerns of the people of our country.

"But unfortunately the Conservative Party has shown itself to be incapable of change. It has pandered to the views of its right wing whenever it has faced a serious test.

"In contrast, I have been really impressed by Gordon Brown's leadership. His strength and vision for Britain has been inspiring. We need a serious leader for serious times, to meet the challenges of security, global warming and housing."

LEIGHTON ANDREWS said:

"This will prove to be another blow to the leadership of David Cameron in London and Nick Bourne in Cardiff. David Anstee is precisely the kind of talent they want to attract to their party. But he sees the future of Britain as being best served by the Labour Party.

"Like so many others, David has realised that Labour is the only party that can be trusted to stick to its principles and govern in the interests of all. He knows that Labour offers policies of substance, not empty PR stunts followed by sudden lurches to the right."

Ends


Notes:

In a speech to Labour's National Policy Forum on 14th July, Gordon Brown said: "As we reach out to all who share our vision of a better Britain of rising aspirations and new and better opportunities I urge all who share our values - progressives in all areas of Britain and moderate Conservatives - to join us in making Britain the country it can be."

Time for "swper" (supper)

In her recent weekly column in Y Herald Cymraeg Angharad Tomos floated the idea of sharing "swper", some breaking of bread, to explore language issues. This generated some debate on maes-e where a number of contributors seem to want to leave matters to Cardiff Bay, and not contaminate themselves by contact with unworthies like myself.

However I can confirm I would be more than happy to share some time chatting to Angharad and if I make it across to Mold then we might get time for coffee and a chat. I would happily explore the impacts of the language rights debate as it is an interesting area of public policy development.

Time for "swper" (supper)

In her recent weekly column in Y Herald Cymraeg Angharad Tomos floated the idea of sharing "swper", some breaking of bread, to explore language issues. This generated some debate on maes-e where a number of contributors seem to want to leave matters to Cardiff Bay, and not contaminate themselves by contact with unworthies like myself.

However I can confirm I would be more than happy to share some time chatting to Angharad and if I make it across to Mold then we might get time for coffee and a chat. I would happily explore the impacts of the language rights debate as it is an interesting area of public policy development.

"Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander"

A chance to review the local papers and nice to see my old sparring partner Mr Trfeof Davies taking up issues in the letters page of the Caernarfon Herald. Trefor is upset that I had the temerity to suggest that in spite of the new era of red-green politics Labour should continue to scrutinise Plaid led Gwynedd council and events at organisations like Cymad.

He reflects on the red-green deal and states that for Labour "To join up with the Tories would have been political suicide" - that is why Labour would never do it - and exactly why Plaid reached their conclusion.

It will be interesting to see what reaction the new Ministers gather as they strut the Maes this week. Surely Rhodri Glyn and others deserve the same warm reception as previous Ministers given that change has not yet been delivered.

Back for Steddfod !

So after a few fine days watching the dolphins in Cei Newydd. I have kept clear of the news and apart from some stuff about Great Whites (I admit I didn't see them in New Quay !) and some football transfer stories I don't have much idea what went on until this morning's F&M story.

So what does blog land tell me about the week that passed : well I am back in time to catch Normal Mouth flagging up some pre Staddfod nonsense from Adam Price, and how could I survive without Lembit's latest antics (is he that scared of Glyn Davies ?), even Tribune is running with a Rhodri to retire early story - "has told friends he is to step down as First Minister and Labour leader - possibly as early as next year".

Paul Flynn offers some comments on today's foot and mouth outbreak while the Guardian as often turns my mind to the scale of disasters elsewhere in the world.

So a simple selection of things that caught my eye on return to blog land and a chnace for my reflection in the days ahead.