Day 3 was the big tax debate. It was the party at its best. Strong feelings were aroused, opposing views strongly put, but in the end the party came together over a progressive and (if we can expose the inevitable media lies about it) popular set of proposals.
I was very tempted to vote for the 50% tax amendment - the advocacy of Phil Willis and Evan Harris was persuasive, and it could be superficially popular in parts of the borough - but in the end, did not. What swung it for me was that the amendment included the old cap on Local Income Tax, which the Tax Commission's proposals did not.
The media gave as much time to Charles Kennedy's speech as to the debate. I thought he sounded a bit rough, and certainly lacking the liveliness of the early years of his leadership. He did, however, highlight the achievements of the Scottish party and their very bright prospects for 2007. It is something we must emulate in Wales.
Scandalous disregard on TV for Chris Huhne and Ed Davey's remarkable performances, in the hall on the tax issue and on environmental matters, and in fringe meetings on the latter. Chris Huhne looks to me as the best prospective successor to Ming.
Quiet so far, English only matters up until 9:30 and later today. I am looking forward to the rural affairs debate. Although this is also a devolved matter, Roger Williams will be speaking.
Just about recovering from the 10 fringe meetings I have been to in the past three days, and the consumption of Dark Star (local real ale).
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Day 3 was the big tax debate. It was the party at its best. Strong feelings were aroused, opposing views strongly put, but in the end the party came together over a progressive and (if we can expose the inevitable media lies about it) popular set of proposals.
I was very tempted to vote for the 50% tax amendment - the advocacy of Phil Willis and Evan Harris was persuasive, and it could be superficially popular in parts of the borough - but in the end, did not. What swung it for me was that the amendment included the old cap on Local Income Tax, which the Tax Commission's proposals did not.
The media gave as much time to Charles Kennedy's speech as to the debate. I thought he sounded a bit rough, and certainly lacking the liveliness of the early years of his leadership. He did, however, highlight the achievements of the Scottish party and their very bright prospects for 2007. It is something we must emulate in Wales.
Scandalous disregard on TV for Chris Huhne and Ed Davey's remarkable performances, in the hall on the tax issue and on environmental matters, and in fringe meetings on the latter. Chris Huhne looks to me as the best prospective successor to Ming.
- Frank Little
Day 4, 9:15
Quiet so far, English only matters up until 9:30 and later today. I am looking forward to the rural affairs debate. Although this is also a devolved matter, Roger Williams will be speaking.
Just about recovering from the 10 fringe meetings I have been to in the past three days, and the consumption of Dark Star (local real ale).
- Frank Little
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