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It is hard to see where the general agreement Mike German was so hopeful of, in his statement to "Waterfront" tonight, is going to come from. We and Plaid agree that Wales should have more powers, that there should be a fair voting system at all levels of government, and that council tax should go. The Conservatives are against the latter two and speak with many voices on the first.
The rediscovery by the Conservatives (in opposition, be it noted) of their belief in the freedom of the individual and of devolving power to town halls brings them into line with ourselves, but how will that chime with the authoritarian socialist strand in Plaid?
One can guarantee that not all Plaid, and not all Conservative, AMs will go along with such a coalition. Unlike the coalition with Labour, whose party discipline is well-known, the "rainbow" is likely to be fissile during its run as well.
The impression being given to the public is of a fight over ministerial seats rather than putting into place the policies which Wales voted for.
As still the largest party, Labour has first option on power in the Senedd. It is not essential that it go into coalition with anyone, though it obviously needs reassurance that it is not going to be voted down every week.
One does not even have to go as far as New Zealand to see this strategy in operation. In many local authorities, including at least one in Wales, there is a minority administration.
- Frank Little
5 comments:
I am not keen on a Rainbow Coalition either Frank.
-Richie Northcote
Nor is Peter Black, either, it appears from his blog. His must have been the one vote against the motion to open the "Triple Crown" talks at the Llandrindod meeting.
However, as he also suggests, if the membership as a whole accepts that the 3-way coalition delivers LD policies, then we must bow to the democratic will and help to make it work.
-Frank Little
Yes Frank it would seem, from Peters blog, that he was the one who voted for us to remain in opposition and go into coalition with no party at this time. I agree with him. We need time to re-evaluate our position and direction as Welsh Liberal Democrats.
However, as both Peter and yourself say, if the membership as a whole accepts the coalition then we must all put our differences aside and get behind it to help make it work.
-Richie Northcote
Don't you think that being part of the Rainbow in government would help build your party.
Who says that you need the AM's to sort the party out. Isn't for the members to get togther and sort that out rather than the AM's. Remember you select them to represent you. They are not the party!
simo said:
> Don't you think that being part of
> the Rainbow in government would >help build your party.
[...]
>Isn't for the members to get togther
> and sort that out
That in effect is what happened today (Saturday 26th May) at Llandrindod. It will be interesting to see how things progress. As I understand it, there is still a lock on coalition talks from the NEC decision.
It seems that, if that decision (or, rather, non-decision) is rescinded, then the Tories and Plaid - judging by recent media statements - are willing to continue on the basis of the "All Wales Accord".
However, nobody at Llandrindod pretended that it is going to be easy working with the two other parties. Certainly, growing the party is not on the agenda. (History is against us on that.)
The key was getting LibDem policies into effect.
- Frank Little
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