For Queen, Country and Leanne Wood

Leanne Wood AM does seem to bang on about certain issues until we're all sick to the back teeth of her lack of focus on devolution in Wales. It's all very well having a strong opinion. As an AM that does seem to have a lot of time on her hands, there are more important subject matters to bring to the discussion table.

In a recent post she discusses her plans on the Oath of Allegiance:

The Assembly Chamber can be a perfect place to draw attention to campaigns that politicians are involved in outside of the Assembly. For some time I have been a member and supporter of Republic, the campaign for an elected head of state, and
I am also supporting their Challenge the Oath campaign.

Always one to protest when a crowd is seen to gather, perhaps - like Bethan Jenkins AM who seems to involve herself in a wide range of campaigns - it is high time that Leanne concentrates on those matters that the Assembly does have responsibility for.

I suggest one of the following for starters:

• Agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development
• Ancient monuments and historic buildings
• Culture
• Economic development
• Education and training
• Environment
• Fire and rescue services and promotion of fire safety
• Food
• Health and health services
• Highways and transport
• Housing
• Local government
• Public administration
• Social welfare
• Sport and recreation
• Tourism
• Town and country planning
• Water and flood defence
• Welsh language

Total Politics Results: Top 100 Left of Centre Blogs

Nine Welsh blogs have made it into Iain Dale's Top 100 Left of Centre Blogs list for his Guide to Political Blogging in the UK 2008-9.

19. Ordovicius
35. Bethan Jenkins AM
39. Adam Price MP
47. Cynical Dragon
59. Guerrilla Welsh-fare
60. Welsh Ramblings
73. Blog Menai
87. Amlwch to Magor
90. Paul Flynn

I would never have described The Cynical Dragon as left of centre.

The full list and entire series can be followed by clicking on the following link to Iain Dale's Diary.

Gossip! Me? Never! Good news for a change

Apparently I've been awarded first prize in the 'Best Cardiff Bay Gossip' category in the Witanagemot Awards. Not sure how many voted for me or why.

Such a wonderful feeling after the recent negative action against me. Slightly disappointed not to be mentioned in the same category as Bethan Jenkins AM. You can't win them all [laugh].

Thanks to Damon Lord for letting me know.

The legacy of Rhodri Morgan

Spoken from the mouth of Bethan Jenkins AM, our youngest (and very active) Assembly member:

...It made me realise that we must push forward with enhancing Wales's links with the wider International community- as Wales, and not merely as part of the UK. Surely if people believe in devolution, they can see a strong case for us attending such meetings, and promoting Wales as a serious force in the World?

Perhaps not, that is for Rhodri Morgan to discuss now that he has conceded to consider this as a viable option for Wales.

After all, he has nothing to lose in doing so, especially as he is stepping down as First Minister very soon. Surely he wants his legacy to be much more than providing free transport for the elderly? (Regardless of how important this is to those that benefit from it)

Get a move on First Minister - It's time to shake a leg, get your skates on, as the sale must end soon.

The young of Wales are voicing their opinions as to your lack of contribution to the top job.

Plaid Lords are leaping: The party giveth and the party taketh away

Following on from an earlier post it seems at National Council*, Plaid Cymru have democratically nominated [sort of] their potential peers for the House of Lords, or as they prefer to call it, the Second Chamber. Going off subject, does that mean that they refer to the National Assembly as the Second House of Legislation?... I think not

Anyway, the three nominated are Dafydd Wigley, Eurfyl ap Gwilym and Janet Davies.

Some believe that this process was Plaid's master stroke, others differ in opinion. I hope that some have repaid the favour - when casting votes - of Janet 'retiring' at the last Assembly election.

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Somehow I don't think they will break with tradition and not be styled appropriately after they get the nod from the Prime Minister. It makes you wonder how long it will be before there's mention of 'reforming the chamber from within'.

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*Other news from Plaid National Council: The Council also agreed to look again at the rule that prevented Mr Wigley from returning to the Assembly last year – the party’s policy of having a woman at the top of its regional lists. Mr Wigley was placed second on the North Wales list below Janet Ryder, who was elected. The same policy also gave Ms Jenkins the number one slot on the South Wales West list with just 14 votes.

But the controversy the policy caused within the party – it became known as the “Wigley Rule” – means Plaid will now look at a policy of whoever receives the highest number of votes from party members being placed on top of the regional list, with the second place automatically being given to a candidate of the opposite sex, a system known as ‘zipping’.

Pippa Wagstaff: Some people go too far

I would've thought that I've given enough away about my personality and identity from a selection of comments and posts over the last couple of months to satisfy a few, but not enough for some.

Not only has Bethan Jenkins AM raised questions, giving me a virtual slap across the face, but I've now received an email which has slapped the other cheek.

I'll hazard a guess that the following email is in response to an earlier post and there's still some confusion. Blogging certainly requires a thick skin.

Christine

Congratulations on your appointment to the Pembroke Coast National Park Authority. It goes without saying, commiserations for not getting another term on the Welsh Assembly but your workload should re-energise you. Well done!

Regards,

Ellenor from Australia.

Why won't Plaid AMs/MPs be my friend?

I started writing this post a few days ago and wanted to post when it was time for a lighthearted moment.

Some of you will probably notice that I have joined Facebook, particularly as I've a link to my profile on my blog (top right). Most of you have been generous and have welcomed becoming my friend, however, I just can't seem to convince a Plaid AM/MP to join my family of new friends.

To date, members from all parties have joined me as 'Facebook friends'. Since originally typing this, to my delight Bethan Jenkins AM confirmed friendship on Tuesday, however, she's the only one.

There was talk in the comments section of an earlier post today that my account had been suspended, but I'm sure that it was just a technical hiccup and not down to a complaint as suggested. This lady is offering the hand of friendship to all, and as we know, there's nothing wrong with that. Anyway, to my further delight the account is now active again.

It's been said on Facebook that I'm taking you all out for a drink when I reach 200 friends - gulp - my purse isn't big enough for all that loose change!

Remember that the hand of friendship has no colour or party affiliation.