Peter’s Selective Memory
I don’t believe that Peter Black’s analysis of what the Welsh Liberal Democrats are for should go unchallenged.
My own blog of 2 August records my own personal experience of discussions about a possible ‘rainbow’ alliance and my belief about the sticking points in those discussions.
The Liberal Democrats were split about entering into a ‘rainbow’ coalition. Four of the Assembly Group, namely Mike German, Jenny Randerson, Elinor Burnham and Mick Bates were in favour. Peter Black and Kirsty Williams were against. The Executive of the Liberal Democrats failed to endorse the possibility of a ‘rainbow’ alliance at a meeting in Llandrindod Wells. Kirsty Williams, indeed, was part of this Executive that voted against such a possibility. This meeting was seen as pivotal and, indeed, it was not realised at first that the decision could actually be reversed at a later meeting. It was assumed that the ‘rainbow’ coalition was dead in the water at this stage. In the meantime, Rhodri Morgan saw his opportunity and presented his government to the Assembly and that was placed in power.
Peter Black is correct to say that Plaid Cymru then did walk away from the possibility of a coalition government, but by then I think the damage had been done.
Interestingly I share Peter’s analysis of some of the important issues that are facing Wales. I believe that the All Wales Accord would have helped us in preserving the local services that Peter rightly identifies as so important. I agree with him on the importance of the environmental agenda, and I also agree with him about ID cards – thought the Labour Party does not.
Where we differ is that I believe that the ‘rainbow’ coalition would have helped protect the very interests and concerns that Peter sets out in his Blog. I think that the reason there is no ‘rainbow’ coalition rests with the Liberal Democrats failing to endorse the ‘rainbow’ coalition in Llandrindod Wells, and any attempt to re-write history is just that, though Plaid did not seize the opportunity that later presented itself.
