Thank you and good night...

I started this blog on the advice of a university tutor, indeed i was about to do a module for my masters called 'New Media and Politics' (which wasn't run in the end anyway) and i must admit i was pissing in the wind at first. I still feel my lack of journalistic ability made this blog more of projection of my ideas and beliefs as opposed to anything analytical or heartstoppingly readable.

This blog has run its course for a number of reasons...

1, I have a new job that is inherently involved in Welsh Assembly politics, and thus i feel it would be wrong to carry on this blog. What really made my mind up was Blamerbell rather churlish remark regarding my soon to be new employer and my position on a matter, although this was the straw that broke the camels back. Fair do's its his call to do that (we are developing into good friends outside of politics i hope), but essentially it makes it very difficult to 'debate' matters when i will be bashed with who i work for. I have a soon-to-be young family on the way, i cannot jeopardise my job it is as simple as that. I haven't been 'silenced' in fact my employers have been supportive of me doing the blog, but i feel it would be wrong to use sensitive information for this blog...Already people seem keen to test my opinions against other Labour AM's and even the Labour AM i will be working for, essentially that makes the whole point of this blog- to express MY OWN views a nullified one.

2, Continuing this point, i was fed up of 'anons' taking a pop and mutating any debate to fit their own parties desires. I can assure you all that most people working for AM's are on blogs right now pretending to be 'punters' talking bullshit. This has made the debate far less worthwhile, and i think will eventually blight the great potential of blogging. I am all for blogs that don't reveal identities, but anon comments basically achieve nothing apart from highlighting how blogging can make political debate far less inclusive. How can you argue a point when someone knows who you are, where you work and you do not know them from adam? It is an uneven fight for the people who are willing to express their views without hiding.

I make no secret of my desire to become an AM, i am not ashamed of that fact. I couldn't less for people thinking i should be, what i have written on this blog i stand by but i do wonder how much further i can keep commenting on things in the future without it being the stick to bash me and the people i work with. I have a professional relationship as of monday with many of the people i have already commented on, i want that one to be fruitful. I don't want people not being frank with me because they worry it will appear on a blog...

So there we have it. I have enjoyed it, i am sure i will return but this blog has run its course. Goodnight and Goodluck...

I better not use the N word...

Thats NATIONALIST in case you were wondering...

Last night's week in week out 'debate' should be taken to court under the trade descriptions act. Come on, hands up who thinks Bungle, Zippy and George got together before hand to work out attack lines?...In case you want a summary-

'Look people of Wales, Rhodri hasnt turned up, we agree on everything 6 weeks after basing an election on our differences, look we have magically found this 'consensus' politics that we promise isnt based on power and the fact we fucked it up when it mattered. In fact all three of us belong to this new Rainbow party that agrees on everything all without losing our fundamental values...Oh yeah and Rhodri didnt turn up!



On the point of this whole 'we should have been consulted' by Plaid and Lib Dems, i am not privvy to the discussions that occured with regards a Labour coalition or agreement, but Plaid and the Lib Dems chose the rainbow. The lib dems chose opposition, this means they are NOT in government. You must have a clear line between government and opposition...

Surely if Labour sought the agreement of the Lib Dems and Plaid before they put forward a legislative programme, then it would be a coalition in all but name? Plaid cant accuse Labour of not listening when Plaid do not get their way. Labour won more votes than Plaid to put their manifesto in action, you cant expect Labour to just put Plaid's manifesto into government by proxy...

The nat two or whatever you want to call them...

Much has been written about Bethan Jenkins and Leanne Wood's decision to not attend the state opening of the institution that gives the opportunity for them to take such decisions.

I regularly communicate with Bethan, we disagree on many things, but she has 'balls' (metaphorically of course). I also gained a modicum of respect for both of them regarding backing out of Rainbow Coalition as if they hadnt i would have had a field day with regards Leanne's previous tirades regarding the tories...

What i want to focus on isnt the two that didnt go to the state opening, but the Plaid AM's that did. I am curious, surely anyone committed to an 'independent' wales would in essence reject the monarchy? Merely because any 'independent' wales would be new 'state' which would surely not have the monarchy at the head of it. I know Labour AM's and MP's who are republicans, but they see such things as this as a duty for their constituents. I am curious at whether those Plaid AM's honestly still believe in an independent wales? or just a nice new building, £60,000 a year and a nice rainbow coalition that means that will never have to pick another single vote yet still be in government? Now of course these are questions, questions with implications no doubt, but i am confused. If Bethan and Leanne are republican enough to make such a move, why arent other Plaid AM's?

Answers on a Nationalist postcard please!

The tale of two politics shows...

So i had a chance to watch the politics show in the comfort of my own home yesterday which is a great sight better than catching titbits while cleaning up ice cream from tables after someones darling/little shit decides to chuck it everywhere...

Peter of the Hain variety, had a big wobble yesterday, not a good performance at all. John Sopel nailed him to the mast a bit, particularly on the 50% tax band. I do think if the debate about the rich/poor gap is to be had, it must involve measures for the rich and the poor. That isnt me advocating tax rises per se, but that it shouldnt mean it is not an argument not to be heard. Although i am not doubting his beliefs, i think he is in danger of being neither truly radical enough to be a conduit between the party and its leader or close enough to get a fair hearing at the top table. One swallow doth not make a summer, but he did get nailed a bit...

Jane Davidson (albeit with an easier interview than Hain)was her usual charming self and spoke with clarity. You genuinely do believe that she will listen and take on board other views outside of the party.

Buy British...

As i have mentioned before, i used to be in a rock and/or roll band, something i enjoyed immensely, toured Britain a number of times, released stuff on labels, played with all number of amazing bands and met four great guys in the band. Here are some of the videos of friends of mine and bands we played with...

Reuben- stuck in my throat...a underrated British band who just write very catchy rock songs, if they were american and talked about high school they would be huge!



Secondsmile- our great and secret show...A band who became very good friends of ours, hugely talented. We supported them in their hometown of Bridport and the energy and vibe was fantastic...



Skindred- pressure (acoustic version)...Newport best ever band. Huge in America, not so huge over here. Heroes and friends (its an odd combo i can assure you) of mine...

These are the riches of the poor...

So i am having a good looky at the good ole' Western Mail and i see my mucker James Hannam AKA Culrpit 1 with a nice piece in there. Congrats to him as its well deserved, i got his first single on Boobytrap back in the day, and got to know him around the scene, nice bloke, deserves success. I have seen Culprit 1 live, was an excellent show and even tried to snare him to remix one of my old band songs (he kinda um and ahhed which is a shame).

Please Buy his album here it is out today...

Gotta have a J-O-B if you wanna be with me...

Hi Rat Fans,

Your favourite/most hated/self important/mouthy Welsh Labour Blogger now has a new job as of today...(in case you were wondering, i was talking about me!). This job is probably going to be an end to this blog, although i am also hopeful it will be ok to continue...fingers crossed.