 |
| Well, it's only fair. And tongue-in-cheek of course. |
....there was only ever going to be one outcome, wasn't there?
As you already know, Leanne Wood has been elected Plaid Cymru leader, succeeding Ieuan Wyn Jones. This result would have been unthinkable before the leadership election started, but Leanne built such a momentum behind her, there was a sense of inevitability about it.
I think we've learned how effective social media can be in modern elections, as well as the traditional worth of having a strong, uncompromising set of beliefs. Leanne's election has provided - if not quite a crystal clear vision - then that bit of "oomph" to rally Plaid's grassroots for what will be tough local elections in May for all parties except Labour.
Perhaps it also highlights Plaid's shift towards a younger, more radical, independence-minded makeup. However, the fact Leanne picked up votes and support across the board - from young and older members alike - is also a huge unifying factor.
I don't think this is the start of rapid process towards independence. Welsh nationalists from all political persuasions shouldn't be quick to pile expectations on Leanne's shoulders. But this could be the start of the start. The hard graft starts now, and it could take decades. It's for history to decide if this is the moment we look back on from a future independent Wales and see as a turning point, or if we look back on it from a straggling part of the Union - in stature, population and influence - and wonder what went wrong. Perhaps there'll even be a half-way house – a "better" Wales, but still a long way away from fulfilling its unleashed potential, and able to go out and fully compete in the world.
Commiserations have to go to Elin Jones and Dafydd Elis-Thomas. Had Leanne not stood, Elin Jones would've been a shoo-in, and Elin must - perhaps deep down - be disappointed by the result.
Dafydd Elis-Thomas gave a good account of himself, despite being eliminated in the first round. The lead Leanne had then made the result a formality. Both defeated candidates can hold their heads up though. I certainly think there'll be a place on any Plaid front-bench for Elin at the very least, and it would be the wise thing to do.
This is an exciting time for Plaid, and I hope they can take full advantage of the feel-good factor having a relatively young, vibrant, no-nonsense leader can give them. Plaid have made the correct choice, and I wish Leanne every success.
Despite not being a Plaid member, I have to admit I was really chuffed at this news.
Maybe the time is coming for me to get off the fence, and this might help me make that decision. All in good time though. All in good time.
As you already know, Leanne Wood has been elected Plaid Cymru leader, succeeding Ieuan Wyn Jones. This result would have been unthinkable before the leadership election started, but Leanne built such a momentum behind her, there was a sense of inevitability about it.
I think we've learned how effective social media can be in modern elections, as well as the traditional worth of having a strong, uncompromising set of beliefs. Leanne's election has provided - if not quite a crystal clear vision - then that bit of "oomph" to rally Plaid's grassroots for what will be tough local elections in May for all parties except Labour.
Perhaps it also highlights Plaid's shift towards a younger, more radical, independence-minded makeup. However, the fact Leanne picked up votes and support across the board - from young and older members alike - is also a huge unifying factor.
I don't think this is the start of rapid process towards independence. Welsh nationalists from all political persuasions shouldn't be quick to pile expectations on Leanne's shoulders. But this could be the start of the start. The hard graft starts now, and it could take decades. It's for history to decide if this is the moment we look back on from a future independent Wales and see as a turning point, or if we look back on it from a straggling part of the Union - in stature, population and influence - and wonder what went wrong. Perhaps there'll even be a half-way house – a "better" Wales, but still a long way away from fulfilling its unleashed potential, and able to go out and fully compete in the world.
Commiserations have to go to Elin Jones and Dafydd Elis-Thomas. Had Leanne not stood, Elin Jones would've been a shoo-in, and Elin must - perhaps deep down - be disappointed by the result.
Dafydd Elis-Thomas gave a good account of himself, despite being eliminated in the first round. The lead Leanne had then made the result a formality. Both defeated candidates can hold their heads up though. I certainly think there'll be a place on any Plaid front-bench for Elin at the very least, and it would be the wise thing to do.
This is an exciting time for Plaid, and I hope they can take full advantage of the feel-good factor having a relatively young, vibrant, no-nonsense leader can give them. Plaid have made the correct choice, and I wish Leanne every success.
Despite not being a Plaid member, I have to admit I was really chuffed at this news.
Maybe the time is coming for me to get off the fence, and this might help me make that decision. All in good time though. All in good time.
