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string(694) "<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFJGQ80au6I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/rgAOqdfP-4w/s1600-h/petrol%20guage%20empty%20cropped[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211304975838919586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFJGQ80au6I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/rgAOqdfP-4w/s320/petrol%2520guage%2520empty%2520cropped%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>With the announcement of <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7452033.stm">this action</a> maybe its more relevant that ever to look at <a href="http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/price-of-special-relationship.html">replacing the dollar</a>.</div>"
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string(442) "<a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1631243915?bctid=1638857924">Lembit’s latest attempt to lose his seat can be found here</a>. I don’t know what is worse. The fact that he clearly thinks the cheeky girls are world renowned celebs, or the fact that he would think anyone is interested in watching this!<br /><br />Hat tip <a href="http://heleddfychan.blogspot.com/">Heledd Fychan</a> and welcome to the blogsphere."
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string(26) "Take a look closer to home"
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string(731) "If ever there was a desperate bid to get your name mentioned as a leadership contender this is it! It is ironic that Leighton Andrews would start his speech noting that people are not stupid only to then state:<br /><br /><strong><em> “This (corporate greed) is an issue that unites core Labour voters and those who want us to persuade them to vote Labour. It unites those who call themselves working class.”</em></strong><br /><br />This of course is the same Labour party that is so against corporate greed it is closing 2,500 post offices in a cost cutting exercise. The same Labour that yesterday refused calls for a fuel regulator to tackle rising fuel costs for ordinary people yet was happy to bail out Northern Rock."
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string(542) "As <a href="http://welshramblings.blogspot.com/2008/07/tory-devolution-report-back-to-redwood.html">Welsh Ramblings</a> has highlighted on his blog the Tories have finally woken up to the issue of devolution, albeit purely from an English point of view. I wonder if as they have suggested that only English MP’s should vote on English only issues would the same be true on Welsh MP’s. When a referendum for a Parliament for Wales goes to the House of Commons will we only see Tory MP’s from Wales voting for or more likely against it?"
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string(810) "<a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/18/italian-jibe-row-am-could-face-further-trouble-91466-21092115/">Alun Cairns has once again found himself in hot water after it emerged that he has used Assembly stationary for personal use</a>. The concerns are regarding just one sheet of paper used back in 2002 but given the week he’s had this is enough to get the papers on his back again.<br /><br />With his candidacy for the Vale of Glamorgan seat still hanging in the balance this is not the sort of headlines he would want hanging over him. With so many weeks of riding high the Tories may have got a little complacent and this wake up call in Wales, in addition to the David Davis circus and Caroline Spelman’s nanny financing, could be the start of their very own Brown snowball."
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string(883) "Interesting to note that Brown’s Ministers and the Tory Shadow Cabinet in Westminster will <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7458889.stm">not be taking their pay rises this year</a>. A noble gesture in the current climate. Plaid Cymru did the same here of course and the move <a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics-news/2008/03/08/six-plaid-ams-refuse-to-accept-8-3-pay-rise-91466-20580220/">wasn’t welcomed by Labour and the Conservatives at the time</a>. <br /><br />Alun Davies commented at the time that it was “sixth form politics” and Nick Bourne’s levelled accusations that it was the “the worst kind of political opportunism.” I doubt very much that those two will be running to the press to highlight their concerns this time. What a difference a bit of time can make in politics. I guess Plaid were in the right all along boys."
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string(2972) "<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFYjz2gQi4I/AAAAAAAAAMY/S2WZhfg82BU/s1600-h/italy-flag[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212392992439044994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFYjz2gQi4I/AAAAAAAAAMY/S2WZhfg82BU/s320/italy-flag%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My decision not to blog regularly on weekends has left me trailing a tad on the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7454545.stm">Alun Cairns story</a> which broke on <a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/14/tory-s-greasy-wops-remark-about-italians-91466-21072040/">Saturday</a> and picked up a notch on <a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/14/tory-resigns-over-greasy-wops-remark-91466-21075874/">Sunday</a>. Many of <a href="http://this-is-sparta.blogspot.com/2008/06/cairns-suspended-over-wopgate.html">my</a> <a href="http://peterblack.blogspot.com/2008/06/pressure-grows-on-tory-to-stand-down.html">notable</a> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/vaughanroderick/2008/06/alun_druan.html">blogging</a> <a href="http://paulflynnmp.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/06/successful-flop.html">peers</a> have already had their say. Not surprisingly no such mention of it from <a href="http://blog.nickbourne.org.uk/">these</a> <a href="http://www.glyndaviesam.blogspot.com/">two</a>.<br /><br />It would be very easy, if not expected of this blog to go on the offensive and condemn Alun for his comments. Certainly racist phrases such these have no place in our society, and defiantly not in an institution such as the National Assembly. Alun, if he didn’t before, has no doubt now that when you are an Assembly Member you are never off the clock. Clearly here he let his guard down and it has backfired spectacularly. To ignore the comments as just a joke flirts with disarming their meaning and making language like this acceptable. As soon as that happens, the kind of propaganda spouted by the BNP suddenly finds itself into the mainstream. That can never be acceptable.<br /><br />Having said that I have no doubts that Alun Cairns’ comments had no malice attached to them. He is a very capable and effective politician who has made a major and lasting mistake. He has been punished enough and the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7455520.stm">possibility of being withdrawn from standing as a candidate in the General election</a> will be yet another blow. After many weeks of riding high it seems Cameron is dealing with pile up of internal issues as Cairns adds to his trouble with David Davis. Labour will be delighted that not only will Gordon Brown finally be getting a bit of breathing space they may just be able to put enough pressure on Cameron to cut of his own nose in sacking Alun Cairns from standing for Westminster, effectively giving Labour a major boost in one of the Tories key targets in Wales.</div>"
["link"]=>
string(72) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/1-comment-1-career.html"
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string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=4560774122025904187http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/4560774122025904187/comments/default"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[6]=>
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["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-4927326302984650040"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-13T10:03:00.001Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-13T10:04:55.910Z"
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string(694) "<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFJGQ80au6I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/rgAOqdfP-4w/s1600-h/petrol%20guage%20empty%20cropped[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211304975838919586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFJGQ80au6I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/rgAOqdfP-4w/s320/petrol%2520guage%2520empty%2520cropped%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>With the announcement of <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7452033.stm">this action</a> maybe its more relevant that ever to look at <a href="http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/price-of-special-relationship.html">replacing the dollar</a>.</div>"
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string(92) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/with-announcement-of-this-action-maybe.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[7]=>
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string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-1987546551261052677"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-13T09:12:00.001Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-13T10:26:10.858Z"
["title"]=>
string(18) "The Davis Fall Out"
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string(1210) "News of David Davis resignation has been a major blow for his party leader David Cameron. Not only has it given the Labour party a bone to chew on the Tory split on policy it also appears the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7452108.stm">press have turned on Cameron</a>. It will go nowhere near far enough to hit the Tory leader’s poll lead but certainly Cameron will not be happy that Davis has rocked his seemingly steady ship.<br /><br />The real concern for Cameron is that his detractors continually attack the fact he has very little in the way on policy, yet when a policy issue arises his own party have apparently fallen out. Thanks to Davis’ decision what should have been a very poor week for Brown, even with the victory on the 42 day bill he was under intense scrutiny, has now turned into a dilemma for Cameron. David Davis has turned a poor Labour news week into a question of Cameron’s leadership skills and policy ideas.<br /><br />How the by-election pans out could be very significant. I have no doubt that Davis will win comfortably but if Labour do not field a candidate the only opposition Davis may mount is to his own party’s failure to commit to overturning this policy."
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string(69) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/davies-fall-out.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[8]=>
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string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-2525934835085774657"
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string(24) "2008-06-12T14:26:00.001Z"
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string(24) "2008-06-13T10:27:01.021Z"
["title"]=>
string(19) "Stunt or Sincerity?"
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string(1679) "<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7450627.stm">I have a little issue with today’s big news that David Davis has quit as an MP</a>.<br /><br />After years of attacking the Labour party for the politics of spin I feel as if this is gesture politics at its most daring level.<br /><br />I do not disagree with David Davis. I think he is entirely correct to highlight the erosion of civil liberties under Gordon Brown and Blair before him. I think the vote yesterday is a black mark for British freedom. However, it is a vote that was conducted democratically. We elect our MP's to vote on these issues. Whatever your views on the 42 day limit (I am totally opposed to it) the fact remains that the vote was conducted and the motion was carried. We now face a by-election at the cost of the taxpayer so that David Davis can continue with this point.<br /><br />It is a difficult call as I do not doubt that Davis is sincere in his opposition to these disastrous proposals yet his actions are a facet of politics that we could do without. I would have thought a better course of action would have been for David Cameron to pledge to strip away this policy if he wins the next election. Give support to Davis as the leader of the Conservatives and as a future Prime Minister.<br /><br />Strategically if I were Labour I wouldn’t field a candidate. I’d let Davis get re-elected unopposed (worse still suffering public debates against a beauty queen and a monster raving loony party member) and take his platform away from him. Somehow I can’t see an incumbent Government being seen to give up on winning seat without loosing what little credibility they have left."
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string(72) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/stunt-or-sincerity.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[9]=>
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["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-7603769600637093378"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-12T10:28:00.002Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-12T10:31:08.192Z"
["title"]=>
string(35) "The Price of a Special Relationship"
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string(2605) "<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFD65O53jnI/AAAAAAAAAMI/C8_IsqjNKz0/s1600-h/oil-on-water[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210940630027964018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFD65O53jnI/AAAAAAAAAMI/C8_IsqjNKz0/s320/oil-on-water%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The soaring price of oil is crippling the nation. We have already seen fuel protesters take an initial stand with more action promised on the way. The price has smashed through the £1 per litre margin and no doubt will never return below that level.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/an-ominous-warning-that-the-rapid-rise-in-oil-prices-has-only-just-begun-844217.html">This report from the Independent</a> shows how things will only go from bad to worse.<br />Oil is traded in the global markets via dollars. The weakness of the greenback as a currency is creating inflation in the price of oil. This in turn pushing up energy costs, leading to the squeezing of disposable incomes of low and middle earners as well as more worryingly increasing the number of individuals living in fuel poverty. The Government have no hope of reaching the 2010 fuel poverty target, especially when some commentators are talking about $200 a barrel.<br /></div><br /><div>The Government suggests that global matters are out of their control. I suggest that this is plainly untrue. The first step could be for a change in the oil trading currency to a stronger currency which would lead to deflationary pressures on the price of oil. In the end the UK Government needs to decide what’s more important – the ‘special relationship’ with America or the fuel poor of the UK.</div><br /><div><br />When oil is traded for currency oil producers are getting something which is increasingly devalued – so as the dollar falls they push up their prices to make up losses in revenue.<br />Some Marxists commentators of course argue that one of the major stimuli for the Iraq war was the determination of the Bush Government to preserve the pre-eminence of the dollar due to the degree of control the trading currency gives over the industry. There has been increasing talk of adopting the Euro – a lobby which was gaining increasing support amongst OPEC countries. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Surely at a time where businesses are collapsing due to the failure to meet oil costs and the UK calls further into fuel poverty the Government needs to have a serious economic debate on this. </div>"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[10]=>
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["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-1160073876329337349"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-12T08:46:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-12T08:47:28.464Z"
["title"]=>
string(32) "The Need for a Strong Opposition"
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string(1572) "<a href="http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/12/labour-ams-reject-transfer-of-powers-to-decide-elections-91466-21060951/">Labour and the Tories rejected</a> proposals to devolve more power to the Assembly yesterday when they voted (or worse abstained) when the Lib Dems put forward their proposals. <a href="http://peterblack.blogspot.com/2008/06/fighting-for-more-powers.html">Peter Black</a> who proposed the motion gives links to his speech and the voting record here.<br /><br />It is a shame that even though they had a free vote Labour politicians did not follow their leader and back this motion. The Tories also missed a trick in refusing to back the motion. Clearly their talk of greater devolution is something that is confined to the blogsphere.<br /><br />What will be concerning for the Lib Dems is the failure to get a cohesive opposition. It is difficult enough for the Tories and Lib Dems as without sufficient numbers they can create little impact on the Government. However in cases like this, where a free vote is offered and the support of some Government AM’s secured it is imperative that the opposition ranks ensure they have their influence on policy. <br /><br />Back in the last Assembly term the Plaid-Tory-Lib Dem opposition was an effective machine gaining a number of Government concessions. Without that strength in numbers and with the One Wales programme working relitivly smoothly the opposition has had little impact. If this pattern continues the relevance of the Tories and Lib Dems becomes ever decreasing."
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string(80) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/need-for-strong-opposition.html"
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[11]=>
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["id"]=>
string(69) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-667224233606785067"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-11T11:00:00.002Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-11T16:13:28.285Z"
["title"]=>
string(30) "International relations Indeed"
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string(1112) "<a href="http://peterblack.blogspot.com/2008/06/international-relations.html">Peter Black</a> starts his recent post on Welsh international relations with the claim that Plaid’s call for a seat at the United Nations for Wales is ridiculous. I personally find it ridiculous that a man elected to represent a Welsh region would be so opposed to having a Welsh voice at such an institution.<br /><br />The rest of the post relates to the issue of Lord Thomas’ decision not to meet with the Israeli Ambassador. Peter states:<br /><br />Cardiff Council Leader, Rodney Berman has it right. He said: "<em><strong>If AMs have concerns, as I do myself, about polices followed by the Israeli Government then surely it’s better to use this event to talk about those concerns rather than to put up barriers which can only promote further misunderstanding."<br /></strong></em><br />This point brings up a separate issue. Peter clearly believes that it is better to talk about concerns than put up barriers. A noble stance. Why then is he so opposed to Wales having the opportunity to have a seat at the United Nations?"
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string(84) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/international-relations-indeed.html"
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["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-6782322053772722106"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-09T10:48:00.000Z"
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string(24) "2008-06-09T10:49:15.118Z"
["title"]=>
string(28) "With Friends Like These....."
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string(1211) "<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7443528.stm">The GMB’s decision to ask its membership if it should cut its funding to the Labour party</a> is a significant appraisal of New Labour’s drift to the right.<br /><br />Whilst there are still some, and always will be some staunch trade unionists in the Labour party the fact remains that over the last ten years the Labour party has not represented the trade unions in the manor that it would expect. Many times I have been at a trade union rally and heard union branch secretary’s label the Government as traitors. Suggesting that union coffers have supplied the government with the bullets to shoot them down.<br /><br />A slash in funding would be a major blow for the Labour party. Not only would it have an economical impact, leaving the party struggling to cope with the financial challenge of an election against Cameron’s rejuvenated Tories, but it is yet another vote of no confidence for Gordon Brown. At a time when private donations are tinted with sleaze and are drying up for an ever increasingly unpopular Labour party the possibility of loosing union backing could be the final straw on the back of Browns leadership camel."
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string(77) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/with-friends-like-these.html"
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[13]=>
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["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-7457058235583027857"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-04T11:22:00.010Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-04T15:47:22.658Z"
["title"]=>
string(8) "Welsh EU"
["atom_content"]=>
string(2363) "<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SEZ7gcTmoeI/AAAAAAAAAMA/wkkN5E9sh6k/s1600-h/2171[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207985816385004002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SEZ7gcTmoeI/AAAAAAAAAMA/wkkN5E9sh6k/s320/2171%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Interesting report in <a href="http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/04/labour-plaid-argue-about-m-eu-translation-bill-91466-21019515/">today’s Western mail</a> highlights Eluned Morgan opposing the Plaid bid to get Welsh recognised as the 24th official language of the EU. Why the Labour MEP would wish to do this is quite frankly beyond me.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Is Eluned Morgan really of the idea that because it costs a bit we should bother? Gaelic has officially recognised language status and yet Labour does not wish to see Welsh promoted in the same way. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>As far as I can understand the £500,000 proposed to make Welsh an official language at the EU will not be used to encourage grassroots participation so her point about better use of the money really doesn’t make sense? Even if it was then I think making the Welsh language an official one at the EU will go a long way to help promote its use. </div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The One Wales Government, in which Eluned Morgan’s party has signed up to states that it will “drive forward our efforts to obtain agreement on the use of the Welsh language in specified areas of EU business. We will use this experience to explore with the Westminster government the making of an official application to the Council of Ministers for the Welsh language to receive official EU language and working language status.” Talk about turning your back on your colleagues. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Whilst all this is ongoing Huw Lewis is apparently learning Welsh. What is happening with the world!</div><div></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Update</strong>:<br /><br /><a href="http://normalmouth.blogspot.com/2008/06/eluned-foible.html">Normal Mouth posts his views here</a>.</div>"
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string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-5419214435244533436"
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string(24) "2008-05-29T08:45:00.000Z"
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string(24) "2008-05-29T08:46:23.140Z"
["title"]=>
string(31) "Where's Glyn's Devolution Gone?"
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string(2355) "I was disappointed in <a href="http://glyndaviesam.blogspot.com/2008/05/so-39-of-conservatives-are-on-board.html">Glyn Davies’</a> response to the Richard Wyn Jones and Roger Scully poll into devolution. His post starts well with him welcoming the announcement, even if it is a tad optimistic when he claims the Conservatives will be the champions of further powers! Still so far so good.<br /><br />It’s when you get to the second paragraph and you read that he backs Stephen Crabb's comments that you start to worry. Here is a man that has been the lone voice for devolution within the Tory party in Wales apparently endorsing the anti-devolution comments of Stephen Crabb. The same man that once referred to the Assembly as “the beast in the bay!” The comments that Glyn are backing read as follows:<br />“I would take any survey that purports to demonstrate opinion on devolution with a pinch of salt. It doesn’t ring true with me. I think there is certainly an increase in the number of Conservatives who have accepted that the Assembly is here to stay; I think there has been a decrease in the number of people arguing for abolition.”<br />“But the current strain of discussion I’m picking up is about the future of the Union. Far more Conservatives are concerned about that than about more powers for the Assembly.”<br />Hardly the ringing endorsement of Conservative devolution you would want to see Glyn backing.<br /><br />Glyn states that he has not changed his position since deciding to run for office in Westminster but I am not sure I agree with him. He has recently, and does so again in this post, called for a referendum not to take place before 2011. This call comes in the face of the fact that the Assembly Government has agreed to hold such a referendum and that every poll published shows a consistent and growing support for winning the Yes vote. What is holding Glyn back? The fear a referendum could be won?<br /><br />This is not supposed to be an attack on Glyn. He is a capable politician who is an important voice for devolution in Wales. Sadly it seems the closer we get to the Westminster election the more Glyn is towing the party line. Appearing devolutionist whilst having no party mandate to work with. Action rather than words is what the process needs from Glyn and the Conservatives."
["link"]=>
string(82) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/wheres-glyns-devolution-gone.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[15]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-4641466639755089849"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-28T09:20:00.001Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-28T09:21:50.696Z"
["title"]=>
string(23) "Referendum moves closer"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1432) "<a href="http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/politics-news/2008/05/28/surprise-as-39-of-tories-back-law-making-parliament-for-wales-91466-20983066/">Very interesting article in the Western Mail today about research into the support for further devolution</a>. The study undertaken by Professors Richard Wyn Jones and Roger Scully shows a broad range of support for a Parliament for Wales. Plaid, Labour and Tory supporters are all in favour of further devolution, whilst the Lib Dems remain split although with a good number behind the idea.<br /><br />The fact that the Tory support base has gone from utterly opposing the idea of an Assembly to backing plans for a Parliament is very encouraging. The fact Stephen Crabb and the Tory party machine are so quick to dismiss the results is less so. It is important now that those grass roots members in the Tory party that have indicated their support here make sure they let the devo-sceptic Tory politicians very aware of their stance.<br /><br />With a clear majority of people polled backing a parliament for Wales here, added to the BBC poll earlier in the year that also showed support for further devolution it seems there is no case for suggesting that public support is not recognised. If the public continue to support it then the few Labour MP’s and Tory MP’s that block the plans will no longer be able to claim it is in anyone’s interests other than their own."
["link"]=>
string(77) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/referendum-moves-closer.html"
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string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=4641466639755089849http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/4641466639755089849/comments/default"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[16]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-2065503128591203465"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-27T12:40:00.001Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-27T12:40:55.055Z"
["title"]=>
string(19) "Dancing Politicians"
["atom_content"]=>
string(317) "<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/9WqQL5WFN20' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/9WqQL5WFN20'/></object></p><p>Does what it says on the tin. Great song.</p></div>"
["link"]=>
string(73) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/dancing-politicians.html"
["link_replies"]=>
string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=2065503128591203465http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/2065503128591203465/comments/default"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[17]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-6679434575305971417"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-23T11:18:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-23T11:19:45.743Z"
["title"]=>
string(46) "If you say it enough you'll start believing it"
["atom_content"]=>
string(109) "<a href="http://peterblack.blogspot.com/2008/05/annual-report.html">Yawn. Is he still pushing this line?</a>"
["link"]=>
string(86) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/if-you-say-it-enough-youll-start.html"
["link_replies"]=>
string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=6679434575305971417http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/6679434575305971417/comments/default"
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["author_name"]=>
string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[18]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-9045665641649357412"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-21T08:50:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-21T08:51:26.049Z"
["title"]=>
string(17) "Agree to Disagree"
["atom_content"]=>
string(628) "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/05/mwy_1.html">Betsan Powys is quick to highlight the Tory’s double standards on health</a>. When in opposition it is quite easy to go down the popularist route. However that’s always a bit more difficult when there’s photographic evidence contradicting you!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.keepawelcome.co.uk/assembly-elections-2007.php">As you can see from this list</a> Nick Bourne certainly backed the campaign which begs the question, who runs the Tory health policy? Jonathan Morgan its health spokesperson or Nick Bourne the party leader in Wales?"
["link"]=>
string(71) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/agree-to-disagree.html"
["link_replies"]=>
string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=9045665641649357412http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/9045665641649357412/comments/default"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[19]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(69) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-316053320482891469"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-20T09:23:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-20T09:24:38.697Z"
["title"]=>
string(11) "Bless......"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1595) "Plaid strategists will be chuckling away as they <a href="http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/05/20/labour-activists-start-to-question-agreement-91466-20934153/">read this report in the Western Mail</a>. Poor Labour are upset that Plaid have not dragged them to better results at the council elections. Despite both parties making it very clear that the One Wales Agreement extends to the Assembly alone many Welsh Labour grassroots activists are furious that Plaid have had the audacity to enter into coalitions at council level without them. The very cheek! <br /><br />Paul Murphy’s speech made it clear at the Labour conference that Labour would fight Plaid all the way outside the Assembly. The One Wales Agreement itself states:<br /> <br /><strong><em>“Nothing in this agreement will stand in the way of us taking part with unconstrained vigour in democratic elections, not least the local government elections in 2008”</em></strong><br /><br />Added to which the decision by labour in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion to join coalitions excluding Plaid (the largest party in each of those council authorities) and you really have to find the views bizarre.<br /><br />The most laughable argument made is the anger the unnamed Labour councillor has at the fact Plaid Ministers are getting more TV coverage. If you have ministers as dull as Andrew Davies and Jane Hutt what do you expect! The fact that Plaid ministers are recognised as doing a good job and bringing fresh views is newsworthy. The fact that Brian Gibbons could talk a glass eye to sleep isn’t!"
["link"]=>
string(59) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/bless.html"
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string(167) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=316053320482891469http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/316053320482891469/comments/default"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[20]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-3476968196486581960"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-20T08:54:00.002Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-20T08:55:45.179Z"
["title"]=>
string(30) "Leighton doesn't really get it"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1502) "<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SDKSBsRP__I/AAAAAAAAAL4/JAHpdTV2gQ4/s1600-h/488373688_a5bf797e54_m[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202381077327380466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SDKSBsRP__I/AAAAAAAAAL4/JAHpdTV2gQ4/s320/488373688_a5bf797e54_m%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The ever so high and mighty <a href="http://www.leightonandrews.com/2008/05/poll-result.html">Leighton Andrews has published the results of his poll on censoring blogs</a>. The fact of the matter is that he has clearly asked the wrong question.<br /><br />Whilst Leighton asked should politicians blogs be censored the real question is should politicians blogs be publicly funded? No one is suggesting that any politician should be gagged but that they should not use public money to fund their party political views. If they disagree they can pick up a free blog from blogger as many already have. Or like Paul Flynn could use their own money.<br /><br />I would of course made this point on Leighton’s blog but anyone who has ever gone there will know that ironically he does seem to censor his comments! Unless you’re a Labour SPAD I wouldn’t expect to see it published!<br /><br />I don’t know why Leighton is that irate really. Unless they start imposing bans for generic Cardiff city photos with the headings, “I was there” with no actual pictures of him then he needn’t worry.</div>"
["link"]=>
string(83) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/leighton-doesnt-really-get-it.html"
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string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=3476968196486581960http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/3476968196486581960/comments/default"
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[21]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-1260275200044602408"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-19T09:11:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-19T09:15:47.524Z"
["title"]=>
string(16) "It's Oh So Quiet"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1729) "The issue of the Welsh leadership is surprisingly quiet. As Matt Withers highlighted on the weekend (link not on his blog yet), and as <a href="http://glyndaviesam.blogspot.com/2008/05/non-interview.html">Glyn Davies also noted</a>, the disastrous local election campaign has not been addressed by the major players in the party.<br /><br />It could of course be that no potential suitors for the hot seat want to be associated with such a damaging campaign. The fortunes of the Welsh Labour camp are a difficult issue to focus on. At one level they have of course been held back by a stuttering and weak Westminster administration. The donations sleaze followed by the 10p tax debacle has obviously hit them hard. Added to which Plaid had an excellent local elections campaign suggesting the One Wales Government has not run into any negative views from the pubic a large. However, I refuse to believe that those at the head of Welsh Labour continue to believe, as they stated following the Assembly elections, that the rejection they had at the polling booths is solely to do with the unpopularity of the Westminster Government.<br /><br />Whoever takes over from Rhodri Morgan will need to address the failings in the party in Wales. As things stand they could suffer yet further losses at the General election. Having slipped to third places in many councils, lost Assembly seats and facing losing seats in Wales at the next election with the party as a whole losing power at Westminster the future leader in Wales will have a very difficult task. The fact that none of the pretenders for the crown have Rhodri Morgan’s popularity with voters outside the Labour heartlands could make that task even more difficult."
["link"]=>
string(69) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/its-oh-so-quiet.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[22]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-8563892767467766990"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-19T09:09:00.001Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-19T09:11:21.609Z"
["title"]=>
string(10) "Caerphilly"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1281) "<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7404706.stm">Ron Davies career takes another step towards resurrection</a> as he takes his place as part of the Caerphilly Council Cabinet. The new cabinet member will have responsibility for regeneration and the countryside.<br /><br />The fact that Plaid has taken control in Caerphilly sets up new council leader Lindsay Whittle with a real run at Wayne David’s seat when the Westminster elections come around. If Ron does not stand at that election then the familiarity that he still has with traditional Labour voters in the area could come to Plaid given Ron Davies’ position in the Plaid run Council.<br /><br />It will be an extremely difficult election for Plaid to win. However, with the Labour Government suffering an almost daily dip in the polls, Gordon Brown’s popularity at an all time low, the notoriety of leading the local council and Plaid riding high with the One Wales turns this seat from a Labour stronghold to an interesting marginal. With so many Labour seats being targeted come the next election it will be left to just the local party to defend the seat. Plaid will have their target seats and Caerphilly will no doubt not be top of that list but certainly now it is one to keep an eye on."
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string(64) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/caerphilly.html"
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[23]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-3921048612180405397"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-16T09:52:00.003Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-16T12:14:06.501Z"
["title"]=>
string(40) "Running the country but not the capitols"
["atom_content"]=>
string(2412) "The BBC has reported the updates in the negotiations in coalition deals after the county council elections. According to their reports Plaid will be in the ruling party in 8 separate councils. Added to which they are the largest political group at both Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire councils and this really shows the fantastic results they have achieved.<br /><br />The announcement yesterday of a Plaid-Lib Dem coalition at Cardiff will really have damaged the Labour party. It is a huge coup for Plaid who will no longer be able to be painted as a party simply for West and North Wales. It is especially embarrassing for Gordon Brown. With the SNP/Liberal’s running the city of Edinburgh Council, Plaid/Lib Dems running Cardiff and Boris Johnson having just taken London for the Tories Brown is no longer in control of the day to day lives of those living in any of the UK’s capitols.<br /><br />Full breakdown of the coalitions here:<br /><br /><strong>Blaenau Gwent:</strong> Independent led, with People's Voice and Liberal Democrats<br /><br /><strong>Bridgend:</strong> Labour led, with three Ind<br /><br /><strong>Caerphilly:</strong> Plaid Cymru led minority, with two Ind<br /><br /><strong>Cardiff:</strong> Lib Dem led, with Plaid<br /><br /><strong>Carmarthen</strong>: Ind led, with Lab and Lib Dem<br /><br /><strong>Ceredigion:</strong> Ind led, with Lib Dem and Lab<br /><br /><strong>Conwy:</strong> Plaid led, with Ind, Lab and Libl Dem<br /><br /><strong>Denbighshire:</strong> Ind led, with Plaid, Lab, Lib Dem and Cons - TBC<br /><br /><strong>Flintshire:</strong> Ind led, with Lib Dem and Conservatives<br /><br /><strong>Gwynedd:</strong> Plaid led board - details TBC<br /><br /><strong>Merthyr:</strong> Ind led board, with Lab and Libl Dem<br /><br /><strong>Monmouth:</strong> Cons<br /><br /><strong>Neath Port Talbot:</strong> Lab<br /><br /><strong>Newport</strong>: TBC - possibly Cons led with Lib Dems<br /><br /><strong>Pembrokeshire:</strong> Ind<br /><br /><strong>Powys:</strong> Ind<br /><br /><strong>Rhondda Cynon Taf:</strong> Lab<br /><br /><strong>Swansea:</strong> Lib Dem led with Ind and Plaid<br /><br /><strong>Torfaen</strong>: NOC - details TBC<br /><br /><strong>Vale of Glamorgan:</strong> Cons<br /><br /><strong>Wrexham:</strong> Lib Dem led board, with Ind, Cons and Plaid<br /><br /><strong>Ynys Mon:</strong> Ind led, with Plaid, Lib Dem and Cons"
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string(70) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/whose-in-control.html"
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[24]=>
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["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-7548480659869887707"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-15T16:28:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-15T16:29:40.208Z"
["title"]=>
string(13) "Question Time"
["atom_content"]=>
string(758) "<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/question_time/7400747.stm">Question time comes from Cardiff’s Millennium Centre tonight</a>. I have criticised the show in the past for the way it overlooks Wales. The very fact there wasn’t a specific show dedicated to the Assembly elections shows how much the Beeb overlook us.<br /><br />Anywho, tonight’s show has only one Welsh politician on the panel in the guise of Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones AM. She will be joined by Laura Booth (Cherie Blair’s sister), Alan Johnson MP, Alan Duncan MP and Yo Sushi! Founder Simon Woodroffe. I am sure there will be the token Welsh question but with Laura Booth on the panel and Cherie’s book attacking Brown it will no doubt make for interesting viewing."
["link"]=>
string(67) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/question-time.html"
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string(48) "How to lose a westminster seat in ten easy steps"
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string(442) "<a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1631243915?bctid=1638857924">Lembit’s latest attempt to lose his seat can be found here</a>. I don’t know what is worse. The fact that he clearly thinks the cheeky girls are world renowned celebs, or the fact that he would think anyone is interested in watching this!<br /><br />Hat tip <a href="http://heleddfychan.blogspot.com/">Heledd Fychan</a> and welcome to the blogsphere."
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string(731) "If ever there was a desperate bid to get your name mentioned as a leadership contender this is it! It is ironic that Leighton Andrews would start his speech noting that people are not stupid only to then state:<br /><br /><strong><em> “This (corporate greed) is an issue that unites core Labour voters and those who want us to persuade them to vote Labour. It unites those who call themselves working class.”</em></strong><br /><br />This of course is the same Labour party that is so against corporate greed it is closing 2,500 post offices in a cost cutting exercise. The same Labour that yesterday refused calls for a fuel regulator to tackle rising fuel costs for ordinary people yet was happy to bail out Northern Rock."
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string(542) "As <a href="http://welshramblings.blogspot.com/2008/07/tory-devolution-report-back-to-redwood.html">Welsh Ramblings</a> has highlighted on his blog the Tories have finally woken up to the issue of devolution, albeit purely from an English point of view. I wonder if as they have suggested that only English MP’s should vote on English only issues would the same be true on Welsh MP’s. When a referendum for a Parliament for Wales goes to the House of Commons will we only see Tory MP’s from Wales voting for or more likely against it?"
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string(27) "It Never Rains But It Pours"
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string(810) "<a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/18/italian-jibe-row-am-could-face-further-trouble-91466-21092115/">Alun Cairns has once again found himself in hot water after it emerged that he has used Assembly stationary for personal use</a>. The concerns are regarding just one sheet of paper used back in 2002 but given the week he’s had this is enough to get the papers on his back again.<br /><br />With his candidacy for the Vale of Glamorgan seat still hanging in the balance this is not the sort of headlines he would want hanging over him. With so many weeks of riding high the Tories may have got a little complacent and this wake up call in Wales, in addition to the David Davis circus and Caroline Spelman’s nanny financing, could be the start of their very own Brown snowball."
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string(23) "Do as I say not as I do"
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string(883) "Interesting to note that Brown’s Ministers and the Tory Shadow Cabinet in Westminster will <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7458889.stm">not be taking their pay rises this year</a>. A noble gesture in the current climate. Plaid Cymru did the same here of course and the move <a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics-news/2008/03/08/six-plaid-ams-refuse-to-accept-8-3-pay-rise-91466-20580220/">wasn’t welcomed by Labour and the Conservatives at the time</a>. <br /><br />Alun Davies commented at the time that it was “sixth form politics” and Nick Bourne’s levelled accusations that it was the “the worst kind of political opportunism.” I doubt very much that those two will be running to the press to highlight their concerns this time. What a difference a bit of time can make in politics. I guess Plaid were in the right all along boys."
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string(18) "1 Comment 1 Career"
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string(2972) "<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFYjz2gQi4I/AAAAAAAAAMY/S2WZhfg82BU/s1600-h/italy-flag[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212392992439044994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFYjz2gQi4I/AAAAAAAAAMY/S2WZhfg82BU/s320/italy-flag%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My decision not to blog regularly on weekends has left me trailing a tad on the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7454545.stm">Alun Cairns story</a> which broke on <a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/14/tory-s-greasy-wops-remark-about-italians-91466-21072040/">Saturday</a> and picked up a notch on <a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/14/tory-resigns-over-greasy-wops-remark-91466-21075874/">Sunday</a>. Many of <a href="http://this-is-sparta.blogspot.com/2008/06/cairns-suspended-over-wopgate.html">my</a> <a href="http://peterblack.blogspot.com/2008/06/pressure-grows-on-tory-to-stand-down.html">notable</a> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/vaughanroderick/2008/06/alun_druan.html">blogging</a> <a href="http://paulflynnmp.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/06/successful-flop.html">peers</a> have already had their say. Not surprisingly no such mention of it from <a href="http://blog.nickbourne.org.uk/">these</a> <a href="http://www.glyndaviesam.blogspot.com/">two</a>.<br /><br />It would be very easy, if not expected of this blog to go on the offensive and condemn Alun for his comments. Certainly racist phrases such these have no place in our society, and defiantly not in an institution such as the National Assembly. Alun, if he didn’t before, has no doubt now that when you are an Assembly Member you are never off the clock. Clearly here he let his guard down and it has backfired spectacularly. To ignore the comments as just a joke flirts with disarming their meaning and making language like this acceptable. As soon as that happens, the kind of propaganda spouted by the BNP suddenly finds itself into the mainstream. That can never be acceptable.<br /><br />Having said that I have no doubts that Alun Cairns’ comments had no malice attached to them. He is a very capable and effective politician who has made a major and lasting mistake. He has been punished enough and the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7455520.stm">possibility of being withdrawn from standing as a candidate in the General election</a> will be yet another blow. After many weeks of riding high it seems Cameron is dealing with pile up of internal issues as Cairns adds to his trouble with David Davis. Labour will be delighted that not only will Gordon Brown finally be getting a bit of breathing space they may just be able to put enough pressure on Cameron to cut of his own nose in sacking Alun Cairns from standing for Westminster, effectively giving Labour a major boost in one of the Tories key targets in Wales.</div>"
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string(694) "<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFJGQ80au6I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/rgAOqdfP-4w/s1600-h/petrol%20guage%20empty%20cropped[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211304975838919586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFJGQ80au6I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/rgAOqdfP-4w/s320/petrol%2520guage%2520empty%2520cropped%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>With the announcement of <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7452033.stm">this action</a> maybe its more relevant that ever to look at <a href="http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/price-of-special-relationship.html">replacing the dollar</a>.</div>"
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string(18) "The Davis Fall Out"
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string(1210) "News of David Davis resignation has been a major blow for his party leader David Cameron. Not only has it given the Labour party a bone to chew on the Tory split on policy it also appears the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7452108.stm">press have turned on Cameron</a>. It will go nowhere near far enough to hit the Tory leader’s poll lead but certainly Cameron will not be happy that Davis has rocked his seemingly steady ship.<br /><br />The real concern for Cameron is that his detractors continually attack the fact he has very little in the way on policy, yet when a policy issue arises his own party have apparently fallen out. Thanks to Davis’ decision what should have been a very poor week for Brown, even with the victory on the 42 day bill he was under intense scrutiny, has now turned into a dilemma for Cameron. David Davis has turned a poor Labour news week into a question of Cameron’s leadership skills and policy ideas.<br /><br />How the by-election pans out could be very significant. I have no doubt that Davis will win comfortably but if Labour do not field a candidate the only opposition Davis may mount is to his own party’s failure to commit to overturning this policy."
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string(19) "Stunt or Sincerity?"
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string(1679) "<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7450627.stm">I have a little issue with today’s big news that David Davis has quit as an MP</a>.<br /><br />After years of attacking the Labour party for the politics of spin I feel as if this is gesture politics at its most daring level.<br /><br />I do not disagree with David Davis. I think he is entirely correct to highlight the erosion of civil liberties under Gordon Brown and Blair before him. I think the vote yesterday is a black mark for British freedom. However, it is a vote that was conducted democratically. We elect our MP's to vote on these issues. Whatever your views on the 42 day limit (I am totally opposed to it) the fact remains that the vote was conducted and the motion was carried. We now face a by-election at the cost of the taxpayer so that David Davis can continue with this point.<br /><br />It is a difficult call as I do not doubt that Davis is sincere in his opposition to these disastrous proposals yet his actions are a facet of politics that we could do without. I would have thought a better course of action would have been for David Cameron to pledge to strip away this policy if he wins the next election. Give support to Davis as the leader of the Conservatives and as a future Prime Minister.<br /><br />Strategically if I were Labour I wouldn’t field a candidate. I’d let Davis get re-elected unopposed (worse still suffering public debates against a beauty queen and a monster raving loony party member) and take his platform away from him. Somehow I can’t see an incumbent Government being seen to give up on winning seat without loosing what little credibility they have left."
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string(35) "The Price of a Special Relationship"
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string(2605) "<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFD65O53jnI/AAAAAAAAAMI/C8_IsqjNKz0/s1600-h/oil-on-water[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210940630027964018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SFD65O53jnI/AAAAAAAAAMI/C8_IsqjNKz0/s320/oil-on-water%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The soaring price of oil is crippling the nation. We have already seen fuel protesters take an initial stand with more action promised on the way. The price has smashed through the £1 per litre margin and no doubt will never return below that level.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/an-ominous-warning-that-the-rapid-rise-in-oil-prices-has-only-just-begun-844217.html">This report from the Independent</a> shows how things will only go from bad to worse.<br />Oil is traded in the global markets via dollars. The weakness of the greenback as a currency is creating inflation in the price of oil. This in turn pushing up energy costs, leading to the squeezing of disposable incomes of low and middle earners as well as more worryingly increasing the number of individuals living in fuel poverty. The Government have no hope of reaching the 2010 fuel poverty target, especially when some commentators are talking about $200 a barrel.<br /></div><br /><div>The Government suggests that global matters are out of their control. I suggest that this is plainly untrue. The first step could be for a change in the oil trading currency to a stronger currency which would lead to deflationary pressures on the price of oil. In the end the UK Government needs to decide what’s more important – the ‘special relationship’ with America or the fuel poor of the UK.</div><br /><div><br />When oil is traded for currency oil producers are getting something which is increasingly devalued – so as the dollar falls they push up their prices to make up losses in revenue.<br />Some Marxists commentators of course argue that one of the major stimuli for the Iraq war was the determination of the Bush Government to preserve the pre-eminence of the dollar due to the degree of control the trading currency gives over the industry. There has been increasing talk of adopting the Euro – a lobby which was gaining increasing support amongst OPEC countries. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Surely at a time where businesses are collapsing due to the failure to meet oil costs and the UK calls further into fuel poverty the Government needs to have a serious economic debate on this. </div>"
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string(83) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/price-of-special-relationship.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[10]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-1160073876329337349"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-12T08:46:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-12T08:47:28.464Z"
["title"]=>
string(32) "The Need for a Strong Opposition"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1572) "<a href="http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/12/labour-ams-reject-transfer-of-powers-to-decide-elections-91466-21060951/">Labour and the Tories rejected</a> proposals to devolve more power to the Assembly yesterday when they voted (or worse abstained) when the Lib Dems put forward their proposals. <a href="http://peterblack.blogspot.com/2008/06/fighting-for-more-powers.html">Peter Black</a> who proposed the motion gives links to his speech and the voting record here.<br /><br />It is a shame that even though they had a free vote Labour politicians did not follow their leader and back this motion. The Tories also missed a trick in refusing to back the motion. Clearly their talk of greater devolution is something that is confined to the blogsphere.<br /><br />What will be concerning for the Lib Dems is the failure to get a cohesive opposition. It is difficult enough for the Tories and Lib Dems as without sufficient numbers they can create little impact on the Government. However in cases like this, where a free vote is offered and the support of some Government AM’s secured it is imperative that the opposition ranks ensure they have their influence on policy. <br /><br />Back in the last Assembly term the Plaid-Tory-Lib Dem opposition was an effective machine gaining a number of Government concessions. Without that strength in numbers and with the One Wales programme working relitivly smoothly the opposition has had little impact. If this pattern continues the relevance of the Tories and Lib Dems becomes ever decreasing."
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string(80) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/need-for-strong-opposition.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[11]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(69) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-667224233606785067"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-11T11:00:00.002Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-11T16:13:28.285Z"
["title"]=>
string(30) "International relations Indeed"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1112) "<a href="http://peterblack.blogspot.com/2008/06/international-relations.html">Peter Black</a> starts his recent post on Welsh international relations with the claim that Plaid’s call for a seat at the United Nations for Wales is ridiculous. I personally find it ridiculous that a man elected to represent a Welsh region would be so opposed to having a Welsh voice at such an institution.<br /><br />The rest of the post relates to the issue of Lord Thomas’ decision not to meet with the Israeli Ambassador. Peter states:<br /><br />Cardiff Council Leader, Rodney Berman has it right. He said: "<em><strong>If AMs have concerns, as I do myself, about polices followed by the Israeli Government then surely it’s better to use this event to talk about those concerns rather than to put up barriers which can only promote further misunderstanding."<br /></strong></em><br />This point brings up a separate issue. Peter clearly believes that it is better to talk about concerns than put up barriers. A noble stance. Why then is he so opposed to Wales having the opportunity to have a seat at the United Nations?"
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string(84) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/international-relations-indeed.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[12]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-6782322053772722106"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-09T10:48:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-09T10:49:15.118Z"
["title"]=>
string(28) "With Friends Like These....."
["atom_content"]=>
string(1211) "<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7443528.stm">The GMB’s decision to ask its membership if it should cut its funding to the Labour party</a> is a significant appraisal of New Labour’s drift to the right.<br /><br />Whilst there are still some, and always will be some staunch trade unionists in the Labour party the fact remains that over the last ten years the Labour party has not represented the trade unions in the manor that it would expect. Many times I have been at a trade union rally and heard union branch secretary’s label the Government as traitors. Suggesting that union coffers have supplied the government with the bullets to shoot them down.<br /><br />A slash in funding would be a major blow for the Labour party. Not only would it have an economical impact, leaving the party struggling to cope with the financial challenge of an election against Cameron’s rejuvenated Tories, but it is yet another vote of no confidence for Gordon Brown. At a time when private donations are tinted with sleaze and are drying up for an ever increasingly unpopular Labour party the possibility of loosing union backing could be the final straw on the back of Browns leadership camel."
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string(77) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/with-friends-like-these.html"
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string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=6782322053772722106http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/6782322053772722106/comments/default"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[13]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-7457058235583027857"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-04T11:22:00.010Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-06-04T15:47:22.658Z"
["title"]=>
string(8) "Welsh EU"
["atom_content"]=>
string(2363) "<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SEZ7gcTmoeI/AAAAAAAAAMA/wkkN5E9sh6k/s1600-h/2171[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207985816385004002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SEZ7gcTmoeI/AAAAAAAAAMA/wkkN5E9sh6k/s320/2171%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Interesting report in <a href="http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/06/04/labour-plaid-argue-about-m-eu-translation-bill-91466-21019515/">today’s Western mail</a> highlights Eluned Morgan opposing the Plaid bid to get Welsh recognised as the 24th official language of the EU. Why the Labour MEP would wish to do this is quite frankly beyond me.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Is Eluned Morgan really of the idea that because it costs a bit we should bother? Gaelic has officially recognised language status and yet Labour does not wish to see Welsh promoted in the same way. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>As far as I can understand the £500,000 proposed to make Welsh an official language at the EU will not be used to encourage grassroots participation so her point about better use of the money really doesn’t make sense? Even if it was then I think making the Welsh language an official one at the EU will go a long way to help promote its use. </div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The One Wales Government, in which Eluned Morgan’s party has signed up to states that it will “drive forward our efforts to obtain agreement on the use of the Welsh language in specified areas of EU business. We will use this experience to explore with the Westminster government the making of an official application to the Council of Ministers for the Welsh language to receive official EU language and working language status.” Talk about turning your back on your colleagues. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Whilst all this is ongoing Huw Lewis is apparently learning Welsh. What is happening with the world!</div><div></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Update</strong>:<br /><br /><a href="http://normalmouth.blogspot.com/2008/06/eluned-foible.html">Normal Mouth posts his views here</a>.</div>"
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string(62) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/06/welsh-eu.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[14]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-5419214435244533436"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-29T08:45:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-29T08:46:23.140Z"
["title"]=>
string(31) "Where's Glyn's Devolution Gone?"
["atom_content"]=>
string(2355) "I was disappointed in <a href="http://glyndaviesam.blogspot.com/2008/05/so-39-of-conservatives-are-on-board.html">Glyn Davies’</a> response to the Richard Wyn Jones and Roger Scully poll into devolution. His post starts well with him welcoming the announcement, even if it is a tad optimistic when he claims the Conservatives will be the champions of further powers! Still so far so good.<br /><br />It’s when you get to the second paragraph and you read that he backs Stephen Crabb's comments that you start to worry. Here is a man that has been the lone voice for devolution within the Tory party in Wales apparently endorsing the anti-devolution comments of Stephen Crabb. The same man that once referred to the Assembly as “the beast in the bay!” The comments that Glyn are backing read as follows:<br />“I would take any survey that purports to demonstrate opinion on devolution with a pinch of salt. It doesn’t ring true with me. I think there is certainly an increase in the number of Conservatives who have accepted that the Assembly is here to stay; I think there has been a decrease in the number of people arguing for abolition.”<br />“But the current strain of discussion I’m picking up is about the future of the Union. Far more Conservatives are concerned about that than about more powers for the Assembly.”<br />Hardly the ringing endorsement of Conservative devolution you would want to see Glyn backing.<br /><br />Glyn states that he has not changed his position since deciding to run for office in Westminster but I am not sure I agree with him. He has recently, and does so again in this post, called for a referendum not to take place before 2011. This call comes in the face of the fact that the Assembly Government has agreed to hold such a referendum and that every poll published shows a consistent and growing support for winning the Yes vote. What is holding Glyn back? The fear a referendum could be won?<br /><br />This is not supposed to be an attack on Glyn. He is a capable politician who is an important voice for devolution in Wales. Sadly it seems the closer we get to the Westminster election the more Glyn is towing the party line. Appearing devolutionist whilst having no party mandate to work with. Action rather than words is what the process needs from Glyn and the Conservatives."
["link"]=>
string(82) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/wheres-glyns-devolution-gone.html"
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string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=5419214435244533436http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/5419214435244533436/comments/default"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[15]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-4641466639755089849"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-28T09:20:00.001Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-28T09:21:50.696Z"
["title"]=>
string(23) "Referendum moves closer"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1432) "<a href="http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/politics-news/2008/05/28/surprise-as-39-of-tories-back-law-making-parliament-for-wales-91466-20983066/">Very interesting article in the Western Mail today about research into the support for further devolution</a>. The study undertaken by Professors Richard Wyn Jones and Roger Scully shows a broad range of support for a Parliament for Wales. Plaid, Labour and Tory supporters are all in favour of further devolution, whilst the Lib Dems remain split although with a good number behind the idea.<br /><br />The fact that the Tory support base has gone from utterly opposing the idea of an Assembly to backing plans for a Parliament is very encouraging. The fact Stephen Crabb and the Tory party machine are so quick to dismiss the results is less so. It is important now that those grass roots members in the Tory party that have indicated their support here make sure they let the devo-sceptic Tory politicians very aware of their stance.<br /><br />With a clear majority of people polled backing a parliament for Wales here, added to the BBC poll earlier in the year that also showed support for further devolution it seems there is no case for suggesting that public support is not recognised. If the public continue to support it then the few Labour MP’s and Tory MP’s that block the plans will no longer be able to claim it is in anyone’s interests other than their own."
["link"]=>
string(77) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/referendum-moves-closer.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[16]=>
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["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-2065503128591203465"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-27T12:40:00.001Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-27T12:40:55.055Z"
["title"]=>
string(19) "Dancing Politicians"
["atom_content"]=>
string(317) "<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/9WqQL5WFN20' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/9WqQL5WFN20'/></object></p><p>Does what it says on the tin. Great song.</p></div>"
["link"]=>
string(73) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/dancing-politicians.html"
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string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=2065503128591203465http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/2065503128591203465/comments/default"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[17]=>
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["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-6679434575305971417"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-23T11:18:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-23T11:19:45.743Z"
["title"]=>
string(46) "If you say it enough you'll start believing it"
["atom_content"]=>
string(109) "<a href="http://peterblack.blogspot.com/2008/05/annual-report.html">Yawn. Is he still pushing this line?</a>"
["link"]=>
string(86) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/if-you-say-it-enough-youll-start.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[18]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-9045665641649357412"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-21T08:50:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-21T08:51:26.049Z"
["title"]=>
string(17) "Agree to Disagree"
["atom_content"]=>
string(628) "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/betsanpowys/2008/05/mwy_1.html">Betsan Powys is quick to highlight the Tory’s double standards on health</a>. When in opposition it is quite easy to go down the popularist route. However that’s always a bit more difficult when there’s photographic evidence contradicting you!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.keepawelcome.co.uk/assembly-elections-2007.php">As you can see from this list</a> Nick Bourne certainly backed the campaign which begs the question, who runs the Tory health policy? Jonathan Morgan its health spokesperson or Nick Bourne the party leader in Wales?"
["link"]=>
string(71) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/agree-to-disagree.html"
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string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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[19]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(69) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-316053320482891469"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-20T09:23:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-20T09:24:38.697Z"
["title"]=>
string(11) "Bless......"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1595) "Plaid strategists will be chuckling away as they <a href="http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/05/20/labour-activists-start-to-question-agreement-91466-20934153/">read this report in the Western Mail</a>. Poor Labour are upset that Plaid have not dragged them to better results at the council elections. Despite both parties making it very clear that the One Wales Agreement extends to the Assembly alone many Welsh Labour grassroots activists are furious that Plaid have had the audacity to enter into coalitions at council level without them. The very cheek! <br /><br />Paul Murphy’s speech made it clear at the Labour conference that Labour would fight Plaid all the way outside the Assembly. The One Wales Agreement itself states:<br /> <br /><strong><em>“Nothing in this agreement will stand in the way of us taking part with unconstrained vigour in democratic elections, not least the local government elections in 2008”</em></strong><br /><br />Added to which the decision by labour in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion to join coalitions excluding Plaid (the largest party in each of those council authorities) and you really have to find the views bizarre.<br /><br />The most laughable argument made is the anger the unnamed Labour councillor has at the fact Plaid Ministers are getting more TV coverage. If you have ministers as dull as Andrew Davies and Jane Hutt what do you expect! The fact that Plaid ministers are recognised as doing a good job and bringing fresh views is newsworthy. The fact that Brian Gibbons could talk a glass eye to sleep isn’t!"
["link"]=>
string(59) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/bless.html"
["link_replies"]=>
string(167) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=316053320482891469http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/316053320482891469/comments/default"
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string(81) "http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7383269075494404097/posts/default/316053320482891469"
["author_name"]=>
string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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string(51) "http://www.blogger.com/profile/05360578629673569676"
["author_email"]=>
string(19) "noreply@blogger.com"
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[20]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-3476968196486581960"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-20T08:54:00.002Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-20T08:55:45.179Z"
["title"]=>
string(30) "Leighton doesn't really get it"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1502) "<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SDKSBsRP__I/AAAAAAAAAL4/JAHpdTV2gQ4/s1600-h/488373688_a5bf797e54_m[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202381077327380466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_5AC0SnEwgr8/SDKSBsRP__I/AAAAAAAAAL4/JAHpdTV2gQ4/s320/488373688_a5bf797e54_m%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The ever so high and mighty <a href="http://www.leightonandrews.com/2008/05/poll-result.html">Leighton Andrews has published the results of his poll on censoring blogs</a>. The fact of the matter is that he has clearly asked the wrong question.<br /><br />Whilst Leighton asked should politicians blogs be censored the real question is should politicians blogs be publicly funded? No one is suggesting that any politician should be gagged but that they should not use public money to fund their party political views. If they disagree they can pick up a free blog from blogger as many already have. Or like Paul Flynn could use their own money.<br /><br />I would of course made this point on Leighton’s blog but anyone who has ever gone there will know that ironically he does seem to censor his comments! Unless you’re a Labour SPAD I wouldn’t expect to see it published!<br /><br />I don’t know why Leighton is that irate really. Unless they start imposing bans for generic Cardiff city photos with the headings, “I was there” with no actual pictures of him then he needn’t worry.</div>"
["link"]=>
string(83) "http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/2008/05/leighton-doesnt-really-get-it.html"
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string(169) "http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7383269075494404097&postID=3476968196486581960http://guerrilla-welsh-fare.blogspot.com/feeds/3476968196486581960/comments/default"
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["author_name"]=>
string(12) "Che Grav-ara"
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string(51) "http://www.blogger.com/profile/05360578629673569676"
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string(19) "noreply@blogger.com"
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[21]=>
array(12) {
["id"]=>
string(70) "tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383269075494404097.post-1260275200044602408"
["published"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-19T09:11:00.000Z"
["updated"]=>
string(24) "2008-05-19T09:15:47.524Z"
["title"]=>
string(16) "It's Oh So Quiet"
["atom_content"]=>
string(1729) "The issue of the Welsh leadership is surprisingly quiet. As Matt Withers highlighted on the weekend (link not on his blog yet), and as <a href="http://glyndaviesam.blogspot.com/2008/05/non-interview.html">Glyn Davies also noted</a>, the disastrous local election campaign has not been addressed by the major players in the party.<br /><br />It could of course be t]]></plaintext></div></div>