'the Times' are a Changing

I try not to invest in the Murdoch media empire but chose to get a copy of the Times today, as I had heard a rumour that it had given both Wales and Scotland a mention, for a change.

For Wales, it related to the fact that local business people in Carmarthenshire are proposing a potential new holiday village predominately for the Chinese tourist market. The article started with a deeply patronising attempt to be 'tongue in cheek' about the whole issue, followed by an almost equally patronising article further inside the paper. In other words, it was yet another effort to put down Wales, although in doing so recognising that the business proposal was rather a good idea. (We are not a Principality as the Prince of Wales plays no role in our Government, so please refrain from using this phrase, Mr Murdoch).

Then came Scotland, where the title 'How Scotland Got Brave About Independence' gives a hint that the following two page article would show a bit more respect for the other celtic neighbour. There was general recognition for the clever campaigning efforts of the SNP, the funding that helped run it, the strong leadership inspiring Scotland and the disastrous approach of the British parties in response to the drive for Independence. The contrast could not be clearer.

Of course, there are many lessons to be learnt here not only for Plaid but for Wales as a whole. With an already faltering Labour party in Wales and a Plaid leadership campaign kicking off in the new year together with the completion of a review into the party's future priorities, there has never been a better time for Plaid to once more lead Wales' political agenda and frankly, our nation needs Plaid to do so. We are facing a double dip recession with a British Government cutting aggressively, a Labour British Opposition offering no alternative through a fundamentally weak leader and a Labour party in Wales that appears content in Government, so long as it is not asked to do all that much.

There is much work to be done but it is great to see our friends in Scotland,  not only challenging but defeating the failed British political mantra. Now all Plaid needs is a lottery winner!