So Plaid's long awaited report on the way forward is finally out for members to read and comment on - and vote on later in the Spring. The 95 recommendations were a bit of a read at NEC last Saturday, but many of them are I believe crucial if we want to take the party forward and subsequently Wales with us.
Perhaps the most eye catching headline from today's press reaction was the proposal to change the party's name to Plaid Cymru - the Welsh National Party. My personal view on this is to go for it. However we perceive the party from within in terms of the openness and broad minded debate, unless people outside the party feel they can join without prejudice, then we are getting it wrong. I remember well when I joined in July 1995 (when I last had a social life) and I was very concerned about not being able to speak Welsh, thinking it would be some sort of barrier.
Plaid has and always will be a staunch supporter of the Welsh language, but Saunders Lewis's wish to make it into a language pressure group rather than political party was rejected then and it is rejected now. We have to open our arms to so many potential supporters, who are themselves so dis-illusioned with the cynical games played by the UK parties. What better example could there be than this week, when Labour have yet again stabbed in the back the trade union members who so loyally support them at election time?
Of course, it is not just about a name, but about professionalising the party at all levels and so making the very most of the activists time and money, given freely in the belief that Plaid is the very best way of standing up for all 3 million who call Wales home. I am very much looking forward to the debate on these recommendations and the leadership candidates taking these issues on as part of their campaign. Plaid changed as a party last year not as a result of a disappointing election, but due to its success in helping to deliver our first proper Parliament for centuries. We now need to make the necessary changes to move the party onto the next stage of nation building. The next 4 years are going to be very exciting times for Plaid, or should I say the WNP.
Why not join up and have your say on the future of Wales? Do it before the 26th January and you can help choose the new leader as well. Sometimes, it's just worth getting off the fence and making a difference.
https://www.english.plaidcymru.org/join/
THE PRICE OF TRUTH
2 days ago
I agree with the name change personally, nothing wrong with "Plaid" if people wish to continue to use it, but I like WNP, like SNP, it would be in years to come instantly recongisble in Wales.
ReplyDeleteThank god nobody suggested to use the prefix New as in 'New' Labour, or 'New' Daz Automatic.
Would membership also give you the right to read the full review document? Or must we be content with the edited version given out to press and public?
ReplyDeleteIt looks weak and naff Ian. It also looks shifty.
ReplyDeleteStick to Plaid Cymru.
In any case 'Welsh' National Party, keeping in mind the ethnic and linguisitc complications in Wales, seems to suggest a party for 'The Welsh'. 'Wales' is better - erm, that's why it's Plaid Cymru not Plaid Gymreig or Plaid y Cymry.
In any case, it sounds naff and shifty and of course has taken up the whole debate about the report.
All in all, seems like a total waste of time.
Plaid's failure was down to three words:
'Ieuan Wyn Jones' and his managerial nationalism. This report is another extension of managerialism.
The answer for Plaid:
'vision, bravery and more than any thing, leadership' the rest, away days, training sessions bla bla bla will follow if that's right.
Yes, with you 100%, Ian
ReplyDeleteA name change seems a bit daft to me. WNP is to like BNP and it doesn't trip off the tongue like esenpee. Good Lord it's taken how long to ditch the Nats insult and now we want to revive it.
DeleteI doubt if anyone is put off by the name Plaid Cymru. Plaid hasn't made a breakthrough in the English speaking areas because it insists on the daft left of Labour strategy instead of dealing with real issues. Tell me where has a left of Labour party garned more than a handful of derisory votes. That's Plaid, that's why it is failing.
"Plaid hasn't made a breakthrough in the English speaking areas because it insists on the daft left of Labour strategy instead of dealing with real issues."
DeleteAnother way of looking at it is Plaid has only ever made breakthroughs in English speaking areas where it has been to the left of Labour, and when Labour has drifted to the right.
"Tell me where has a left of Labour party garned more than a handful of derisory votes."
Plaid always gains more than a handful and has the potential to gain more.
The SNP similarly are to the left of Labour on issues like the NHS, education, welfare etc and also combine it with a native business focus which people like Leanne and Elin are developing.
Plaid isn't "failing" because it's "left-wing" it hasn't reached potential because of unclear leadership, confusion about what the party stands for, a lack of access to the media and somtimes 'magnolia' policies. All of those things can be fixed. People that want to join a right-wing or centrist party should go and find one , or start one up.
If it helps capture the imagination of those living either side of the M4 then it has to be a good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be a waste of time though unless they actually start discussing independence.
Plaid has to be ready to ride the wake left by the SNP after they lead Scotland to freedom.
Just to confirm that every member with an e-mail address passed onto the party, will get a full copy of the document.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...Plaid Cymru- The National Party of Wales doesn't sound bad.
ReplyDeletePlaid Cymru makes it clear that Plaid is the only Wales-based party. Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales always had a good ring to it and when phone canvassing I still use that full term. There's nothing inherently wrong with Plaid Cymru- Welsh National Party but 'party of Wales' rolls of the tongue better. WNP seems like too much 'we wish we were the SNP' even if that isn't the case. It looks desperate. I am treating this with as little importance as it deserves. Reinstate the party of Wales!
ReplyDeleteWelsh National Party/Plaid Cenedlathol Cymru is what it was called in the 1930s. Whats New?
ReplyDelete