Kinnock Continues To Be A European Liability

Does Baroness Kinnock actually have a clue what she is doing? As one of the worst MEP’s in the history of the European Union I am hardly surprised that she is out of her depth in her new role but it is clear from her statements backing Tony Blair for the EU presidency that she has little idea what is going on around her.

When asked if putting Blair forward for the EU President candidacy had been discussed with the man himself her reply was:

“It is the government's position. I am sure they would not do that without asking him.”

Tony Blair’s spokesperson contradicted that in response:

“As we have said, time and again on this, there is nothing to be a candidate for since the job doesn't actually exist”

So it is safe to say that Kinnock is announcing Blair’s candidacy without his offices approval and for a job that does not exists. The Labour manifesto previously committed to holding a referendum on the treaty. They seem now to not only have backtracked on that promise but are already prejudging referendums elsewhere, a second one is to be held in Ireland in October, by putting forward candidates for a job that will only come about if the referendum is a success.

Once again Kinnock proves she simply is not up to the job.

Official: Rhodderz is a Liar

Just when you think no one can top the Lib Dems for lying Rhodri Morgan goes and does it. The First Minister has had to apologise for lying about civil servant flying. He really should get his facts straight before making these statements (…..? yes I know!)

So there we have it. The ideological battleground of Welsh politics has come down to which party are the biggest liars the Lib Dems or Labour. Given what everyone knows about the Lib Dems door to door change of opinions come election time it is a little surprising that so far Labour are edging it!

Official: Kirsty Williams is a Liar

If you want an example of how to turn a potentially good story bad then just have a look at the Lib Dem press office.

Their story of a £700,000 spend by civil servants – yes another Lib Dem F.O.I – was interesting, but as a result of their decision to lie when releasing it they have managed to turn what should have been a good piece of investigation, into a clear example of how they are a deceitful party only interested in playing politics during tough economical times.

It is pretty obvious that Kirsty Williams and her team had written their press release before getting the FOI returned. Instead of checking the facts match up they simply went about spinning the lies anyway. It is a bit of an embarrassment for Kirsty and once again confirms the Lib Dem image as people who will lie for votes.

P.S

I wonder how much public money and hours are spent on Lib Dem F.O.I requests that form the basis of their lies.

Random Thoughts

Anyone else think Bob Ainsworth got the Defence job due to an administrational error?

MP Caught Throwing Stones In Glass House

The award for most obvious statement goes to Chris Bryant today for his claim that Labour has neglected their core vote. According to Bryant Labour should not be ignoring the core values of white working class people in areas like the Rhondda. (I guess the non white working class people don’t matter).

Bryant is right to note how Labour have taken these areas for granted. Bryant himself of course was a member of, and office holder in, the Oxford University Conservative Association. He shares the constituency with Leighton Andrews the former Lib Dem who was a huge Gillingham fan before being parachuted into the Rhondda and professing his love of Cardiff.

Stopping Progress

Interesting to read this from Rhodri Glyn Thomas today slating the attitude of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee and their response to the Welsh language LCO. Rhodri of course is not just another AM in this matter but a former Minister for the language and so his words are especially damning.

For the record I totally agree with his points. The Welsh MPs have stated that they agree that powers over the Welsh language should be devolved to Cardiff Bay. Indeed I don’t think you will find many people that disagree with that view. Yet Welsh MPs insist on attempting to delay proceedings and keep their fingers in the pie. Perhaps they feel that if these powers, and other powers, are devolved people will start to realise exactly how irrelevant they are becoming to welsh politics.

What this does once again demonstrate is exactly how flawed the Government of Wales Act is and how poor a system it has created. Is there anyone else other than Peter Hain that thinks this system is the way forward? In fact does he even believe it or is it just that he is too embarrassed to allow it to be another blotch on his tainted record?

Men Behaving Badly

Gordon Brown has yet again come under fire from members of his own party as female Labour MP’s highlight the laddish manor in which he rules the Government. It appears that at the start of every week Brown has a relaunch whilst someone in his party inevitable ends it with damning criticism. I have to say Jane Kennedy’s description of Brown as a “mafia boss” in his dealings with colleagues does make you think that in their internal bickering Labour have lost touch with reality, but it does demonstrate how strained relationships have become.

It is hard to see where Labour go from here. The rebels lost their bottle in getting ride of Brown yet they continue to snipe. No one is lined up to take over, and the only real realistic contender, Alan Johnson, has tied his own hands by taking the role as Home Secretary, which really positions them between a rock and a hard place.

Jumping Before Pushed

Irene James is stepping down. Welsh politics is looking up!

Update:

Thanks to all who noticed my mistake. Highlights my point about her poor impact i guess

Not Fit For Office

Any Labour supporter that watched Dragon's Eye last night should hang their heads in shame following Peter Hain's performance. For the Secretary of State for Wales to be arguing against a better funding deal for Wales because it will impact on the rest of the UK is beyond. It is the modern day version of John Redwood sending money back to Westminster. The man is a disgrace and is not fit to hold office, certainly not fit to hold his current position given his eagerness to fight against Wales getting more money.

It is so hypocritical to hear him state the Tories will slash funding, when his own party refuses to address the issue of underfunding for Wales and he himself argues against it. Shocking.

Cameron Stands By His Man

David Cameron finds himself under pressure today after calls for his director of communications, Andrew Coulson, to resign in the wake of the News of the World phone hacking scandal.

Cameron has made a lot of political capitol in his attacks on the government’s big brother state with terrorism laws and ID cards, so it is especially surprising that he would employ someone who was forced to resign for being caught up in the scandal of illegally tapping into personal mobile phones, even though he admits he was aware of the issue before offering him the post.

I eagerly await David Davis’ resignation to call a by-election on this issue of civil liberties.