When he retired as First Minister his popularity amongst the Welsh public was exceptionally high. Clearly, the hope is that this high regard will transfer seamlessly to a 'yes' cross on the ballot paper.
It is understood that some of the other parties feel that by putting Labour in a lead role it will force them to get their own supporters to engage in the campaign. There is a feeling, especially in Plaid Cymru circles, that Labour were conspicuous by their absence in the 1997 campaign and are worried that history could repeat itself this time round.
It is understood that some of the other parties feel that by putting Labour in a lead role it will force them to get their own supporters to engage in the campaign. There is a feeling, especially in Plaid Cymru circles, that Labour were conspicuous by their absence in the 1997 campaign and are worried that history could repeat itself this time round.
Darren Hill a full time worker in the last campaign was seen huddled with Labour advisers this week discussing draft campaign material. It is uncertain whether these drafts will be used in the campaign itself, but it does show that preparations are at an advanced stage.The intention is that next week all four parties will unveil the campaign strategy. But as to when the actual campaign itself will kick off is still up in the air. Why? Well, it’s all a matter of cash, your cash.
The Electoral Commission who are charged with using tax payers money to fund both the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ campaigns are unwilling to release public money until January. This has caused considerable annoyance and frustration to those eager to get the show on the road. The latest ITV Wales and You GOV tracking poll showed two out of ten voters are still to make their minds up.It is likely that all four Assembly party leaders will press the Electoral Commission for a change of heart, so that campaigning can start sooner rather than later.There is a belief that a campaign of more than two months will be necessary to get the message across to the Welsh public. Consequently, all four party leaders will press the Electoral Commission for a change of heart, so that campaigning can start sooner rather than later.
Comment:
Getting all four parties to sing from the same hymn sheet is no mean task. But this unity of purpose may still not be enough to persuade voters to go to the polling stations. The voters are likely to feel that they’ve been clobbered by politicians following the pubic expenditure cuts and may take the attitude 'a plague on all their houses.'
Politicians leading a campaign in such circumstances will be a definite - no, no.
So beware if you've got that ‘X’ factor and are Welsh. The chances are that you'll be wheeled out with other celebs to push for a 'yes' vote.
If Rhodri Morgan is prominent in the Yes campaign he will spend the entire period being doorstepped by Cardiff parents asking him why he is opposed to Welsh medium education.
ReplyDeleteHardly the best way to run a Yes campaign.
well lets hope he does more than he did in the last campaign, from what I remember Rhodri Morgan pouted his way through it.
ReplyDeleteThe material for the last campaign was designed by members of the executive group, maybe Labour should ask them for advice.
rhodri morgan remains one of the most popular and respected political figures in wales...i can assure 'anonymous' that yes campaigners will be delighted he will be playing a prominent role in the yes campaign!
ReplyDeleteVoters in wales may well feel they have been 'clobbered' by politicians following the public expenditure cuts - but by politicians at westminister and not cardiff...as was made clear in the first minister's joint statement today...and will be repeatedly made clear between now and polling day in march im sure!
Leigh Richards
Gareth, I've just received my message telling me why I should vote yes next March. Basically it's because it will be faster,more democratic and cheaper by £1.9 million a year. It really shows given that the principle of lawmaking was effectively conceded in 2006 without much debate how difficult it will be to produce an argument which will galvanise the majority in the depths of winter. As you rightly point with all the leading politicians in support it might also provide a chance for some to see it a chance to deliver a verdict on the performance of the political class over the past few years. It will be interesting to see the turnout.
ReplyDelete