To train or not to train? That is the question

The Assembly members are back from their holidays today. So it’s business as usual. 

The First Minister’s question time was a bit like Ground Hog day. All that listened felt that they’d heard it all before.

Bluster by the Leader of the Opposition, the First Minister blaming everything on the Conservative Liberal Democrat government, Leanne Wood completely under whelming and Kirsty Williams being her shrill self. Oh dear, next Tuesday will see it all happening again.

The media agenda today has very little to do with the goings on in the chamber. That’s a bit of a mercy.

No, the media agenda was concern over a raft of training  courses given to Assembly Members. Courses on how to be effective committee members. To be precise, how to best scrutinise ministers in committees. 

At a grand a session, a bargain if it raises their game. With an increased legislative programme they need to be on top of things. 

Mistakes will cost us dearly if matters go to the courts and lawyers get in on the act. Lawyers always have their collective   eyes on the main chance. Why should the tax payer add to their bank balance because Assembly Members haven’t done their job properly. 

Whilst training is under discussion it might be of value to throw in the four party leaders into the pool. On the job training is needed to prevent the embarrassment that is now First Ministers question time.

Some have questioned this expenditure as a waste of public money. But all organisations and employers ought to be constantly  reviewing the training needs of the work force. Politicians should not be treated as an exception.  

Wales needs to raise its game if it’s to compete in the modern world. 

God knows our politicians need to raise theirs. If training helps, bring it on I say.