|
 |
| |
Richard's Commission
|
"All political success is based on the indifference
of the majority"
|
| It may seem strange to start
with such a quote, but it is somewhat relevant in the
light of the 2003 National Assembly for Wales elections. |
| In my travels through Wales and
in my discussions with a vast cross-section of the population,
matters of Assembly assessment, performance, size, effectiveness,
power, - all remain encompassed under the worrying shadow
of electorate apathy, indifference and, in some cases,
cynicism. |
| It is this shadow, and how to
combat it, that remains a dominating and debilitating
weight of concern. |
| The two distinct elements, within
the brief of the Richard's Commission relating to a) powers
and b) the electoral arrangements, can be considered but
how legitimate will the consideration be when so many
have disengaged themselves from the process of democracy,
is a question that has to be seriously addressed. |
| The date for accepting comment
on the powers of the National Assembly has passed,
but the well of opinion I have encountered in my 'mixing
and mingling' is as relevant for considering the electoral
arrangements as it was for the matter of powers. |
| I say at the outset that I voted
for the National Assembly and I am a supporter of it.
I favour more power for the Assembly, along the Scottish
model, with modifications. I also believe that in
view of recent events and central government thinking
that extra power is inevitable. It seems to be the
next, natural, logical step. |
| This will, of course, result
in an increased Assembly representation number and there-in
lies a problem, for all is not well 'out there'.
There seems to be layers of electorate reaction, from
cold apathy, to a warmer response from the cynical, and
on to others where the response is 'viperish'. |
| I have endeavoured to unfold
the reactions and opinions that I have encountered in
the following points, but I stress that these reactions
come from the 'chattering' classes and, compared to those
who are totally apathetic, are in the minority. |
| 1. It is difficult for
the lay-person, outside the governmental, legislative,
administrative and bureaucratic machine, to assess meaningfully
the questions of member numbers and their work load. |
| 2. Whether by media scrutiny
and slant or because of poor Assembly PR and marketing,
people react to what appears to them to be tangible and,
in some cases, questionable eg. |
| a. The growth of the bureaucratic
machine |
| b. Escalating cost of the
machine |
| c. Poor service and waiting
lists |
| d. AM Holidays (Constituency
time) |
| e. Working hours |
| f. Debating hours |
| g. Rapid legislation following
elections on improved pay for some AMs. |
| h. Safeguarded pensions
for AMs at a time of failing pension schemes elsewhere |
| 3. The images and perception
within the minds of many mean that the Local Authorities
and the Assembly sometimes get blurred. People notice
the growth in council bureaucracy and consider the burgeoning
bills in Community Charges and reaction becomes a 'spray'
of frustration. The Thursday 'Western Mail' jobs
section becomes a 'wonderland' of public appointments
- a bureaucratic juggernaut with no brakes on it.
The Assembly and the County Boroughs are all, to them,
part of 'the system'. |
| 4. In broadcasting, I am
not of the 'journalistic wing' but, because I'm with the
BBC, opinion has been shovelled at me as a kind of blessed
release. Indeed, some of the environments and venues,
in which I have found myself, formal or informal, would
have added a great deal of colour to 'Question Time' on
the television. In fact, 'Question Time' or similar
programmes should settle for the odd 'club and institute'
as a venue on occasions - feed back would be assured,
albeit graphic. 'Apathy' would be hard put to sustain
itself in the face of onslaught. Much of the reaction,
of course, is driven by incorrect information - urban
myth, and exaggerated tale so this has to be addressed
and remedied. |
| 5. In the light of incorrect
information or lack of information, there cannot be reasoned
assessment of member numbers, increased representaion,
increased cost and effective workload - not from large
swathes of the electorate. |
| It appears that only those 'close
to the fire', who live and breathe politics in Wales,
can objectively assess the way forward. Those who
are at the back of the kitchen or possibly not even under
the same roof cannot realistically contribute. The
issues and questions for consultation are too inaccessible,
yet the electorate should be involved, possibly by referendum.
Somehow the essential elements, the key issues have to
be laid before the disaffected - in a clear, ordered manner,
with vigour, energy and in scenarios that appeal.
Essays need to be avoided, booklets should become pamphlets,
paragraphs need to become points. Extra cost and
job number expansion must be justified by convincing argument. |
| The Assembly, in its first term,
has produced populist, innovative legislation, but for
many it has not received that stamp of full approval -
respect. It needs respect. Electorate apathy,
of course, could allow the Assembly to move forward in
a manner it deems fitting, without seeking a popular mandate.
After all, it was elected to 'govern' and yet,
is that more acceptable ... There is an influential minority
who state that many of the Assembly's frustrations are
the result of contained power. "Now, if only we
had the power Scotland has..." is a cry often heard.
So, let's have extra power but let's be convincing in
the vision. To many people in Wales, the Assembly
is a remote club in the bay. Incredibly, to them,
a place of privilege and personal enhancement. That
incorrect and destructive image and perception has to
change. |
| To truly have extra power and
the enlargement in member numbers with obvious extra cost,
the package must be sold to a public that, in large numbers,
remains sceptical. Politicians at all levels are
not in the 'first division' of the 'esteem leagues', which
is an awful pity at a time when Wales stands at the door
leading to so many possibilities. How to draw in
the Electorate closer to the fire is something that should
tak a 'think tank' for some time - and time is a luxury
in view of all that is happening in Europe at present.
Wales needs to be on the 'European Tour', but will we
miss the bus, I wonder? |
| If the Commission wishes to discuss
the points I have encountered, then I will be pleased
to make myself available. |
|
| Roy Noble OBE |
|
|
|
|
|
