Crossing the Rubicon: Coalition
Politics Welsh style
Embargo: 10 am Monday 6 August 2007
The Constitutional Convention that will lead up to the referendum
on more powers for the National Assembly was the brainchild of the
Labour side in the coalition negotiations with Plaid Cymru –
an indication of the seriousness which the party’s pro-devolutionists
take their commitment to creating a Scottish-style Parliament.
This is one revelation in a new book Crossing the Rubicon,
by Institute of Welsh Affairs Director John Osmond. The book charts
the two months of negotiations that led to the historic One Wales
coalition agreement between the two parties. According to Labour’s
lead negotiator, Vale of Glamorgan AM Jane Hutt, now Minister of Education,
the Convention idea reflected the reality that Labour and Plaid needed
“a route map” to secure a positive result in the referendum.
“It was an indication of our desire to make the commitment work
in practical terms rather than setting it out as part of a wish list,”
she said. “There is no point our going into a referendum unless
we know we’re going to win it. The Convention idea is a clear
indication that One Wales is a serious document.”
Jane Hutt added that the Convention idea was “a very good example
of what can emerge from the dynamics of political negotiations over
a short period.” She also reveals that her close relationship
with Plaid Cymru’s chief negotiator, South East Wales AM Jocelyn
Davies, now Minister of Housing in the coalition government, was crucial
to the success of the talks, “My relationship with Jocelyn Davies
was pivotal. I think we developed a level of trust which is vital
in these kinds of talks. When you’re negotiating seriously you
have to do so in good faith.”
The book also reveals why Plaid Cymru opted to be a junior partner
in a Labour-led government, rather than choosing what became known
as the Rainbow alternative, with the party’s leader Ieuan Wyn
Jones as First Minister in a coalition with the Conservatives and
the Liberal Democrats.
Plaid was divided on this question, but the Rainbow deal would have
required the three Opposition parties to devise a reason for a motion
of no confidence. As Plaid Cymru’s Arfon AM Alun Ffred Jones,
who switched sides for this reason, explained: “One we’d
installed Rhodri Morgan as First Minister, the game had changed. I
felt we couldn’t play fast and loose with votes of no confidence.
There would have to be a credible reason for making a challenge. I
would have felt uncomfortable in manufacturing a vote of no confidence.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Osmond, Director IWA, on 029 2066 6606 or 07720 599457
back to top |
