The Wigley Factor?
Which motion has been put forward by more branches than any other? The one calling on Plaid's National Executive to 'prepare new rules for the election of Regional List candidates ... which ensure that the person, regardless of gender, who secures the highest number of votes in each Region under the agreed voting procedure shall be placed on top of the Regional List candidates for that Region'.
Or put simply: change the bl**dy rule that kept Dafydd Wigley out of Cardiff Bay.
The party claims to be relaxed about the debate ahead. Party Chair John Dixon had already been asked to look at the selection rules once the election was over. But clearly that process isn't happening quickly enough for some - amongst them former MEP Eurig Wyn. 4 years of positive discrimination was enough he says. The Executive must take heed of the strength of feeling amongst ordinary party members that this policy has done its job and should be scrapped and quickly. "Otherwise we could be tying ourselves in to this policy for another 12, or 16 years" - not sure if that's a knowing look or a grimace that he gives me.
And what of the young, female AMs who have the policy to thank for their new jobs? "I'd say four years is long enough for them to make their mark wouldn't you?" says Mr Wyn. Or in other words, 'make the most of your four years girls ...'
A quick thought. I bet the young, female AMs might have a view on Plaid representation in the House of Lords. Then again if they weren't around ... what was that again Earl Grey?
I'm Betsan Powys, Â鶹Éç Wales' political editor. I'll be blogging the inside track on .
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Whats so great about Wigley - hes getting on you know
Why so against young women - we dont hear the same comments about men.Plaid is full of crusty old men who need to realise that women have a lot to give
The ability "to give" should not be determined by sex. People should be elected or nominated according to their ability or the preference of the voter, not of their sex.
If Bethan, Nerys, Janet & co recruited more members that could be described as 'young' and 'dynamic' rather than US 'old' & 'crusty' (at 52)men, perhaps women could be elected on their merit rather than positive discrimination or preferential treatment...just like what Helen Mary Jones did in Llanelli.
We shall watch their performance over the next 4 years with interest!!