Look this way
On March 1st 1979 I was thirteen years old and hadn't yet made my 'O' level choices. What that means is that I was still studying Religious Education, a subject that - as a Minister's daughter - I was bound to drop as soon as possible. But back in March 1979 there I was in Mr Salisbury's class trying not to show up my father.
And back in March 1979, or more likely in the weeks leading up to March 1st, I remember a fellow pupil being asked a question that should have elicited the answer: The Book of Revelation, or in Welsh, Dat-guddiad. Instead he blurted out: Dat-ganoli. He'd opted not for Revelation but for Devolution.
And you could understand why. Devolution and the referendum on March 1st were in the headlines, in the paper, on the doorstep, in leaflets and the word, if not the debate, had made an impression on my fellow thirteen year old.
We all know what sort of impression the debate made on the rest of the nation. 58.8% voted; 79.7% said no, just 20.3% said yes to putting "the provisions of the Wales Act 1978 into effect".
And we all know what sort of impression the debate made eighteen years later in1997. 50.1% voted; 49.7% said no, 50.3% said yes, to "whether there should be a Welsh Assembly".
Lord Richard had his turn and now it's over to the Executive Committee of the All Wales Convention. They will meet today for the first time over the road in the Pierhead Building and face the task of spelling out for Rhodri Morgan and Ieuan Wyn Jones what the implications would be of going ahead and holding a third referendum - or not. (Yes, I know, visitors to this blog favour another, less neutral job description but I'll leave you to point that out).
Are they representative of the people of Wales? Yes, says Chair Sir Emyr Jones Parry. Really? Well yes, "given those who came forward ... what we were offered".
I asked Ieuan Wyn Jones last week whether he still believes a referendum will be held on or before 2011, as per the One Wales Agreement. He didn't answer the first time but did the second, quite emphatically. Yes, he does. He'd have one heck of a job explaining any other answer to his party of course but I found I was almost taken aback.
For many Plaid Cymru voters, Labour support in campaigning for a referendum, caveats and all, was the clincher that kept them from somewhere over the rainbow. Now there's a drip-drip of doubt among at least some I've spoken to, a belief that it will happen but not before the next Assembly election. Some don't think it can be won; others think Labour will do everything not to honour the pledge; others just can't work out when it can be held.
It's hardly surprising that more and more Labour supporters shake their heads when asked about a referendum. They, after all, have other things to worry about, be they devo-sceptics, devo-realists or die-hard devolutionists.
Read the views of Sir Emyr Jones Parry, Chair of the Convention here and those of Huw Lewis AM here. You may note that we added a question mark to the title of the story we wrote about Huw Lewis' piece. Why? It was in response to a suggestion from his camp that "Cart before the horse" didn't reflect the nuances in his piece. On this occasion, fair enough.
Ah nuances.
Good luck Sir Emyr.
1700
I've been slow in putting up this entry. Apologies. I've been chairing a conference on Immigration and inclusion in South Wales.
I've just seen the footage of the Executive Committee posing for the official photographer. "Smile" he says encouragingly, "Relax ... Everyone turn your head in this direction".
They looked even less relaxed.
I'm Betsan Powys, BBC Wales' political editor. I'll be blogging the inside track on 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~04~RS~)
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It is Summer 2008, the referendum is many years away yet. If history holds true, then once Labour is out of power in Whitehall then they most likely will endorse full parliamentary powers.
I said it before, but it is valid here too: Better to rule in Wales then no where at all! This what happened over the corse of the last century and will happen again.
We will see many not honor their party's good-faith agreement, and some break away from support. But we will have to see how things progress over the corse of the next few years.
The recent survay demonstrated that over 80% of the Assembly members want parliamentry authority, and that should translate to good-faith support of a Yes campaign. But we shall see.
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"It is Summer 2008, the referendum is many years away yet. If history holds true, then once Labour is out of power in Whitehall then they most likely will endorse full parliamentary powers."
Er...perhaps/maybe...BUT, er then , "They'll be out of power"?
So, in that respect, "powerless"...since Westminister (pantomine hiss!) will be required to commit legislation to activate the GREAT MASS UPRISING/WELSH REFERENDUM OF 2011. (Cheers from the N. Bangor Freedom Party end.)
So, it'll be down to Davey Cameeroooon and His new Nudging Tories to happily deliver "us"...from "them"?
The Conservitive and UNIONIST Party? ??
Always read the label.
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Betsan..."Are they representative of the people of Wales? Yes, says Chair Sir Emyr Jones Parry. Really? Well yes, "given those who came forward ... what we were offered"."
I've JUST seen the names/orgs./"ordinary people" (sic) of the "Glorious 16"...Rejoice! They'll now be singing on the streets of Newport tonight...break out the Stella!!"
"given those who came forward"
This is ALL a big Funky Welsh Dragon joke surely?
And some said the Welsh political class didn't have a satirical sense of humour.
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Whether I like it or not the Conservatives are a racing certainty to win the next General Election.
Whether they like it or not the Conservatives are going to address the current legislative shambles.
We have four very different systems operating now in the four UK countries in terms of decision making.
I am Welsh, but in respect of this issue I am English. This is because I live in England and use the English NHS, my children use the English education system etc. Decisions in these spheres are taken at Westminster where representatives from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland vote on these issues with no resulting effect on their constituents.
The position in England is untenable. The position in the UK is untenable. If you look at the list of laws proposed in a Queens Speech you will see a) applies to the UK, or b) Applies to England, Wales and Scotland or c) Applies to England, Wales, and N Ireland or d) Applies to England and Wales or e) Applies to England only. A right mish-mash
The position can only be rectified if we are all treated the same. Will the Scots accept a Welsh Style Assembly? No! Will they abolish their elected body? No. Then we have to have 4 legislative bodies with equal (law making) powers.
For those that cherish the Union it may be the only way they can save it.
As for Labour out of power not being able to legislate for a referendum or law making. Personally I think another dose of Tories will make them see sense and also make the people of Wales see sense and determine their/our destiny (I am coming back!) and lifestyle.
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Betsan
thanks for telling us your very important history..
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Betsan:
At least, you made the best decision and went into the field of journalism...
~Dennis Junior~
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