However, there is one piece that has been noticeably absent from this article, Kirsty Williams’s equally thoughtful piece and indeed much of the debate on this website and that is the clear articulation of the link between devolution and peoples’ lives.

I haven’t yet seen any politician of any colour talk in a language supporting greater devolved powers that ordinary voters will resonate with. My friends and family want a Welsh assembly that can help create the right economic conditions to create and sustain jobs, invest in infrastructure, recognise the challenges of the digital divide and build enduring prosperity. As much as the debates around better governance or potential referendum questions might appeal to hacks and politicos (and I include myself in this) until we start making this real and vital to voters across Wales, this campaign will struggle to get off the ground in any meaningful way. We still have a very long way to go.

You write that: “In a speech in December last year, I suggested our stance on devolution was my party’s Clause 4 moment. It is heartening to note the Welsh public have felt the same way. A steady – and growing – majority of people in Wales now support devolution. Now we must move forward to provide a lasting settlement.” My analysis concurs with this.

David Cameron’s “Broughton Declaration” when he pledged that the Conservatives would not block a referendum by refusing to lay the Order in the Commons, when the time is right, to trigger the plebiscite is a major step forward. Critics have suggested this position is a cop out, but I tend to agree with David Melding’s analysis yesterday that the Declaration “will be seen as decisive as Emyr Jones-Parry’s report. Between them they have set the parameters for this important national debate.”

David Melding also wrote that: “the Welsh Conservative Party is in for a bumpy ride. Its opponents will slap on the war paint and portray neutrality on law making powers as being “anti-Welsh” on devolution.” You both know that the position you have adopted is difficult and open to misinterpretation. But you can move forward based on it – and so can Wales.

No leading Conservatives were in the Yes camp in 1997. In 2010 both you and David as well as other respected figures like Jonathan Morgan and Glyn Davies will fight alongside people from other parties and none in making the case for rational change and constitutional improvement. With the Conservative Party polling around 30% of the vote in Wales now, if that carries 10% of the Welsh electorate into the Yes camp then it is possibly the most important change for the Yes side since 1997.

Yes, Nick, it is time to move forward. I hope this article convinces any remaining doubters of your total sincerity on that point. We march together.