Father of the nation?

Throughout the Welsh Labour leadership race has been the assumption that once Rhodri has departed his influence will be gone. Welsh Labour has shown considerable anxiety about losing its leader, with suggestions that figures up to and including the Prime Minister have petitioned the Cardiff West AM to stay on. Labour’s opponents, meanwhile, have scarcely attempted to conceal their glee that this most recognisable (and, as last week’s YouGov poll showed, popular) of Welsh politicians is about to be replaced by one of three candidates with little public profile.

Yet surely there another role awaiting the First Minister on the other side? As Dafydd Wigley has demonstrated, it is not necessary to be in front line politics make an impact. One of the great advantages of Rhodri leaving on top is that he goes with a vast reservoir of public goodwill and a willingness from voters to listen to what he has to say.

Once out of office, Rhodri’s considerable and fertile intellect will be free to roam the panorama of Welsh public life. He will be at liberty not only to think big thoughts, but to ensure they gain traction. A number of people have suggested that he should lead any forthcoming referendum campaign, but there is surely a role beyond that? Rhodri could, in effect become the nearest thing that Wales has to a Father of the Nation.

It does not mean that he would be at liberty to chip in on any and every debate – the role of Wise Elder depends on the judicious dispensation of insight. But provided that this rule is observed, is it possible that Rhodri could achieve more out of office than in?