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WHAT a fast moving afternoon! This just in (courtesy of Betsan’s blog):

STATEMENT FROM THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

The Assembly Government once again reaffirms its commitment to the One Wales agreement in relation to a referendum on Part Four powers.

Both parties recognise the difficulties which would be created for a purposeful and united ‘Yes’ campaign, if that were attempted to be held during the run up to a General Election.

Both recognise that a successful ‘Yes’ campaign will rest on mobilising support from all political Parties in Wales, and from those who have no political affiliation.

Otherwise, all options for the timing of a referendum remain open. Nothing has been ruled in or ruled out, including, if it proved practical, a referendum in the autumn.

So trouble averted after a rather stormy afternoon in which there was clear unhappiness between the Labour and Plaid coalition partners over the future timing of the referendum.

And just in case we’re in any doubt where would-be First Minister Huw Lewis stands on the issue, this just in:

The commitment in One Wales sets a deadline of a referendum by 2011. Nobody is talking about ripping up that deal – what we’ve seen today is a common sense, hard headed assessment of Labour’s political priorities over the coming months. The decision to put talks off until after the General Election campaign echoes my call to take one poll at a time, so I’m pleased with the statement today.

Our first duty as a party is to fight off the Tories in the General Election – Welsh communities will never forgive is us if we take our eye off the ball and start focussing on another priority some 18 months away.

There’s some odd and quite cynical briefing going on – its nonsense that the coalition is under threat. I would urge Ieuan Wyn Jones to distance himself from these comments as soon as possible and clear this up.

It is sad that today’s spat coincides with the publication of new figures measuring our bid to tackle child poverty. Some figures are encouraging, some figures frankly show an unacceptable rate of progress, such as those on infant mortality. That is why I have been calling for an all-encompassing governmental approach to tackling child poverty in Wales. I think it is these bread and butter issues that people want their politicians to get exercised over, not some dry debate about when we start preparing for a referendum.”

Can we expect a statement from Ieuan clarifying his position later today? I wouldn’t hold your breath…