Return of the native
Bubble — By Willy Nilly on June 16, 2010 2:00 pm
In the chair
DURING the four years that he was absent from the institution between 2003 and 2007, the National Assembly for Wales missed Gareth Jones. He is the only AM ever to have made a successful re-entry into the Assembly.
Back in the first Assembly it was very hard for all members to shine, maybe because of the sheer number of new faces on the political stage. Gareth Jones at that time was competent and diligent, but he did not really stand out. In those days Plaid Cymru seemed a much more crowded place than it does today. Big hitters like Dafydd Wigley, Cynog Dafis and Phil Williams were as dominant as party leader Ieuan Wyn Jones; while Helen Mary Jones and Rhodri Glyn Thomas were the rising stars. Gareth’s most noticeable characteristic was not what he said but how he said it, because he was the AM most likely to use Welsh consistently in the Chamber and in plenary.
A four year absence certainly reminded the Assembly – and definitely the Plaid group – of what it had missed. When he returned to national politics in May 2007, Gareth Jones became a far more prominent member of the institution when he took up the chairmanship of the Enterprise and Learning Committee when such matters were agreed in the aftermath of the election. This is arguably one of the top two Committees in the Assembly, spanning both the economic development and education briefs with a smattering of transport thrown in for good measure. Chairing it therefore demands a deft ability to keep discussions both focused and fluid. It is a tribute to Gareth Jones that, despite – or perhaps because of – the size of the brief that the committee enquiries have been short, sharp and shiny. He has led it in producing more reports than any of its parallel committees and his approach of narrow, punchy enquiries has become increasingly adopted by the others.
He also demonstrates a genuine duty of care to evidence givers in Committee, especially to first time witnesses, which puts them at ease and makes them feel valued. Such an approach gets the best out of them and leads to better Committee reports and recommendations.
But it is not just in bringing clear and effective reports from his Committee that has given Gareth Jones a solid platform on which to work, but also the way in which he presents his Committee evidence to Assembly Plenary session. It is always done in a rigorous way which defends the integrity of the Committee and maintains its independence from the executive. This is a principle that really matters to Gareth Jones. When Ieuan Wyn Jones, his party leader was unavailable to attend the Assembly to hear one of the Committee’s relevant economic reports, nobody was angrier than the Chair. And he did not try and hide it.
What else makes him tick? Certainly a love of Welsh language and culture, but also a deep rooted commitment to education which shines through in much of what he says and does. On the traditional political spectrum he also sits much of the time to the centre right in politics. This creates a really interesting personal dynamic in that he is often of a soft-Tory disposition – especially compared to a Plaid group with more than its share of radical left vocalists – yet he also displays an aversion to the Conservative Party in all its forms. His political positioning gave his voice added weight when the group navigated the difficult course into government in 2007, since he was seen as one of the least relaxed group members around entering into coalition with Labour. Yet, like the party loyalist he is, his efforts since then have been focused around maximising the understanding of the positive work the government has done. This usually takes the form of savaging the opposition parties for their perceived naivety or inconsistency. Indeed, he has been a particularly vocal critic of the new UK government. Perhaps more than anyone in Plaid, he is the clearest rejection of the value of a simple right-left axis in politics.
What more can Gareth Jones do in the Assembly? The answer may be nothing but more of the same, since he is a politician who has found his role. He is a natural Committee chair rather than government minister. Speculation abounds as to whether he will stand again in 2011 – he is actually older than Rhodri Morgan and is the oldest AM in the Chamber – but if he chooses to stand down it will deprive both the Assembly and Plaid of one of their most unshowy but effective operators.
Tags: Assembly, Gareth Jones
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Bookmark
Stumble
28 Comments
I’ve already spelt out why I think this is a terrible feature on the Lyn Neagle piece. I will be taking Daran’s advice and no longer reading the articles on the site. Really cheapened what has been a thought provoking and interesting site. Chasing hits wasn’t part of the profile of Wales Home until now. Shame.
In a world where it is generally perceived by media consumers that journalism is too reliant upon public relations, and have in the past few years voted with their feet accordingly, what makes you think that these profiles would be about chasing hits?
We’ve never been about chasing hits. We count ourselves fortunate that we have developed such a devoted readership. But that is a happy consequence of what we have done, not its driving reason.
So what you’re saying is that you’re taking your business elsewhere. Oh no – wait. It isn’t a business. It’s a hobby that we have been devoting our free time to for months for the love of it, and not for financial gain. We don’t expect your sympathy or your goodwill when things go right. But don’t act as if you’ve been shortchanged, because the usual transaction process doesn’t apply. You are not giving us anything. Your custom is not valued because there is no custom. You get this for free.
You get my almost-20 years of journalism experience for free, you get nearly five decades of knowledge of Welsh affairs and Westminster politics from Adam and Daran for free. You get our new associate editors’ various experience, for free. And you get all of our writers’ experience and knowledge – for free.
So, please, feel free to go elsewhere.
What hypocrisy from all those screaming the rooftops yesterday. Not a squeak today. No accusations of PR stunts or put up jobs. Nothing.
I said then that the only reason they were upset was because Wales Home had profiled Lynne Neagle and not one of their clan. This just proves me right.
It also proves the editors right in ignoring the cybernat trolls.
I think it’s good to hear positive things about our elected representatives. We hear about the stuff they get wrong all the time so nothing wrong with some positive vibes too, especially about the backbenchers who are fairly unknown to most of us.
One of the most honest and hard working AMs around.
Suggsy, no one yesterday bashed the article based on who was profiled but the way in which it was done. Those points are equally valid here. I will say again with this and the N,eagle post, it is a terrible feature that offers no point of debate simply a boring PR and spin blog. What has it really achieved posting this as a follow up. WalesHome seems to have lost its way a bit with anonymous postings sucking up to AMs.
Just because people are not slating it here doesn’t mean they dont hold those views just that they can’t be doing with repeating them. Just as the fact 50-plus people commented on yesterday’s blog doesn’t make it a good one, just that it drew a LOT of negative comments. As with Dean’s comment I also wont be dipping into the site anymore whilst it persists with the cheerleader stuff. Pointless.
And now Wales Home finds itself in a bind. After yesterday’s comically bad profile of Lynne Neagle, are we to expect similarly obsequious (sp?) pieces on members from all parties? If so, can you just get the first four done, and then carry on with this feature in a style closer to what we’re accustomed to?
Suggsy.
The points I raised still stand for this piece. But polluting it with that same argument seemed pointless wouldn’t you agree?
What hypocrisy from all those screaming the rooftops yesterday. Not a squeak today. No accusations of PR stunts or put up jobs. Nothing.
Not at all Suggsy, what was said yesterday about these “obituary” type articles is as relevant to Gareth as it was to Lynne. The reason for the lack of “complaints” today is because the point was made yesterday, I doubt if the editors would allow the same debate to continue over 60 different obits for each AM.
I will probably have to wash my mouth with soap and water, the Plaid connection, but when you ask what more can Gareth Jones do in the Assembly, I wonder if he is not the type of politician that should be co-opted into a chamber of scrutiny rather than lost to retirement, much as we have the HoL at Westminster.
Just a thought.
Matthew – bye bye.
Dyfrig – not at all.
Marcus – happy to keep debating.
Alwyn – this is a debating platform. So debate.
Dunc.
I would love to, but my wife is being induced in 9 hours time!
Mate, that’s the important stuff.
From all of us – pob lwc to you and your good lady. Drop us a (private) message afterwards to let us know how it all went.
Our thoughts are with you.
I have always found Gareth Jones to be a real gentleman. He has much respect in Aberconwy and even non-Plaid supporters sing his praises in the constituency.
He has always been willing to attend events and show support when I have invited him through my day job. He is a great chair of his committee and the reports he produces are thorough. Personally, I believe it will be a shame for the Assembly and Aberconwy if he isn’t in the next Assembly.
It is a pity that there isn’t more Gareth Jones’ in politics.
Great profile, btw.
n
I have not read the Neagle post, but I think it’s a shame that the debate here seems to be around that and style rather than Gareth Jones as an AM. I’ve not read any negative comments about him or his work here. It’s a shame that the comments have been taken over by the debate from the Neagle post.
The Neagle article was shocking. I suppose a slight innoculation has set in by now. This one mercifuly is shorter and at least contains a tiny suggestion that the subject is not the Messiah. It says this;
“He is a natural committee chair rather than government minister”
But then maybe Darran has never been a paid lobbyist for any campaign Jones has run and can’t gush about how impresive he was.
Alwyn – this is a debating platform. So debate.
Debate what?
One doesn’t speak ill of the dead! Obituary posts are not the sort of things gentlefolk should debate!
If you want debate, post pieces that show Gareth and Lynne’s downsides as well as their upsides. Then there might be some meat to chew on.
Sorry, but the only comment that such puff posts deserve is RIP, but they are a bit premature for that.
I hope that both live long and hearty lives and that it will be many years before either are deserving of this sort of fawning coverage!
Alwyn, you don’t need to be told. You’ve added comments elsewhere on this site and referenced us in order to form arguments on MOF. If you don’t like this, move along. I find very little of interest to read on your site, but I don’t throw a hissy fit over it. I just don’t read it.
Polly
Actually, the Gareth Jones piece was longer by quite some margin, which I suppose demonstrates how much attention you are paying and how much baggage you’re now carrying in this debate.
I tend to agree with Nia Davies’s latter point. There is a piece here that, like the previous one, attempts to appraise the subject from the point of view of the strengths and qualities that individual brings to public life in Wales. A few readers clearly don’t like this approach, and a couple of those have, bluntly, made themselves look rather petulant in their criticism. We’ve also had some supportive remarks.
I doubt there is anything left to say of interest on the question of the treatment of the pieces, but Polly’s remarks demonstrate that there is clearly much left to say that is dull or poorly observed. Therefore, from now on, I am suggesting we stick to Nia’s point and confine discussion to the appraisal of the subject.
Yesterday I commented on the Lynne Neagle piece and questioned whether it was written by one of her supporters. It’s worse it looks that Wily Nilly is going to produce a series of hagiographic articles on more AM. I remind you that Under Milk Wood (from which Willy gets his/her name) was meant as a satire on Welsh life.. Be brave admit thisis a mistake and stop it now.
“But then maybe Darran (sic) has never been a paid lobbyist for any campaign Jones has run and can’t gush about how impresive he was.”
I have never been a paid lobbyist for a campaign Lynne fronted either. I work pro bono for Disabled Children Matter Wales, the only time I have worked particularly closely with Lynne.
Nice sneering though, you must be very proud.
People boycotting this site because they don’t like the odd article? How petulant can you get? From Willy Nilly to Silly Billies..
Again, an AM who is not familiar to me and so I had to do my homework.
Whilst identified as Plaid, it would appear from the information available that he is much more of a Welsh Independent (perhaps a feature of a non-political career before entering politiics) However, it would have been most useful to be able to ascertain his views on an independent Wales and the form it might or not take.
I did find his most interesting the very realistic report given just two years ago as Chairman of the Enterprise and Learning Committee on The Economic Contribution of Higher Education in Wales.
http://www.impact-hei.ac.uk/Portals/8/Araith%20GJ%20Cynhadledd%20Atrium%2020080617.pdf
This report highlighted gaps in the system when compared with leading HE establishments in the USA and UK. At the end he speaks of learning of progress made in 2010, regretfully in my experience he will be disappointed.
Finally, as we all have weaknesses (even though we may try to keep them well hidden) as well as strengths and if the objective of these profiles is to inform the electorate of the true nature and character of AMs seeking re-election, I concur withe previous posters in that we should be exposed to the whole man or woman and not just a selected part.
This argument is getting ridiculously personal & tetchy. In my case the dismay I felt over the style of yesterday’s piece was nothing to do with partisanship – it was just that I didn’t want to read another 59 pieces like it. Some evidently will, so I will exercise my choice whether I shall or not.
I appreciate that this site is a labour of love and I’m glad it exists. The vitriol is an over-reaction. I will continue to read articles that interest me and skip others – just as I do in my daily paper.
I think this debate has become circular. Shall we end it?
I would suggest from Gareth Jones’ statements in the Assembly on issues like affordable housing, public services, the economy, he is on the centre-left of the political spectrum rather than the centre-right. It would however be accurate to say he is on the ‘right of Plaid Cymru’. He has a social conscience that would not be appropriate even in a properly Welsh conservative party. He clearly originates from the old rural liberalism (rather than conservatism) which was one of the strands which founded the Blaid. Above all he is committed to Wales which he sees as his nation.
I don’t have a problem with these articles.
I do appreciate reading about Gareth Jones’ work and motivations. He does seem he is a credit to his party, a backbone and workhorse of the Assembly. It may surprise many to know that there is a strong conservative (lower case c) element within Plaid…. well as Partisan says… is ‘right of [the leadership of] Plaid Cymru’ and closer to the ‘old liberalism’ of rural Wales. This strand of Plaid interests me, and I wish there was more information available on this strand. I think this is what confuses some people, that Plaid does have different strands within it which broadens its appeal across a large spectrum.
——————————————————————–
I am appreciative of the assembly member biographies, and am pleased that Lynne Neagle and now Gareth Jones have been highlighted. I do look forward to other articles as a way to “get into the head” of Welsh politicians. However, I think on the Willy Nilly section a comment should me made that states more clearly that Willy Nilly “attempts to appraise the subject from the point of view of the strengths and qualities that individual brings to public life in Wales.” What motivates these politicians and what their strengths are is excellent subject matter. I do recognize a toned down approach with Jones then with the Nilly piece, which I appreciate. Prehaps pepper the article with interview statements by the subject?
As for the criticism of the piece, would it be out of place to see them transferred to another article so that we do not have to wade through them to get to the comments about the article at hand?
Good journalism should include the vital task of making reports ‘for the record’. If every article on WalesHome were of this ilk, then we would miss the more incisive and combative exchange of views – but I think the site also gains from filling in the gaps in our record, by providing brief non-analytical snapshots such as these.
The joy of the web is that others (hopefully more mature than some who’ve commented here) can add their opinions or even information.
Despite their individual strengths and weaknesses (and surely every AM has both) they should be valued and respected as people, no matter how much we would criticise their performance or views.
And I think the same goes for this website, which has already made a significant contribution to Wales’ civic life.
I look forward to more in this vein.
Partisan wrote: “I would suggest from Gareth Jones’ statements in the Assembly on issues like affordable housing, public services, the economy, he is on the centre-left of the political spectrum rather than the centre-right. It would however be accurate to say he is on the ‘right of Plaid Cymru’. He has a social conscience that would not be appropriate even in a properly Welsh conservative party. He clearly originates from the old rural liberalism (rather than conservatism) which was one of the strands which founded the Blaid. Above all he is committed to Wales which he sees as his nation.”
Personally I wouldn’t disagree with this alternative appraisal of Gareth’s political roots and philosophy. It makes coherent sense.