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‘Hard to know if it’s Plaid or Drakeford creating interest in independence’, says ex-minister

09 Aug 2021 2 minute read
Rhodri Glyn Thomas. Plaid Cymru (CC 2.0)

It’s “hard to know” if it’s Plaid Cymru or Mark Drakeford creating interest in independence, according to a former minister.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas, who used to be the Plaid Cymru AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said the First Minister has “established the idea of Wales as a nation within the debate about the future of the United Kingdom”.

Back in March a Savanta ComRes poll commissioned by ITV put support for independence at an all time high of 39%.

According to Thomas, who was the Minister for Heritage in the One Wales coalition government with Labour, Drakeford is responsible for creating “clear red water” between Wales and Westminster.

He made the comments in a column for the Welsh language magazine, Golwg, in which he branded Plaid Cymru’s election results since 1999 as “disastrous”.

He said: “The electoral machine is responsible for winning and rewinning constituency and regional seats, but one figure had maintained and guided Labour Party thought.

“Ruling was the only interest of Rhodri Morgan and Carwyn Jones, but the man responsible for establishing the thought and the image for the party is Mark Drakeford.

“He’s responsible for the clear red water and he’s established the idea of Wales as a nation within the debate about the future of the United Kingdom.

“By now, it’s hard to know if it’s him o’r Plaid Cymru creating the interest in and support for independence.

“It’s true that the coronavirus emergency has lifted Mark Drakeford’s political profile, but the truth is that his influence has been central to enabling the Labour Party react creatively to devolution and to governing over 20 years, which is remarkable, if not unique.”


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j humphrys
j humphrys
2 years ago

It’s the Welsh people.

Jack
Jack
2 years ago

I know Adam Price said he was taking some time away from work for family reasons, which I do respect. But that must have been over 2 months ago now.

Have Plaid thought about potentially having an interim leader whilst he’s away? They seem to have totally vanished as a political force since the election. Not entirely due to the leader, but his absence is conspicuous.

Mandi A
Mandi A
2 years ago
Reply to  Jack

Mr ap Iorwerth is in the Chair I believe, not that you would notice

Mr Williams
Mr Williams
2 years ago

“Ruling was the only interest of Rhodri Morgan and Carwyn Jones…. With respect to Rhodri Glyn Thomas, I don’t agree with that. Both men did the best they could and implemented some very good policies during their time in office, given the limited powers they had. For example, under their leadership several adults, including myself, who had been put off higher education under the Conservative misrule before devolution (including myself) were able to get a second chance by having funding to go to university. I went to university as a mature student and was able to gain a degree, PGCE… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Mr Williams
Chris
Chris
2 years ago

It’s Boris. The revulsion at that appalling slug of a humanoid is the best recruiter Indy has ever has

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
2 years ago

Welsh Labour must now stop flirting with the Union hoping for more powers for Wales (it’s not going to happen) and look seriously at whether the country could do better on its own instead. Plaid needs to work with them as the seed is sown in Welsh Labour – many in the party are now indy-curious at the very least. By everyone working together and trying to put aside their differences – we will gain independence far far quicker.

Mr Williams
Mr Williams
2 years ago
Reply to  Steve Duggan

Agreed. Imagine the great things both parties could achieve if they worked together.

Dylan Jones
Dylan Jones
2 years ago
Reply to  Mr Williams

Collaboration and unity could be our supper power. History shows us we fail at this but like many of you say, put our differences to one side and work towards a shared future for the betterment of people and environment in Cymru, imagine what we could achieve!!

Erisian
Erisian
2 years ago

No mention of Brexit as a probable cause, or the resentment felt after years of uneccessary, ideologically driven austerity after the crash?

Howell williams
2 years ago
Reply to  Erisian

If we want independence we need plaid to be forthright and direct with the people of Wales and to create and instil in us why we would be far better off with our own Government.
In short we need a leader,Adam price is far from that.

hdavies15
hdavies15
2 years ago

Mark Drakeford has at various times been an influence for and against independence. When he goes on about the Union he shows the negative side which is acceptable to a lot of the old guard who still regard the UK as sacrosanct, but that also stimulates the contrary view about how much more of this disequilibrium can we stomach. At his most positive he displays a mild form of indy-tendency, which may be a bit of an embarrassment to some of his colleagues. So a bit of a mixed review which shouldn’t come as a surprise after all we are… Read more »

Iain Duncan Smith
Iain Duncan Smith
2 years ago

It is probably Boris because he’s useless.

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