2008 was an exceptional year for Welsh politics and it looks like 2009 will match it at the very least. As Assembly Members and Welsh Parliamentarians continue to strain over the new Welsh legislation branded 'LCO' and 'Measure', the first main battle, over the Housing LCO seems to have been won by Westminster.
The difficulty of this entire argument is trying to understand the mindset of the people involved. The Assembly and Assembly Government are both young organisations that are growing in confidence. As this becomes greater, they will become more power hungry. Although objectively, this is hunger from organisations that have been rationed close to starvation for 10 years.
Welsh MPs and the 'devo-sceptic' Secretary of State for Wales seem to want to refuse as much power as possible to Cardiff Bay. It's difficult to understand why, although Labour's Welsh majority suggests either that they are anti-Welsh or they are more concerned over safeguarding their jobs.
I would like to see a much faster 'process' for the devolution of powers to the Assembly. However, I also believe to the contrary that the frustrations of a slower paced devolution will help nurture a more distinctly Welsh democracy. 2009 will be the first year proper in Welsh politics as Welsh Labour, the largest and most important party (you must agree) open a contest for leader. During this process, Labour will convene the biggest debate Wales would ever have so far over her future aspirations.
It's going to be a very difficult year. It's going to look dirty and those on the outside looking in will be even further turned off. With the Welsh language legislation LCO about to kick off, we'll be off to an extremely bad start.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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