Programme 3
Ten years have passed since Wales voted in favour of devolution, and eight years since the Assembly met for the first time. Nowadays we tend to take devolution for granted, forgetting how much has changed in a relatively short period of time. But in truth Wales has changed a great deal over the past decade – in large measure due to the impact of devolution.
A striking example of this impact has been the effect of devolution on our political parties. Following Plaid Cymru's astonishing success in the first Assembly elections in 1999, the result was described as a 'silent earthquake' by Dafydd Wigley, then-President of Plaid. The tremors was certainly felt by all the other parties as they strived to present themselves in a way that emphasised their Welsh credentials. The relaunch of the Welsh Labour Party in 2000 was an early and striking example of of this new trend. But consider also the way in which devolution has allowed Plaid Cymru to move from the fringes to the centre of the political stage. Following the 2007 election, the party is now part of national government for the first time in its history.
In this last programme, Dr Richard Wyn assesses the contribution devolution has made to the life of the nation in his characteristic incisive manner. What are the successes and failures, the strengths and weaknesses, in the fields of education, the economy, the Welsh language, health and transport? As a highly-respected academic at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and Director of the Institute of Welsh Politics, his views are based on a wide-ranging and thorough knowledge of the the subject.
When the narrowness of the 1997 referendum is recalled, as well as the basic flaws of the Welsh Government Act 1998, it is fair to say that a great deal has been achieved in Cardiff Bay. But there is also room for improvement, especially considering the serious challenges that Wales continues to face. Looking ahead, Richard asks what the people of Wales will make of this unique opportunity to determine the future of their nation?
