Assembly must listen to public

Despite an approaching democratic crisis in Wales, many Assembly members still preach to the converted 38 per cent of Welsh voters who show any real support for the institution.

I campaigned against the Assembly but subsequently realised that if you can't beat them you must join them and try to make a difference.

As an Assembly candidate, my public view expressed in this newspaper has always been that the Assembly must prove its maturity as an elected institution by delivering a change of government. That can only mean a rainbow coalition.

Talking to senior Plaid Cymru figures I understand that as working with the Conservatives would be a disaster for them in parts of South Wales, where they position themselves as socialists, this is increasingly unlikely. Hence we now hear of talk from Rhodri Morgan of a minority Labour administration based upon 27 seats out of 60.

This will lead to a democratic crisis in Wales. In previous years, many alienated voters simply ignored the Assembly as an irrelevance.

Today, with stronger powers and complete responsibility for delivering what voters commonly describe as a "second class" health service, that view is changing dramatically on the doorsteps.

Hundreds attend public meetings to find out how their votes can bring change because they are personally very worried about their health. If the Welsh Assembly fails to embrace and represent their views and continues to talk to itself, then I predict huge public anger and protest here in Mid Wales.

Dan Munford, Conservative Assembly Candidate for Montgomeryshire