Nice Weekend

Last night I had a great time with some Plaid Cymru friends in Oakdale RFC. I had been invited to hear a lecture by the Welsh Historian, John Davies, on the place of Gwent in Welsh history. His contribution was fascinating.

I don't know what to make of all the speculation concerning the All Wales Convention report. The YouGov poll this week attracted quite some attention. The Labour leadership debate is also hotting up.

Newport Vigil

Tonight was great and I am so proud of Newport. The city's faith leaders and politicians stood together against racism. My lasting memory will be the sight of everyone raising their Welsh flags to affirm a welcoming nation where we can enjoy our distinctiveness but remain equally Welsh - a patriotism without racism.

Well done...

Speculation, speculation...

Over the past few days there has been a great deal of speculation around some of the things I am involved with. There is speculation that the so called "Welsh Defence League" will be turning up in Newport this weekend. Speculation can be a dangerous thing and scary in their case.

As faith communities and others meet tonight to hold a vigil in Newport, many are rightly nervous. I will be there and hope that all will go well.

I can only speculate around whether last night's Question Time will have had any affect on things. Nick Griffin, very successfully came over as a "victim" I thought. I sensed that many had not discerned that his aim was to appeal to those who feel disengaged, ignored and marginalised. He was never going to appeal to liberal minded intelectuals. Everyone ganging up on him didn't help.

There has also been a great deal of speculation about the supposed recommendations of the All Wales Convention. I have heard and read a great deal over the past few days. The report will be published on 18th of November. All will be revealed then. The Convention won't be responding to any speculation until the report is presented to the First Minister and his Deputy. That's the way it has to be.

Saying Your Say (Dweud Eich Dweud)

Just thinking about what to say tomorrow about the BBC and Nick Griffin on BBC Radio Cymru's Dweud Eich Dweud. I have decided that the ones who truly know the value of freedom of speech are those who may have to pay the price for it. I'm deeply troubled...

Convention

Our Chair, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, spoke today of our shared views as a Convention. I share his view that people will be surprised by the breadth of the recommendations. All will be revealed after the First Minister receives the report in November.

Fearful

I am fearful tonight thinking about the protest of the so called "Welsh Defence League" in Swansea tomorrow. I will be there for the silent witness of the Quakers between 4 and 5 p.m..

Jay-Z

Had a great birthday today with the family. Just enjoying my Jay-Z CD. I'm really enjoying it.

You can enjoy Jay-Z in your fifties. It's OK. I have decided not to have a mid-life crisis after all. It's much better just having fun and being "For Ever Young..."

Rhodri Morgan

Yesterday, the Faith Communities Forum was chaired for the last time by Rhodri Morgan as First Minister. One of his major achievements was to get Wales' faith community leaders to come together. All politicians have a list of regrets and a sense of failing over some things. I guess that Rhodri Morgan will reflect on many things.

For my part, I have always been a fan. I remain so and wish Rhodri well.