Cymru: Nationalism with the windows open...open to the world

Plaid Cymru held its spring conference last week (19th – 20th February 2010) at the SWALEC Stadium, Sophia Gardens in the Welsh capital of Cardiff.

The conference took place ahead of a general election in the UK that some predict could even be called as early as next month. Plaid Leader and Deputy First Minister of Wales, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, said as the conference opened, that the election will be held in «an unprecedented age of mistrust.» Reports from the conference however, showed that there was a general mood of optimism among delegates, who were no doubt still reeling from the successful and historic vote this month supporting a referendum for greater powers for the Welsh assembly. Also the buoyant mood among delegates could be a consequence of recent opinion polls suggesting that there is an increasing likelihood that there will be a hung parliament after the general election, meaning that no one party will have overall control. This would mean that nationalist parties like Plaid and the Scottish Nationalist Party could hold the sway of power in Westminster.

The pre election conference is Plaid's second two day spring conference and followed the same scheduled format as last year with the Friday and Saturday mornings dedicated to training, and the afternoons involving key note speakers and panel discussions. In addition, there were a number of fringe sessions taking place across the two days, which included lectures, seminars and workshops. Some of the topics discussed at the conference were a defence policy for Wales, safeguarding civil rights and regaining trust in democracy.

At the conference, Plaid President, Davydd Iwan stepped down, having held the post since 2003. In his final speech Mr Iwan called on Plaid to keep its tradition alive of championing freedom around the world, saying that Plaid's nationalism is:

«Nationalism with the windows open...open to the world.»

The election of a new Plaid President will take place this summer. Speakers from Mebyon Kernow – the Party for Cornwall – and the Scottish Nationalist Party also showed their solidarity with Plaid and addressed the conference.

Link : (voir le site)

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Issued by the Director of Information Celtic League

22/02/10