LORD Dafydd Elis-Thomas believes that the 10th anniversary of the devolution referendum is the right time to clear up confusion over who does what in Cardiff Bay.
The presiding officer argued for the ruling executive of the Assembly to be known simply as the 'Welsh Government'.
The Dwyfor Meirionnydd AM said the case had been made to omit the word 'Assembly' from WAG’s title because of confusion created in the public mind with the role of the National Assembly.
For the media, it was a simple 'subbing' exercise for extra clarity.
“It’s important when we describe what we do to do it clearly,” he said, “and that our processes are as transparent as our building.
“We need to make it more clear that, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Welsh ministers, take action on behalf of the people, while the National Assembly is about making them accountable.
“The form of the title of WAG is still confusing, while the term Welsh ministers is very clear.
“In Scotland, they are using Scottish Government and there is every case that we should use Welsh Government.
“There is no issue with the UK or Westminster Government which is clearly the UK Government and we already talk about local government,” he said.
A spokesperson for WAG, however, pointed out: “The title Welsh Assembly Government is laid down in section 45 of the Government of Wales Act.
“There are no plans to submit a proposal to Parliament to change the name.”
Anonymous wrote...
“In Scotland, they are using Scottish Government and there is every case that we should use Welsh Government.
“
Ah, but we're not Scotland. And we have an Assembly not a Parliament - the creation of which is the real agenda behind this sleight-of-hand demand.
When will he learn that it is for the people to decide - not politicians?
The people of Scotland voted for a Parliament. The people of Wales voted (just) for an Assembly.
Both are enshrined in law. It would take a new law [not a wish-list-flick-of-the-wrist] to change that.
Step by step politicians like Dafydd Elis Thomas try to pull more and more power to themselves - with no reference to the voting public.
No, Mr. Elis Thomas. We live in a democratic system.
If you want to call the Assembly a Parliament and/or a Government then it is for the PEOPLE to decide - not politicians.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 19, 2007 3:50 PM