Wednesday, May 9, 2007

HAIN IN THE NECK

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain is at it again.

He told MPs this morning that Assembly Members need to work harder when they get new powers after next May’s elections. Presumably Le Hain was directing his comments at Labour AMs, though he didn’t specify.

Certainly Labour Assembly Members have form for complaining about there not being enough hours in the day.

Cardiff South and Penarth AM Lorraine Barrett once moaned that she was overworked, asking colleagues: “Will you explain to me why I do not have a free morning or a free afternoon between Tuesday and Thursday?”

Er ... because you're supposed to be at work, perhaps? Why not take the Monday and Friday off too, Lorraine, and make a week of it?

As mentioned blog postings passim Hain has a habit of putting his size 10s into matters that don’t concern him.

Amazing he finds time really given that most of his working hours are spent on his other jobs – namely Northern Ireland and his campaign to succeed John Prescott.

Welsh Conservative AM Alun Cairns is not impressed. Responding to Hain’s comments he said: “It is time Labour AMs woke up, stumbled out of the comfort zone they have occupied for far too long, and got on with some real, hard work.

“Peter Hain was clearly sending a message to members of his own party.

“Welsh Conservative AMs have consistently been ranked as the hardest working, most effective members of the Assembly over the last eight years.

“At the same time some Labour AMs have complained that they don’t have a day off during the week.

“We have always argued that the Assembly should do more and sit for longer so it can get to grips with the real issues facing Wales today.

“That is certainly what the people of Wales want and what we will continue to fight for.”