It's not often I write a politically based blog. It's not often that I actually write a blog, in fact. The last one I wrote was a bit of a rant about Cardiff City being re branded to red.
The desire to write this one however, is quite different.
I'm absolutely shattered after a busy weekend, some of which spent glamping with Plaid Ifanc in a field in Llangollen... But, I'm inspired. Very inspired.
Autumn Conference was such a positive experience for me. I met so many like minded activists and was able to place many faces to names. It reiterated to me how important these types of gatherings are; discussing how we think Wales should be taken forward. Some issues may spark debates, but these are fundamental, helpful even. We get to see a broader picture of how people in Wales are reacting to the rapidly changing political landscape, the vacuum that's been created as a result of Brexit. On the topic of Brexit, I went out with Plaid Ifanc for dinner on Friday evening where we discussed the consequences, and the potential dangers that are going to come with the process. It was comforting. Comforting to know that I wasn't the only one so anxious, devastated and angry at the result in June. The political landscape in Wales is changing.
As Neil McEvoy AM said in his speech on Saturday, we must ensure that Plaid Cymru act as the robust opposition to Welsh Labour, the robust opposition that people in Wales want. The fact that more than 10,000 people voted for Neil McEvoy in Cardiff West was considered "unprecedented", and the result 5 years ago would have been seen as an "impossible dream."
Neil McEvoy AM Conference Speech
The exciting reality is, these dreams are not becoming so impossible anymore. The power is in our hands and we have the opportunity to continue the success of the rise in Plaid's support. Let Conference be that stepping stone. Let it inspire us to move forward, to take action, to converse with people, and to spread Plaid Cymru's vision.
"We are not seeking a coalition with the Labour Party."
This was the statement from Leanne Wood, leader and newly appointed AM in the Rhondda. It was a statement that received an emphatic applause from the audience. The people of Wales want robust opposition, and Plaid Cymru must act as one. However, this doesn't just come from the AMs, it comes from us, as members, as supporters, as people living in Wales and thriving for change. All it takes is one conversation, one door knock, one telephone canvass. The power to change Wales, to move Wales forward is ultimately in our hands. This is even more crucial given the elections in May, where we have the opportunity to vote for change, for positive change, for something different to the Labour system that has run out of ideas.
We must think about the reasons why we supported Plaid, why we gave up our weekend to travel to Conference. We went because we are excited about change. We want to hear what others think, what the Assembly Members think, what we can do to help the cause.
On a personal note, I enjoyed meeting up with Plaid Ifanc, in a very well attended fringe meeting at 5pm on Saturday. It was inspiring to see such a strong youth movement within Wales; a group of people so committed, passionate and excited about shaping Wales' future.
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| Plaid Ifanc Cymru |
Let Conference be the platform to change in Wales. Let's build upon it and become the robust opposition and let us speak out for the people of Wales, as the Party of Wales.
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