I wonder sometimes if there isn't a Jekyll and Hyde syndrome affecting former Plaid Cymru Leader, MP and AM now Dafydd Elis Thomas with the Hyde personality (as Lord Elis Thomas) finally winning over
Now an "Independent AM in the Labour not a coalition as Wales’ culture minister he has been criticised by campaigners after saying that broadcasting can’t be devolved to Wales because it has an important role in creating a “shared culture” for people across the UK.
In a letter to Cymdeithas yr Iaith, the Welsh language society, Dafydd Elis-Thomas (How long before he starts using his title daily ) he said that there could be “significant financial risks” to devolving broadcasting to Wales.
He also noted that broadcasting “plays an essential role in creating a shared cultural citizenship for people across the United Kingdom”.
Ffred Ffransis of the Welsh language society said that his comments amounted to an admission that the aim was to “turn us all into Brits”.
To be fair in the latter, Dafydd Elis-Thomas goes on to say that he does not believe that the BBC should only be answerable to Westminster.
However I am at a loss to see what “shared culture” is .
For many this means the culture of England, where Wales' contribution is often confined to images of the Welsh country side to a soundtrack of a male voice choir.
The poet Harri Webb once penned the lines
Of course there is much to praise in our neighbour culture and we a absorbed much of it (good and bad) , but we should never think that we consider it superior and let ours be dictated by it.
Baron Elis-Thomas, of Nant Conwy in the County of Gwynedd may be finally be overcome with this alter ego . but we are entitled to ask whether this is benefit or a hindrance to our nation.
Or perhaps like Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns he prefers the term principallity.
It seems he does.
Now an "Independent AM in the Labour not a coalition as Wales’ culture minister he has been criticised by campaigners after saying that broadcasting can’t be devolved to Wales because it has an important role in creating a “shared culture” for people across the UK.
In a letter to Cymdeithas yr Iaith, the Welsh language society, Dafydd Elis-Thomas (How long before he starts using his title daily ) he said that there could be “significant financial risks” to devolving broadcasting to Wales.
He also noted that broadcasting “plays an essential role in creating a shared cultural citizenship for people across the United Kingdom”.
Ffred Ffransis of the Welsh language society said that his comments amounted to an admission that the aim was to “turn us all into Brits”.
“It’s incredible that he wants Westminster to control Wales’ broadcasting, rather than himself, because he shares their ideal of creating a shared cultural citizenship for people across the UK’,” he said.
“What’s next – support for a GB football team?”
To be fair in the latter, Dafydd Elis-Thomas goes on to say that he does not believe that the BBC should only be answerable to Westminster.
“We want to ensure that the UK’s broadcasters are answerable to the National Assembly and the listeners and viewers of Wales,”
However I am at a loss to see what “shared culture” is .
For many this means the culture of England, where Wales' contribution is often confined to images of the Welsh country side to a soundtrack of a male voice choir.
The poet Harri Webb once penned the lines
Hooray for English Culture.
To Wales it's such a blessing.
Tuneless songs and tasteless jokes,
and blowsy bags undressing
Of course there is much to praise in our neighbour culture and we a absorbed much of it (good and bad) , but we should never think that we consider it superior and let ours be dictated by it.
Baron Elis-Thomas, of Nant Conwy in the County of Gwynedd may be finally be overcome with this alter ego . but we are entitled to ask whether this is benefit or a hindrance to our nation.
Or perhaps like Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns he prefers the term principallity.
It seems he does.
2 comments:
What about Lord Rhondda being described as an American? (see Dai Smith: Aneurin Bevan and the World of South Wales, 1993).
As Presiding Officer he did much to strengthen the Legislature and insure its independence from the Executive. So for that history will be kind to that part of his career. However, now he seems to be turning into a Brit Nat, a very sad end to an important politicians life.
Post a Comment