Elections Update

Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones paid a visit to Llanelli on Wednesday, promising to bring an end to the "culture of incumbency which has dominated councils in Wales for far too long, particularly when they are being ruled by the Labour Party".

The party could do really well in the Llanelli area on 1st May, sighting reasons such as the decay of the town centre, a lack of real job opportunities and bad financial and planning decisions made by the incumbent Independent/Labour coalition. Additionally, the local branch of Plaid will still be on a roll since their 3,000 vote majority at the last assembly election. The party should be acclaimed for mounting a decent campaign this time round while fielding more candidates.

Unfortunately for Plaid, they will have a struggle to oppose those Labour and Independents whom are popular within their community. Also, the Assembly Plaid successes in Llanelli have benefited greatly from the "Helen Mary" factor, the fact that she is a very popular character amongst constituents.

Labour on the other hand might suffer from being part of an unpopular administration in the Old Carmarthen Prison (aka County Hall). On the other hand, does anyone outside the 'political community' know who runs what. The Labour Party have suffered over the years by having to fight the unopposable Independents. They have failed to reform and are not equipped to fight a proper election campaign.

Ironically, a big victory for Plaid Cymru will be of benefit to Labour in the long term.

It is very difficult to discuss the fortunes of the Independents. Although each one of them is Independent, they essentially form a de facto political party. They seem to have two different personae, one for the electorate and another for the council chamber. It was Independent Council leader Meryl Gravell who said in the council chamber on the 8th February this year, "Some council members exhibit weakness and are prepared to listen to people out there." If I was a member of the Independent or Labour Groups I would be calling for her to be ousted. This creates a problem in which it is very difficult to out the current administration. I, as well as many others wish to get rid of Meryl Gravell as Council Leader, but only the people of Trimsaran can really do that.

The Tories are fielding candidates and may make two or three gains. The LibDems have a few candidates running, but the local party is extremely weak and are unlikely to take any seats.