Civilised debate showed politics in the best light

To our surprise and pleasure, Labour backed our amendment

Councillor Joe Boyle, Leader, Lib Dem group Cardiff council

AT Thursday’s full Cardiff council meeting, Conservative councillors submitted a motion calling for additional dementia facilities in the north of the city. Their motives were sound but Liberal Democrats amended the motion. We called for additional provision to be based on evidence of where the need lies rather than on the basis of location. The liberal instinct is to provide solutions that meet the needs of individuals rather than the needs of geography.

To our surprise and pleasure, Labour backed our amendment. What followed was a solid discussion, marked by some powerful speeches from all sides. The chamber fell silent, in particular, to hear the testimony of Councillor Ed Stubbs, who gripped councillors with his description of the loss of both his parents to dementia. Checking out his speech on the council’s archived webcast of the meeting would be three minutes well spent. The Lib Dem amendment was passed unanimously and will add to the progress made in recent years towards making Cardiff a dementia-friendly city. It was a good evening for local politics. It demonstrated that honest debate, mature compromise and compelling oratory can help improve the lives of people whom local politicians are elected to represent. Joe Boyle (Cllr)

Leader, Lib Dem group, Cardiff Council