Labour’s record not all praiseworthy QUOTES OF THE DAY

I READ that it is Mark Drakeford’s intention to fight the forthcoming May elections on its successful handling of the pandemic.

This raises some issues for me. Firstly the Welsh Government has not been, in my humble opinion, any more nor less efficient than the other three home nations and whilst Mr Drakeford et al have throughout seemed eager to stress they have been first to undertake praiseworthy actions, when things have not been as positive (eg the speed with which we came out of the autumn lockdown) this is always the fault of someone else.

Secondly this election is not a vote to see how well the pandemic has been handled. It is a vote to see how best Wales might be governed and as voters we must surely look to the record of the last 20 odd years of Welsh Labour government. Why after all this time do we still have the ongoing and expensive debate about the future of the M4? Why are we still too far down the Pisa tables? Why do we still have significant areas of deprivation and consequent ill health and under achievement? Why does the current government seem not to have any plans to assist and promote SMEs?

I noted the 10 points Mr Drakeford highlighted as Welsh achievements and acknowledge that some of these are commendable, eg free school meals and the provision for child care.

Thirdly, after 20 years of this government I find myself disillusioned and cynical. I remain concerned about the calibre of the people in “power” and continue to believe that until we have the right people in the right jobs things will merely continue to stagnate.

Surely if we look at other countries we would be concerned that one party had been in government for this length of time. I am not antidevolution but under the current regime I don’t think that Wales is getting that which it rightly deserves. Would change be such a bad thing or do Mr Drakeford and his colleagues really believe that they are the only people who can guide us through? If so I find that attitude patronising if not downright insulting to the intelligence of the Welsh people. Lesley Jones

Heath,

Cardiff

“It is deeply concerning that the Brazil Covid variant has been found in this country. It is now vital that we do everything we can to contain it. But this is further proof that the delay in introducing a hotel quarantine was reckless and the continuing refusal to put in place a comprehensive system leaves us exposed to mutations coming from overseas.”

- Shadow home secretary Nick

Thomas-Symonds.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs. He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85. We politely ask for privacy at this time, so that we can quietly grieve as a family and remember the wonderful times we had with him.”

- The family of Johnny Briggs, above, who played Mike Baldwin on

Coronation Street.

“Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow were arch-enemies for many years, but as an actor, Johnny was impeccable, always good, and I was so fortunate to have worked with him for so many years. He was a strong character who will be greatly missed. I send my love to Johnny on his journey and to all those who are bound to miss him, he was an iconic Coronation Street character. Love you Johnny! X”

- William Roache, who plays Ken

Barlow, pays tribute.

“It is appalling that yet again people are being hit by another grossly unfair Governmentapproved hike in rail fares.”

- Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Sarah Olney, as passengers in England and Wales were hit by above-inflation ticket prices of about 2.6%.