Leanne chats on Reddit – but says no to date
PLAID Cymru leader Leanne Wood took the gamble of going online to chat with the public as the June 8 election races closer.
She probably expected to talk about Brexit and her vision for Wales when she agreed to venture onto the online discussion forum Reddit. There was certainly plenty of serious discussion – but she also had to think quickly when she was informed that someone had a “massive crush” on her.
Here are seven of the key moments from the online Q&A:
Leanne on... Welsh independence in her lifetime
The Plaid leader grasped the opportunity to underscore her commitment to Welsh independence.
She was asked: “Would you say Welsh independence is the ultimate goal of Plaid Cymru? Also, do you think you will see an independent Wales in your lifetime?”
Without any equivocation she responded: “Yes and yes!”
She said: “We don’t want independence for the sake of it, we want it so that we can improve people’s lives. Decisions about Wales are best made in Wales. For this election we are prioritising defending Wales.” ...The perfect ‘date’ meal A Reddit user said: “Hi Leanne, I have a friend called Ross who has a massive crush on you. If you were to go on a date, what Welsh-themed three-course meal would you like him to make you?”
The Rhondda AM struck a gracious but firm tone.
She said: “Say hello to Ross from me! Welsh lamb with vegetables from my allotment (grown by my partner I should add!) as my main course. Starter should include some good Welsh cheese, and the pudding should be a fruit-based pie with something from the allotment in it.”
Making it clear that “Ross” should not entertain any romantic hopes, she said: “Could you suggest to Ross not to bother waiting for the date and to go and buy/eat Welsh produce anyway.”
Her online conversation partner thanked her for her response, but said: “I’m sure he’ll be devastated with the lack of date.” ...Dream dinner companions The theme of dining partners was raised by another user, who asked which three people she would most like to have dinner with.
Ms Wood named a left-wing academic, one of the most celebrated AfricanAmerican authors and a Plaid Cymru icon.
She said: “I’d go for Raymond Williams (I’d love to pick his brains!), Maya Angelou (she’s someone I’ve always found easy to empathise with) and DJ Davies because the idea of him totally fascinates me. A boxer from the Rhondda (well, Carmarthenshire really) who went to the US, came back and founded Plaid Cymru.” ...Nigel Farage and dragons Things turned surreal when she was asked would she rather fight “one dragon-sized Nigel Farage or 10 Nigel Farage-sized dragons”.
She had a ready reply: “It doesn’t matter whether it’s one big Farage or 10 small ones – the Welsh dragon would beat him every time!” ...UK and Welsh Labour Ms Wood also grabbed chances to turn her guns on her rivals, drawing a contrast between the UK Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Welsh Labour under Carwyn Jones.
She said: “Labour in Wales make a big point about being different to UK Labour: in the current context it means they are more conservative and regressive, by their own logic.” ...Commemorating the fallen Another Reddit user asked about her approach to war commemorations. She said: “I can’t celebrate war but I will always honour the fallen.” ...A universal basic income Ms Wood was also asked whether she supported paying people a “universal basic income” so that everyone in society receives a sum of money.
She said: “It’s a really interesting idea. I can see potential benefits but also potential risks.
“My concern is that it could end up compromising the welfare state if implemented by the wrong people – Tory government, for example. Plaid Cymru’s conference voted to consider it and we’re currently researching the idea further, as are many other parties in countries all around the world.
“So in short: interesting and promising idea but not ready to roll out quite yet.” ...The Brexit result On Brexit she was adamant that the party was not in denial about the result of last year’s vote.
She said: “Plaid Cymru accepts the referendum result. We accepted it the day the result was announced, and we have never gone back on that.
“What we have done is used the votes on Article 50 to try and maximise concessions for Wales. We outlined ways which Plaid Cymru would support triggering Article 50, such as receiving a guarantee from the UK government that our exports to the single market (our biggest Welsh export destination) wouldn’t face tariffs.
“That guarantee was not given. The role of Plaid Cymru MPs, as the referendum decision is implemented, will be to ensure that the people of Wales get what they were promised.”