It’s now turning into the Vaughan Gething Show
I AM at something of a loss to understand exactly what is currently going on in the Senedd.
My understanding is that when Wales achieved devolution 25 years ago, albeit by a small margin, it would enhance autonomy of the people of Wales and for Wales.
After 25 years we still have the same party, and indeed some of the same members, “running” the country in what is increasingly feeling like a Labour autocracy, with things coming to something of a head with what is turning into the debacle surrounding the new First Minister.
Although we hear that there is internal disquiet in the Labour ranks regarding Vaughan Gething’s actions, there is still a reluctance to listen to the concerns of the opposition parties and indeed the people of Wales and deliver a vote of no confidence.
I am getting the impression that this is now turning into the Vaughan Gething Show. Yes we’ll have an inquiry but on his terms and led by the person of his choice.
He seems to be missing the point that for many people having a leader with judgement and integrity is the primary concern and not the development of a new strategy for donations within the party.
Surely, the honourable thing would be for Mr Gething to seriously consider his position instead of arrogantly responding to his critics.
We desperately need a First Minister who genuinely does put the country and its people before all else and who does not enter the job mired in controversy.
Surely Wales deserves better than this and if our small country is being held up by the Labour Party nationally as an exemplar of good practice I suggest that Keir Starmer comes to live here and see how things really work.
Lesley Jones Heath, Cardiff
FM must uphold highest standards
TRANSPARENCY and accountability are the cornerstones upon which trust is built between elected officials and the public they serve.
However, recent revelations surrounding the conduct of Vaughan Gething, the newly appointed First Minister, have cast a long and doubtful shadow over the applicability of these fundamental principles in our Senedd.
The crux of the matter lies in Gething’s acceptance of campaign contributions from Atlantic Recycling, a company marred by legal troubles and environmental misconduct.
Gething’s involvement with Atlantic Recycling raises serious questions about his integrity and ethical standards.
In 2016, Gething wrote to NRW urging the reconsideration of a notice ordering work suspension on Atlantic Recycling’s site, citing concerns about public expenditure on disputes with the company. Subsequently, donations totalling £238,000 flowed into Gething’s campaign coffers from entities linked to David Neal, director of Atlantic Recycling.
The lack of transparency regarding the nature and disclosure of these donations is unacceptable.
Gething owes the public a full account of the circumstances surrounding these contributions and how they were reported.
In the face of mounting pressure from his Labour colleagues, including Lee Waters MS and Beth Winter MP, Gething cannot afford to evade accountability.
It is imperative that Gething demonstrates a commitment to transparency by addressing these concerns openly and honestly.
Failure to do so not only damages his own credibility but also undermines public trust in the integrity of the political process.
As the First Minister, Gething must uphold the highest ethical standards and prioritise the interests of the people above all else.
In conclusion, the conduct of Vaughan Gething regarding the acceptance of campaign contributions from Atlantic Recycling raises serious ethical questions that demand answers.
The time for transparency and accountability is now, and Gething must heed the calls of his colleagues and the public to come clean on the nature of these donations.
Anything less would be a disservice to the people of Wales and the principles of democracy we all hold dear.
Daniel Pitt
Mountain Ash
We desperately need a First Minister who genuinely does put the country and its people before all else... Lesley Jones
Charity walk stops at nine churches
MANY people like to support Christian Aid from time to time – and now is a special time. To mark Christian Aid Week, the annual fundraising event held by churches every May, churches in Cardiff are holding a charity walk on Saturday, May 18.
Churches Together: Cardiff Cytun City and Bay (CCCB) has designed an afternoon walk that will visit all its nine member churches. But everyone else is warmly invited to join the walk at any point.
At each church stop, there be will be a short reading and prayer given by a representative of one of the other churches. During the journey, donations for the work of Christian Aid, which supports lasting change in developing countries, will be collected.
The walk will start at St Paul’s Church, Paget Street, Grangetown, at 2pm and end at Eglwys Dewi Sant, St Andrew’s Crescent, at about 5pm. If you want to join the walk on the way, or join the group at any stop, here are the expected journey times:
St Samson & St Dyfrig’s, Pentre Gardens, Grangetown, c2.25pm; St Mary’s Church, Bute Street, c3.10pm; Tabernacl, The Hayes, c3.30pm; St John the Baptist Church, St John Street, c3.45pm; Saint David’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Charles Street, c4.10pm; Quaker Meeting House, Charles Street, c4.25pm; City United Reformed Church, Windsor Place, c4.45pm; arriving at Eglwys Dewi Sant, St Andrew’s Crescent, c5pm. Jean Silvan Evans Peterston-super-Ely
Making moves for better mental health
MOVING regularly and being active is important to nurture and protect good mental health but many of us are not moving enough.
That’s why “Movement: moving more for our mental health” is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week which is taking place from May 13-19.