Secret thoughts revealed -exclusively

What are leaders of the four Welsh parties thinking as they lounge in bed on this  grey wet morning?

Rhodri Morgan. It was strange week but Friday was deeply satisfying . Nothing can be the same, but with Trish Law dithering and almost on board, plus half a dozen Plaid and LibDems who see the rainbow as a kamikaze self-immolation, any new coalition would be fragile. The possibility of a fresh election looked a nightmare last week. Now it's an agreeable dream. Welsh voters will not understand if  a government  led by the most successful  party created on Friday, without opposition, is now ousted by the three losing parties. The Brown bounce gets better everyday and it coincides with the Cameron droop. A new election will give me an overall  majority from voters resentful of being asked to vote again. Lots of Plaid and LibDems groupies will stay-at-home because they are fed up that their votes on May 3rd came close to putting the Tories back in power. Wales is still Labour at heart although they are irritated with the 'New', deep down they love the 'Classic.'. Today is a good day. The future is still promising.

Ieuan Wyn Jones. Everyone said my speech Friday was good. Although I never read speeches well, I had a great feeling about it because, I was not haunted by the nightmare of taking charge of a kamikaze coalition. Working with the Tories has infuriated so many of our supporters - especially the former Labour voters. The bitching about a Plaid-Tory Axis of futility has returned with a vengeance. A coalition with the Tories could finish us in the Valleys and cities for a generation. It could be back to 'Plaid Gwynedd'.  We will be damned for all the mistakes the coalition will make. If it all collapses in a year or two, Dafydd Wigley will come bouncing back. I'm fed up with the snide remarks that if Dafydd had been leader we could have had a result similar to Scotland's on May 3rd. Best to stay in opposition where we can do no wrong. Labour seem to think it's a great if I stay as leader.

Nick Bourne. Did I really strike a sour note on Friday's consensus love-in? The only reaction I had to my speech was the titters when I said I wished David Davies well in Westminster. I certainly do, now the irritating boy wonder is out of my hair. Coalition would be great for me because no one in Wales knows who I am. The trappings  of ministerial office are appealing but we will be hammered for the certain cock-ups that will happen. I'd have to deliver on all that populist crap  I spouted about the NHS closures. God knows how. We will be suffocated by Labour Government in Westminster who still provide the oxygen of resources - or not. Working with some of the LibDems and Plaid nut cases will be hell. All we agree about is shovelling more cash to farmers. Must still push for the coalition - but not too hard.

Mike German. What a pleasant morning. For three days I have been  pinned to the wall and  punctured by journos' questions on  the idiocy of our decision last Wednesday. Did my best to sound statesmanlike and positive while talking b******s about why the rainbow went phut. Stabbed in the back and the front. Does Kirsty really fancy herself as my replacement? One of the great mysteries in Welsh politics is why she and Ieuan think they are natural leaders?  What a pantomine it was in Llandrindod. Lembit went manic- tried to do passion and waved his arms about and shouted. Looked like Pinocchio on speed.  Alex went all God like. He makes me grind my teeth. Though I  won the vote yesterday, the anti-Tory passion has split us badly. We will pay for that in future. Still being a minister last time was very flattering, I'm no spring chicken and this may be my last chance. Of course there is also that big new mortgage to pay off. Best to press for the coalition. We will look chumps if we reverse our inaction on Friday. After all we did not vote against Rhodri. How can we ditch him in a few weeks time? Best to wait for the first Labour's cock-up, then go for the jugular.

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paulflynn@talk21.com

Comments

[Baneswell boy]

The people of Wales will never forgive Plaid if the Torys are handed the keys to a Ministerial office as the result of the rainbow coalition. Plaid - you have been warned.

RM's biggest problem is to find a replacement for the universally respected Sue Essex - to manage budget discussions, both within the WAG, and with the other party leaders. It's a good problem to have though.

[Paul Flynn]

Thanks Baneswell Boy,

There is a real groundswell of anti-Plaid feelings. They picked up support from disgruntled Labour. But getting the Tories into government will finish them in South wales.

The lure of office is very tempting. It's probably Ieuan's only chance.

[valleylad]

"real groundswell of anti-Plaid feelings" - total understatement.

I know a lot of natural Labour voters, people who know their history. All are currently PC supporters - I'm sure they won't be next time.

PCs gains in south wales are due entirely to their perception as more socialist than the far right Labour buffoons in Westminster - Rhodri's real problem. If he'd put sufficient distance between himself and Westminster he'd have probably won. The only time he really annoyed me was when he claimed to have "no opinion" on the illegal war in Iraq!

[Paul Flynn]

Fair comment.

On Iraq, Rhodri has since stated that like his closest pals he would have opposed the war. His wife Julie did and his researcher Kevin Brennan did.

He had a problem of being accused of tresspassing into Westmister issues - sensitive areas for politicians.

But I agree on your general point. There is a civil war in war about to break out between the north and south in Plaid if they go into partnership with the Tories.