Vandals strike

Idealism mocked

Sickening piece of news today from Gandessa, Spain.

A memorial to the Republican English speakers killed in the Battle of the River Ebro  in the Spanish Civil war was vandalised and removed. It's believe that right-wing Franco loyalists were responsible. The plaque was unveiled two years ago by veteran Brigader Alun Menai Williams 67 years after the bloodbath of a battle.

Alun died last summer a few months after I interviewed him in his Barry home. The film in on Newport TV and YouTube under the Title 'Heart of lion: sensitivity of a poet."

Alun was very reluctant to return to Spain because he feared his demons would come screaming at him. He said when he unveiled the plaque, he saw faces not names.

Alun wrote a splendid book about his exploits, from the Rhondda to the Ebro. He thoroughly enjoyed the fame that followed the widespread appreciation of the great stories that he recalled. I asked he what was the best thing about being 92. He said it was that he could be completely irresponsible.

The plaque will be replaced. the memories of these brave idealist will be recalled again.

Soft Corruption

Success has gone to the heads of the Scottish Nationalist Party.

I was told today by a journalist that they  are aping the bad habits of the Labour and Conservative  parties with a bit of dodgy fund-raising., I have criticised my own party when they held Gala Dinner charging vast amounts for the privilege of dining with Alex Salmond or John Swinney

No-one in their senses would pay these vast amounts for the haggis and numpties on offer. They are paying for access in the hope that access will bring influence. This is soft corruption. Ministers show give access to Mega-greed  PLC or the Union of Fixers and Riggers only on the basis on the merits on their case not on the depths of their pockets.

Previously the SNP were criticised for a lavish meal they gave at public expense before the opening of the new parliament last month. The select committee on which I sit will be looking at lobbying. This is one of its most shameless manifestations. I believe we may wish to have a word with all the parties who peddle access  for cash.

Dragons fired-up

Thanks to Radio Cymru for their live commentary on Newport Dragons convincing win over the all-conquering Llanelli Scarlets. This is the first time the Dragons have won at  Llanelli.

Possibly the result may have provoked the shadow of a smile from Paul Turner, not visible on radio. Again in his pre-match comments he seemed to be accentuating the negative by saying that the Scarlets would not miss their stars as much as the Dragons.Not the most the encouraging of comments.

New captain Luke Charteris was more more positive. Cheer up Paul, this is a great team and the forwards were very impressive. This wonderful start will have the other Welsh teams quaking in their boots.

Bring Cardiff on!