Caerphilly’s Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert has attacked his Plaid Cymru rivals for not attending the Queen’s opening of the Assembly on Tuesday.
Five Plaid AMs – including the former leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Lindsay Whittle, did not attend the event.
Mr Cuthbert said: “I was disappointed that several nationalist AMs didn’t bother turning up at the official Royal opening of the Welsh Assembly.
“Indeed, their leader wasn’t there because he had decided to extend his half term holiday; while the others, according to the Western Mail, saw it fit to attend an event in a Cardiff Bay pub rather than come and meet the Queen at this official ceremony.
“This self-serving attention-seeking by Plaid AMs is disrespectful not only to the Queen, but also to the Assembly – which voters expect them to take seriously – and the people of Wales.
“After all, these nationalist AMs were happy to take the required oath after being elected, and to draw down an AM’s generous salary. I’m sure the public expect better.”
South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle – a self-confessed republican – hit back at the claims.
He said: “I believe that in a modern democracy we should have a simple opening ceremony involving eminent Welsh people. My view is that we should not be imitating what happens in the House of Commons.
“When the Queen opened the fourth Assembly I was behind my desk working. I had a meeting with Assembly officials on staffing and answered correspondence.
“As the party’s spokesperson on Equal Opportunities, I also formulated Plaid Cymru’s response to the massive cuts proposed at the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, which includes the threatened loss of jobs in Cardiff and the excellent helpline which took 4,000 calls last year.
“The previous night I attended a multi-faith event to co-incide with the opening of the fourth Assembly. It was an excellent event bringing together all faiths. I certainly did not attend an event in a Cardiff Bay pub and Jeff Cuthbert needs to check his facts before making wild and inaccurate allegations.”
I feel that this was nothing short of childish as this was an official Assembly function and we pay our representatives to sit in the Assembly. I do not call myself a Royalist and not in favour of the system myse;f but that is the system and whether we can ot want to we cannot change it so whether we like it or not we should not show disrespect tp the events. The Plaid members do not stay away from the Assembly if they do not like members of other parties or their policies.
Phil Evans
What makes me smile is that the so called Labour Party is sucking up to Royalty and the establishment. Fat chance they will be fighting Wales`s corner. Keir Hardie must be turning in his grave. Well done Plaid Cymru and a great start by Lindsay Whittle.
But…but…but…but…they're Nationalists! And people are complaining that they didn't turn up to meet the Queen. What did they expect them to do, wait for her in union jack underwear?!