So, I’m actually writing this from the conference front desk. I should probably be doing something more useful, but bugger it, I’m gonna blog instead. I am also campaigning to try and get ‘99 Red Balloons’ made into the official conference song. I don’t see that being a campaign I win.
It’s exactly five years since my first conference. The whole event has grown and matured even in such a short time, just as the party has.
Our debates so far have included a consultation on the green economy, as well as adjusting our position on prescription charges to take account of the fact that they have now been abolished and a new policy on how we will help those who require care get the help they need while staying in their own homes.
IR Cymru (Liberal Youth Wales) held their first AGM this morning. Following record numbers at Freshers Fayres across Wales they’re really taking the bull by the horn and running successful campaigns across Wales and setting the ground works for the future of our party here in Wales.
This afternoon we have the debate which will form the basis of our manifesto in Wales ‘ AFresh Start for Wales’, where the party will begin to set out the policies which we will be taking into the next general election.
And of course, the highlight of conference, the speech from Kirsty Williams. It was at our autumn conference last year that Mike German announced his resignation and the contest to succeed him effectively started. It doesn’t seem that long ago, but Kirsty has now had a chance to put her stamp on the party. Every activist I have spoken to has a growing confidence about the general election and people actually seem to be looking forward to the challenge. They’re not looking forward to the leafleting so much, but it has to be done!
This evening we have the Presidents awards, where Christine Humphries will be presenting local parties and activists who have worked so hard over the past year. Also, there will be a dinner, and I believe this time it’s steak. Good god steak is good.
Tomorrow will see our parties Annual General Meeting, not that exciting admittedly but we have some internal stuff to sort out! At least there isn’t 90 bloody constitutional amendments to wade through this year! But also debates on should what our stance should be on organ donation (here is my view) and the growing divide in access to digital services like broadband.
The party is growing, moving forwards. Nothing sums that up better than the fact three new members are being signed up right this moment. There is a real youthful feel at this conference with so many of our delegates being young members or students. IR Cymru has a lot to be proud of at this conference.
If you happen to be at conference and reading this, why not come to the front desk and write something for this blog while you are here, or find out how you can get involved. And best of all, get the chance to talk to me. Sorry about that.
If you’re not here, maybe next time you should be? Trust me, you’ll enjoy it!
Related posts:
If you’re not here, maybe next time you should be? . . . . Well said Matt.
I’m told that Mark Williams and the candidate at the last Assembly election were not in Wrexham today. They were seen chatting together in Aberystwyth. Are Ceredigion Lib Dems becoming semi-detached?
Mark Williams was sitting a few seats away from me during Kirsty’s speech.