There is an interesting poll out today showing how the level of support for devolution has changed over the last 10 years. It shows the support for Independence at 12% (14% in 1997); a Full Parliament 43% (20% in 1997); an Assembly 27% (28% in 1997); No Devolution 17% (40% in 1997).
I suggest looking at these figures differently – in 1997 40% of people were satisfied with the status quo while 60% wanted more devolution (up to and including independence). Today, with the Assembly already established 55% still want more devolution. The opinion split is almost the same – but with the battleground moved to a higher level.
By the time that this poll is repeated in another 10 years time, Wales should already have a full Parliament. I forecast that the new poll will be similar to the 1997 and 2007 results, with around half the electorate satisfied with the new status quo, and half wanting still more devolution. But next time around, more devolution will effectively mean independence.
Our time will come - we have to be patient.
Showing posts with label poll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poll. Show all posts
Monday 17 September 2007
Monday 22 January 2007
32% in favour of independence
Political arrogance boosts support for independence
Despite Governor Hain's amateur dramatics about the 'Balkanisation of Britain' and his arrogant dissmissals of Wales' capabilities as a nation, support for Welsh independence is growing, according to a new poll.
The latest poll, conducted by the Wales on Sunday newspaper (21/01/07), shows support for independence at 32%, with a minority of respondents - 49% - opposed to independence.
The telephone poll asked 500 people - 125 in each of the north, mid, south-west and south-east areas of Wales.
This shows support for independence - now that it is suddenly debated publicly following the BBC's poll last week - on the increase.
This clearly demonstrates the need for Welsh independence to be on the political agenda so that the case for Wales can be put to the people.
Despite Governor Hain's amateur dramatics about the 'Balkanisation of Britain' and his arrogant dissmissals of Wales' capabilities as a nation, support for Welsh independence is growing, according to a new poll.
The latest poll, conducted by the Wales on Sunday newspaper (21/01/07), shows support for independence at 32%, with a minority of respondents - 49% - opposed to independence.The telephone poll asked 500 people - 125 in each of the north, mid, south-west and south-east areas of Wales.
This shows support for independence - now that it is suddenly debated publicly following the BBC's poll last week - on the increase.
This clearly demonstrates the need for Welsh independence to be on the political agenda so that the case for Wales can be put to the people.
Wednesday 17 January 2007
Plaid and the i-word
Originally posted by Huw Thomas on the 'Chanticleer' blog.
Within this poll result, which indicates strong Welsh support for the Union, is a statistic that Plaid Cymru should really be capitalising on.
20% of those questioned - yes, one in five - support the call for an independent Wales.
Yet bugger me if any reference can be found to independence on any Plaid blogs, campaign literature or even in back-room briefings.
Without self-rule even being on the political agenda for Plaid, they appear to have the support of 20% of voters. Which begs the question - what on earth are Plaid doing?
They go on the defensive whenever the I-word is thrown in their direction, and stand like rabbits in the proverbial headlights whenever a politician or journalist raises the word.
Consider the SNP: they have consistently lobbied for independence, and make no bones about dressing it up in jargon like European federal status, or whatever Plaid are calling it this week.
The SNP have kept independence on the political agenda, and now look set to romp home in the Scottish elections. Support for independence in Scotland stands at around 12%.
Meanwhile, down in the Bay, Plaid have made a shambles of opposition in the months leading up to the elections, they have been walked over by Labour during budget negotiations (and doubtless will be taken for mugs again in any coalition talks), making them look weaker and less fit for office than ever before.
Everyone knows Plaid is about independence, but it's still a dirty word for a party who now prize seats in the valleys above their fundamental ideological ambitions.
How on earth can Plaid be taken seriously when they fail to see a giant neon arrow of support pointing at the policy they seem so keen to shelve?
Within this poll result, which indicates strong Welsh support for the Union, is a statistic that Plaid Cymru should really be capitalising on.20% of those questioned - yes, one in five - support the call for an independent Wales.
Yet bugger me if any reference can be found to independence on any Plaid blogs, campaign literature or even in back-room briefings.
Without self-rule even being on the political agenda for Plaid, they appear to have the support of 20% of voters. Which begs the question - what on earth are Plaid doing?
They go on the defensive whenever the I-word is thrown in their direction, and stand like rabbits in the proverbial headlights whenever a politician or journalist raises the word.
Consider the SNP: they have consistently lobbied for independence, and make no bones about dressing it up in jargon like European federal status, or whatever Plaid are calling it this week.
The SNP have kept independence on the political agenda, and now look set to romp home in the Scottish elections. Support for independence in Scotland stands at around 12%.
Meanwhile, down in the Bay, Plaid have made a shambles of opposition in the months leading up to the elections, they have been walked over by Labour during budget negotiations (and doubtless will be taken for mugs again in any coalition talks), making them look weaker and less fit for office than ever before.
Everyone knows Plaid is about independence, but it's still a dirty word for a party who now prize seats in the valleys above their fundamental ideological ambitions.
How on earth can Plaid be taken seriously when they fail to see a giant neon arrow of support pointing at the policy they seem so keen to shelve?
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