Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced the Welsh government’s preferred date for the planned referendum on further powers for the National Assembly. The two coalition partners have agreed that the poll should be held on Thursday, 3rd March 2011.
Ieuan Wyn Jones AM said:
“This is an important and symbolic step in the process of arranging the referendum and it clearly signals that the countdown to the vote is well underway. I’m proud that Plaid in government has realised this hugely important commitment to bring about this referendum. The current system is slow, cumbersome, and highly bureaucratic and it needs to be changed. We’re committed to taking action to bring about real change and real improvements.
“I look forward now to seeing formal developments to set up a Yes campaign which can get out there and further make the case for this important and historic improvement in our system of government to be accepted. Cross party efforts are already underway, to ensure a dynamic and determined campaign.”
Plaid’s Deputy Leader in the National Assembly, Helen Mary Jones AM described the announcement as a palpable step forward in the arrangements for the referendum.
Helen Mary Jones AM said:
“Knowing the date of the referendum will no doubt concentrate the minds of both campaigners and the public and this is a welcome step forward in the arrangements. There is now a sense that the referendum is almost upon us and for those of us who have been utterly frustrated by the waste and inefficiency associated with the current system, that brings an element of hope.
“We will now step up our effort to ensure that there is clear understanding of the problems caused by the failures of the system as it stands. We have to get the current system sorted out in order to ensure that our government and legislature can work effectively and efficiently – which is what people should expect from our National Assembly.”
