Return of the prodigal

Like most who have an interest in Welsh affairs I was aware of the fact that Dave Collins had been forced to resign by Ann Jones AM because of his Welsh is a brain dead language comment. As much as I vehemently disagreed with Mr Collins' comment I have already stated that putting a young family man on the dole because of such a comment was a gross over reaction by the Labour Party, a party founded to protect the rights of workers.

Today I discovered that Dave wasn't the only employee of an AM to lose his job as a result of the brain dead affair. Apparently Marcus Warner, the author of the Keir Hardly site where Dave Collins' comments were published has also been dismissed by Irene James AM for Islwyn as her press officer/researcher, apparently for an irretrievable breakdown in trust but clearly for hosting the blog on which Mr Collins' unfortunate remarks were published.

I shan't pretend to be Marcus' biggest fan. I disagreed with about 90% of his postings as Keir Hardly and with a similar amount of his other postings as Clear Red Water and Renewed Labour. Marcus has also disagreed with many of my postings on this blog. But as Voltaire (may have) said I disagree with what you have to say but will fight to the death to protect your right to say it. But, of course, Marcus wasn't sacked for what he said, but for what (in effect) somebody said to him!

I am pleased to see that Marcus has returned to the Welsh blogosphere, this time in the guise of Southpaw Grammar.

I wish Marcus all the best and hope that he finds new employment soon, especially as he and his partner are expecting their first child.

Apologies to Keir Hardly Labour

As soon as I spot a new member of the Welsh political blog family I try to give the site a mention on this site and add it to my blogroll. There are very few that I haven't spotted within a few days, but Keir Hardly Labour has been blogging for three weeks, even commented on my blog, with out me noticing his/her presence. Sorry for ignoring you, bach

I'm not sure if Keir is an odd Labour party supporter or one who is pretending to be a caricature of a Labour supporter. Read the blog and let me know what you think :-)

If there are any other Welsh political bloggers who I have missed (from 95% of the political spectrum - I don't do very extreme right or left!) please leave your details in the comments.