Silent night
Wales’ political leader has been heavily criticised by senior figures in his own party for not releasing a New Year’s message at a time of huge events, in contrast to other national leaders, The Eye can reveal.
In previous years Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has given an upbeat assessment of the past 12 months and looked ahead to key events, but refused to do so this year — even though historic events took place like Wales voting to leave the EU, with the momentous decision to trigger Article 50 and depart the bloc due in March.
One key Labour figure told The Eye: “It is incredible — everyone else did one with so much happening.
“How does that make Wales look?”
The Welsh First Minister incorporated his message for 2017 into his Christmas message, but other leaders recorded separate ones.
In her Christmas message the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said it was a time for compassion, and in her New Year speech she said she was determined Scotland’s vote to stay in the European Union would be respected.
Indeed all political leaders in Scotland recorded a New Year message.
The UK Prime Minister in her New Year message said 2017 presented “opportunities”.
On January 1 last year, Mr Jones said: “For a country of just over three million people, we continue year on year to do outstanding things that draw the attention of the world”.
In his previous New Year message he said: “New Year is the most celebrated festival in the world”.
This year though there was nothing.
Before Christmas Mr Jones said: “As many of us prepare to gather with our family and friends to celebrate Christmas, this time of year offers us an opportunity to reflect on the events of the past twelve months and to look ahead to the year to come”.
But some in his own party were deeply critical of the decision not to record a separate New Year message after such a tumultuous year for Wales, and with key events ahead.
Several approached The Eye and one said: “This really isn’t on.
“I don’t know who is advising Carwyn.”
Perhaps the First Minister’s New Year resolution should be to do a message next year.
