OVER the course of the last Assembly term I was pleased to have been able to raise a number of local issues in the Chamber, including Môn-Menai regeneration money, Marine Conservation Zones and improving mobile phone reception on Anglesey.
We also saw the Commission on Devolution in Wales continuing with its work, and I was pleased to hear that a survey undertaken on their behalf revealed that the majority of the Welsh public support the devolution of tax and borrowing powers to the National Assembly for Wales.
This is very encouraging news for those of us who have been making the argument for greater powers for Wales.
The announcement on rail electrification was undoubtedly positive and is a step forward for Wales’ transport network.
However, it is important that the whole of the country can benefit socially and economically from a greener and more efficient rail system and therefore it was disappointing that electrification of the north Wales line was not included in the UK Government’s announcement.
I tabled a statement of opinion in the Assembly with my Plaid Cymru colleagues Alun Ffred Jones and Llyr Huws Gruffydd to stress that the north Wales railway line is extremely important to business and to the public – it is a key European route, and it’s our belief that there should be investment for the upgrading and electrification of the north Wales line.