Mick Bates Statement following joint session of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Group and the National Executive Committee on Coalition talks

Release/Rhyddhau: 17/05/07

Contact/Cyswllt: Mick Bates
029 2089 8342/ 01686 625527/ mick.bates@wales.gov.uk 

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Montgomeryshire said: said: "Tonight we stand a step away from setting Wales in a historic new direction.

"Welsh Liberal Democrats have been the key which can unlock a new direction for Wales. We have been the key which can unlock a new direction for rural Wales and Montgomeryshire.

"Our decision tonight – to suspend talks with the Labour Party – creates the opportunity for a new style of government in Wales. We will now enter detailed negotiations with Plaid Cymru and the Conservative Party on a detailed programme for government. We did not believe it was right to continue detailed negotiations on two fronts.

"No-one is pretending that a three way government will be easy. But government never is. Both the Assembly Group and National Executive Committee feel we have a duty to examine what can be achieved.

"The Welsh Triple Crown has been a cause for celebration on the rugby field down the decades. We now need to work hard over the weekend to ensure a Triple Crown Government could give Wales a fresh start."