Very disturbing election results for Labour in the recent local elections and in Crewe. National and Global issues have certainly dealt Gordon Brown a severe blow. At the age of 38, I must confess that I haven't ever voted Labour. My reason for not supporting has always been associated with my dislike for the anti Welsh mentality that has been held by the Kinnocks, Dr. Alan Williams (former MP) and local Councillors who have a pasionate dislike for the Welsh Language, however I do have respect for representatives such as Paul Murphy MP & Peter Hain MP who present a broad and balanced view point on issues such as further devolution. It is also refreshing to have Rhodri Morgan AM at the helm in Wales. He is very consistant, and positively so in his attitude towards Wales and appears to be trying hard to hold a good Government together whilst in partnership with Plaid. As a non Labour supporter I am deeply troubled by the fact that the Tories could form the next Westminster Government. Although I have reservations about issues such as Iraq, tax and foreign policy I must admit that my local MP, David Hanson, works very hard on my behalf and on behalf of others. Additionally, his colleague, Sandy Mewies AM is a good communicator who is always prepared to address issues of local concern at the Welsh Assembly. The efforts made by David and Sandy are far more sincere than those made by Lib Dem and Tory representatives. As I dislike the Tories and their alien policies so much, and because I sincerely believe that David Hanson MP is a good representative, I may just find it possible to vote Labour at the next general election (Not in Europe though !) Isn't it about time Glenys MEP retired now that she has made her first million? I sincerely believe that Labour can win the next General Election by communicating sincerely with the electorate. However, Labour must stop the 'Eaton Toffs Act' when confronting the Tories and completely refrain from appearing anti Welsh when feeling threghtened by Plaid. If Labour can reflect on the good that they have achieved and push the Tories to illustrate their alternative I'm sure that peaple will quickly remember John Redwood and someone else called Thatcher!

National issues clearly had an impact on labour at these local elections. Unfortunately people do vote with what is happening now. Others like myself are more interested in what's happened locally over the last few years. In Cardiff the Lib Dems have done a very good job running the council and they are seen frequently on the door step whether there is an election or not. I am ex Grangetown born and bred with most of my family still living in Grangetown. Most people who voted Lib Dem in the Heath Ward and Saltmead were trying to keep Russel Goodway out! He was expensive, self indulged and in his term of office there was no visable improvement of services in Cardiff just increased tax burdens to the communities and nothing to show for it. We are the tax payers we want to see something for our money not watch someone trying to keep a glorified chain around their neck parading as Lord Mayor. Come the main elections I would be concerned to see another Conservative government in power. Labour have a lot of work to do to restore confidence don't talk about it do it! speak to your people and hear what they are saying.