Now that the National Assembly elections are over it will be interesting to see if there will be any coalition or minority Government. My view is that these options are weaker than an administration which has an outright majority and it will be a challenge for all the AMs to ensure that Wales is governed without descending into farce over disagreements. It also means that one or other party will have to give ground on key policies or manifesto promises to allow for a deal to be done. In my experience deals in politics are often an unhealthy compromise.

Cardiff Council is also run by a minority administration with unofficial support from a small group. However this arrangement sometimes breaks down and throws the Council into chaos. The next Council elections are only a matter of months away and therefore one of the key questions will be whether the unofficial support group will campaign against policies which they have actually voted for in Council.

My colleague Adrian Robson and I have a number of meetings in Rhiwbina.  The first is a Coffee Morning and Surgery on Saturday 26^th May, at Bethany Baptist Church Hall between 11am – 12.30pm.  This is followed by a Chips and Chat Evening at the Rhiwbina Recreational Club on Monday 11^th June, between 6.30pm – 7.30pm.  If you would like to come to the free event, please contact us to let us know.

I can be contacted on 029 2062 7757, 079 7001 3332 fax 029 2087 7005, E-Mail jcowan@cardiff.gov.uk or log on to www.rhiwbinaward.com