Sunday, May 08, 2016
Building hope from the wreckage
I have spent the last few days coming to terms with what happened in the early hours of Friday morning. I have had many messages of support from so many people both on Facebook, Twitter, via text, on the phone or in person. It has helped to ease the pain of my loss.
Yesterday I went to Skewen to fulfil a commitment I had made as an AM to help launch a new book by the Skewen Historical Society about their community during World War One.
The book is a remarkable testament to the sacrifice, heroism and commitment of all those who gave their lives to fight for their country and of those who supported them and contributed in every way. It is also a testament to a remarkable community, but one that is not unique and which was replicated up and down the country during those dark days between July 1914 and November 1918. It certainly put last Thursday into perspective.
The Skewen History Society kindly insisted that I carry out the engagement despite the fact I had lost my seat and I was touched by how many people came up to me to thank me for my work and to express their regret that I had lost my seat.
But this Assembly election was not just about me. It was also about those countless volunteers who found time in their busy lives to campaign for the party and for me personally.
Without them our democratic process would fall apart. No matter which party they are working for those who volunteer to write envelopes, run socials, deliver leaflets, canvass, make telephone calls and a whole range of other tasks are the glue that holds our democracy together and guarantee the freedoms that so many gave their lives for over the last 100 plus years.
It was also about the candidates who went beyond the call of duty and put their own time and reputation on the line, despite knowing that they could not win.
In my region I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Helen Ceri Clarke, Jonathan Pratt, Anita Davies, Frank H Little, Christopher Holley, Charlene Anika, Sheila Kingston-Jones, Cheryl Green, Mike Day their agents, their helpers and their family. Without their hard work and commitment I could not have fought the campaign I did. I also owe so much to my own family and friends who have supported me throughout.
That we did not do better was not their fault. We were the victim of national trends. However, if they are up for continuing the fight then I am happy to work with them.
There is still so much to do to help those who are being left behind by the system, even if all we can offer is hope of change. I want to offer more than that.
That is why I went into politics in the first place and I am not going to allow one setback stop me from getting back out there and campaigning for social justice for those who need it the most.
Yesterday I went to Skewen to fulfil a commitment I had made as an AM to help launch a new book by the Skewen Historical Society about their community during World War One.
The book is a remarkable testament to the sacrifice, heroism and commitment of all those who gave their lives to fight for their country and of those who supported them and contributed in every way. It is also a testament to a remarkable community, but one that is not unique and which was replicated up and down the country during those dark days between July 1914 and November 1918. It certainly put last Thursday into perspective.
The Skewen History Society kindly insisted that I carry out the engagement despite the fact I had lost my seat and I was touched by how many people came up to me to thank me for my work and to express their regret that I had lost my seat.
But this Assembly election was not just about me. It was also about those countless volunteers who found time in their busy lives to campaign for the party and for me personally.
Without them our democratic process would fall apart. No matter which party they are working for those who volunteer to write envelopes, run socials, deliver leaflets, canvass, make telephone calls and a whole range of other tasks are the glue that holds our democracy together and guarantee the freedoms that so many gave their lives for over the last 100 plus years.
It was also about the candidates who went beyond the call of duty and put their own time and reputation on the line, despite knowing that they could not win.
In my region I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Helen Ceri Clarke, Jonathan Pratt, Anita Davies, Frank H Little, Christopher Holley, Charlene Anika, Sheila Kingston-Jones, Cheryl Green, Mike Day their agents, their helpers and their family. Without their hard work and commitment I could not have fought the campaign I did. I also owe so much to my own family and friends who have supported me throughout.
That we did not do better was not their fault. We were the victim of national trends. However, if they are up for continuing the fight then I am happy to work with them.
There is still so much to do to help those who are being left behind by the system, even if all we can offer is hope of change. I want to offer more than that.
That is why I went into politics in the first place and I am not going to allow one setback stop me from getting back out there and campaigning for social justice for those who need it the most.
Comments:
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Very sorry to see your defeat, and also glad to hear you are up for the continuing fight - we very much need people like you.
Roll your sleeves up and move on. You started when you were young with vigour, so no reason why you can't do it again. Stay positive, be determined.
Very good to read this after the result. Your hosts sound an interesting lot of people.
Just so sorry, but I can't see that stopping you.
Just so sorry, but I can't see that stopping you.
# posted by 
: 6:56 PM
: 6:56 PM
From Alan Rogers,
Sorry that you are not in Senedd. I fear the 7 UKIP AMs will contribute little to the life of the people of Wales. Although you had your doubts about the Charitable Chaplaincy Campaign you devoted serious thought to it and I thank you you for that. I hope that Kirsty will continue her support for the campaign. Following her successful efforts on legal minimum nursing numbers the post of Deputy Health Minister would be a good outcome of the current problem.
Regards,Alan
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Sorry that you are not in Senedd. I fear the 7 UKIP AMs will contribute little to the life of the people of Wales. Although you had your doubts about the Charitable Chaplaincy Campaign you devoted serious thought to it and I thank you you for that. I hope that Kirsty will continue her support for the campaign. Following her successful efforts on legal minimum nursing numbers the post of Deputy Health Minister would be a good outcome of the current problem.
Regards,Alan
# posted by : 10:37 AM
: 10:37 AM<< Home
