Morgan condemns 'glib' Welsh media

The "talking down" attitude annoys Rhodri Morgan

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has attacked the Welsh media over its "flip", "glib", "quick" and "cynical" coverage of politics in Wales.

In his speech to the Institute of Welsh Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Mr Morgan criticised journalists for thinking they had to react in the same negative way as the London media.

He chastised the "Hampstead dinner set" style mentality of constantly talking down the achievements of devolution in Wales.

He said there was a lazy approach to reporting, using a pre-determined mind set, rather than independent, critical thinking.

Mr Morgan was also critical of those who "ape" towards the Westminster model of governance.

The confrontation of Westminster politics was not, he insisted, part of Welsh - and particularly National Assembly politics.

'Play-safers'

He also said he was not yet convinced about the decision to change the titles of the leaders of the opposition parties in the Assembly.

Mr Morgan argued that there was a lack of experience in Wales of autonomous policy making.

He said little had changed since he began working in the Welsh civil service, three decades ago.

The first minister identified two camps - the "expansionists" and the "play-safers."

He said that at periods in the past, the civil service in Wales had had a "begging bowl mentality".

There had also been a fear, he said, of striking out alone to generate Welsh policies.

He called for all 'policy-wonks' to join in the process of creating a Welsh civil society, so within 10 years' time there would be an autonomous policy-making culture, making policies "in Wales, for Wales."