Wales: Unique partnership

Delyth Isaac BBC Wales, Political Unit

"This is a unique proposal for partnership with the people of Wales". That is how Wales' First Minister described his Government's action plan for the next four years.

Commitment to abolish prescription charges in Wales by 2007

It is a message he'll also be plugging in his speech to the Labour conference, which starts in Bournemouth on Sunday.

But how do the people of Wales feel about this 'partnership' with the Welsh Assembly Government?

They voted in a Labour administration in May this year, but have had to wait five months to hear what exactly that Government intends to do.

Top of Rhodri Morgan's list of promises is a commitment to abolish prescription charges in Wales by 2007.

Other key pledges cutting all junior class sizes to 30 by 2004 legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour and increase fines 3,000 extra nurses and 400 extra doctors by 2006 free swimming for older people free home care for the disabled

He has also pledged that Welsh patients will see the first cut in the price of prescriptions in 30 years from April 2004.

By the Autumn of 2004 primary school children in the poorest parts of Wales will get free breakfasts at school.

This scheme will be rolled out across Wales in the following years.

And for older people there's a promise to establish an Older Persons' Commissioner to champion their rights.

They will also be entitled to free swimming in leisure centres and free home care will be provided for the disabled.

Rhodri Morgan said "This vision sets a challenge to everyone who is concerned with the future of Wales.

"We need to work together to shape a positive and confident future.

"This is what we were elected to do and what we will achieve over the next four years".

Opposition demurs

Children in the poorest parts of Wales will get free breakfasts at school

But the opposition parties in the Assembly say that the Government is missing the bigger picture.

Plaid Cymru's Assembly leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said "According to Rhodri Morgan, the 'big issues' for his Government are initiatives like free access to swimming pools.

"While I welcome such plans, I am rather surprised that this is a higher priority than rising waiting lists and falling GDP figures".

The Liberal Democrat leader in the Assembly, Mike German, said "People won't share the vision if it fails to tackle people's priorities or the fundamental problems facing Welsh schooling and health care.

"The major public concern of waiting times is skirted around and not addressed head on".

The Conservatives were also critical, calling free school breakfasts and abolishing prescription charges "gimmicks to cover the fact the Welsh Assembly Government has no purpose and no direction".

The Politics Show

The First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, will be live on The Politics Show on Sunday to explain his vision further and also respond to the criticisms of his opponents and questions from the Welsh public.

The Politics Show Wales wants your view.

If you want to have your say you can call 0845 300 90 10, or e-mail via the website. Or write to: The Politics Show, Room 1060, BBC Wales, Llandaff, Cardiff. CF5 2YO

The Politics Show - we aim to get closer to your community with our presenter, Rhun ap Iorwerth. Tune in to BBC One on Sundays at Noon.