Wales voters' panel: Chris Parker-Jones on week 1

MEET THE PANEL Name: Chris Parker-Jones Age: 58 Lives: Pontypool Works: Gwent NHS Trust Original voting intention: Liberal Democrat In 10 words or less: A father of two working in the health service

I think that the election so far has had a very poor start to it.

The issues - with the Conservatives replacing one of their candidates at this time, and the Labour Party and the hidden issue of rigged ballot papers - are impossible to ignore.

I should never be surprised by what happens but I always am.

None of the parties are talking about real issues in a real way, it's almost as though they have put together a battle plan using "soundbites".

The hospital cleaning issue and reintroduction of matrons makes no sense, for the power of the matron has long gone.

Government institutions are so politically correct that if a matron's power base was revived she would be accused of bullying!

Education is a simple issue that all the parties are failing at. What children need is the capability to be numerate, and can write and read well.

If they have these basic skills then they can do anything.

It's not sexy, it's not popular but it empowers the nation.

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