Welsh Lib Dems launch 'Trust in Wales' pre-manifesto

9.00.00am GMT Mon 15th Jan 2007

Eleanor with her fellow Welsh Liberal Democrat AMs outside the Senedd, Cardiff Bay

Eleanor Burnham AM today stood alongside her colleague Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Leader Mike German as they launched the party's pre-manifesto - containing more than 70 key policy ideas for the Welsh General Election in ten major areas.

The document, entitled "Trust in Wales", details the main policies. A full manifesto will be published nearer that date for a Welsh Liberal Democrat Government over the next four years.

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat for North Wales and Culture, Welsh Language and Sport Spokesperson said: "Our Welsh Liberal Democrat pre-manifesto will raise awareness of our excellent policies, not just for media or officials, but to generate real debate to allow the public to participate in our politics.

"The pre-manifesto will be discussed at our Welsh Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in Swansea this March, so that more ideas can feed into our final manifesto.

"We are working closely with the Electoral Commission to ensure that voters throughout Wales can see not only the benefits of voting for our policies, but also what a new, Welsh Liberal Democrat National Assembly can really do to improve our lives in Wales.

"I hope our priorities, making sure healthcare is available when it's needed, creating a better learning environment and making Wales greener, will appeal to a 21st century Wales. But I also sincerely hope that our pre-manifesto will convince Wales not to give up on politics and to take hold of democracy in 2007.

In support of Ms Burnham's comments, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Leader Mike German said: "This is the first detailed document from any party which sets out serious proposals to make the Assembly's new powers work for the people of Wales. We are committed to stretching those powers to the maximum, to make a difference to our country's future.

"This Labour administration has run out of ideas, run out of steam and will soon run out of time. Plaid Cymru only offer uncosted gimmicks and pie in the sky budgeting. And the Conservatives have never spoken for the people of Wales, and they never will. Deep down they are the same old Tories who opposed devolution and real social justice. They have not changed."

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For full manifesto download see:

http://www.welshlibdems.org.uk/documents/Pre-Manifesto2007.pdf

WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS DEMOCRATIAID RHYDDFRYDOL CYMRU

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