Labour at half-time but not even halfway on delivery - German

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 8th Jun 2005

Labour's lack of delivery on its own top 10 pledges is an indictment of the 'Morgan's Muddle' style of government that the First Minister has practised - even before he lost a working majority in the National Assembly.

Following the publication of the First Minister's half term report, Mike German AM says that the lack of progress on Labour's top 10 pledges two years in to this Assembly is clear evidence of Labour's lack of direction and delivery.

Mr German, Assembly leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:

"Rhodri Morgan started the Assembly with these top 10 pledges that would be the focus of the next four years of administration. Yet halfway through this term, there is little action and the First Minister's focus has shifted to what he calls 'the defining project' of this Assembly - the ASPB mergers - a policy that in not even in his top 10 pledges.

"The roll of dishonour includes: a bits and pieces approach to the Crime Fighting Fund, nothing on half-price travel for 16-18 year olds, complete chaos on student fees beyond 2007 and no idea on paying for free school breakfasts.

"Instead of delivering his promises, Rhodri Morgan is more concerned with launching strategies and good intentions. Labour has produced more pilots than the Top Gun Academy, but we see no real action. The First Minister is content to stay on cruise control instead of making things happen.

"At half-time in this four year term there is no evidence to suggest that Rhodri Morgan can inspire or lead a second-half comeback, delivering on either his game-plan or a coherent programme of government that can take Wales forward."