Is Rhodri Morgan losing his grip? - German

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Jun 2004

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has been accused of losing his grip after a month of misjudgements, including the latest confused statements about the future powers of the National Assembly for Wales.

At First Minister's Questions today Mike German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, said the First Minister's latest proposal to stretch the Assembly's existing powers was no advance on the status quo - which the Richard Commission had dubbed "unsustainable".

Mr German said: "Your new proposal for taking forward Richard still relies on slots at Westminster for Wales only legislation. It still relies on Wales sections of predominantly England only bills; still relies on this Assembly only being given the authority to do things that English Ministers approve of; and still relies on having a government at Westminster politically sympathetic to the idea of having a Welsh Assembly with any power or responsibility at all.

"In what way do your proposals take Richard forward, instead of leaving us all exactly where we all are now? Are they truly your views, or simply what Labour MPs at Westminster will let you get away with?"

Following an unconvincing denial that Mr Morgan's position had been influenced by the opposition of Labour's MPs, Mr German also wondered whether recent set backs were undermining Mr Morgan's position.

"In the wake of the publication of the Richard Commission you supported the case for primary law-making powers. This case has been shown to have widespread support by the people of Wales. However, such is the strength of opposition from Labour MPs that you are now backing framework legislation as the way forward for the Assembly - a considerable retreat from your previous position," added Mr German.

"In the last month we've seen you offend the nation over your failure to attend the D-day commemoration, and get criticised by your own Party members. You've been knocked back by your own Labour MPs on the poor performance of the NHS in Wales. Now you seem to be in a terrible muddle over Richard. Are you losing your grip First Minister?"