Mercurial, Magical, Elusive

Winter 2008

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Opinion

Page 4 Mercurial, Magical, Elusive

Welsh Rugby is a brand that can capture the imagination of a global audience says Roger Lewis.

Outlook

Page 10 Coping with the Crunch

Key figures in the Welsh financial world respond to the global financial meltdown.

Page 14 Liberal Democrat leadership contest

Jenny Randerson vs Kirsty Williams.

The Economy

Page 16 Surviving the Crunch

Rhys David and Nick Morris survey how Wales is coping with the economic downturn.

Page 19 Creative Regeneration

Ann Carlile says culture is a bridge to Newport’s economic future.

Politics and Policy

Page 21 Idealists and Pragmatists

Peter Stead casts an eye over some prognostications for politics in 21st Century Wales.

Page 23 Opinion Finder

Aled Edwards assesses the role of the all-Wales convention

Page 25 Just Say Yes

Mike German argues that supporters of more powers for the Assembly should start campaigning now.

Page 27 Community Government

Paul Griffiths discusses the progressive ideas underpinning the Labour-Plaid coalition.

Page 29 Devolving Buses

Huw Lewis outlines his proposals for applying a franchise system to bus routes in Wales.

Environment

Page 31 Newport Bypass

Julian Branscombe puts the case against the projected M4 relief road.

Page 33 Light Rail

Neil Anderson advocates a radical alternative to new road projects.

Education

Page 35 Glyndwr University

Michael Scott explains why Wales’s newest university has named itself after a 15th century rebel leader.

Page 38 Critical Mass

Huw Beynon outlines a new collaboration that strengthens Welsh social science research.

Science

Page 40 Science Business

John Osmond examines the way science is being put at the centre of the Assembly Government’s economic policy.

Page 43 Creatures Great and Small

Penri James makes the case for a Welsh veterinary school at Aberystwyth.

Page 46 Genetic Doublethink

Dafydd Huws argues that a sustainable Welsh agriculture cannot afford to be without GM technology.

Social Policy

Page 49 Wicked Issues

Steve Martin reflects on progress since publication of the Beecham review in July 2006.

Page 53 Vicious Circle

Adrian Roper calls for courageous action to tackle bed blocking in our hospitals.

Page 56 Light in Housing Gloom

Sue Essex reflects on the lessons from her review of affordable housing provision in Wales.
Europe

Page 58 Euro Speak

Des Clifford on how Welsh has followed Catalan into European discourse.

Culture and Communication

Page 61 News Blackout

Ned Thomas reflects on the future of the Welsh press and media.

Page 64 Real Wales

Peter Finch on discovering his country.

Page 66 Northern Icon

Derek Jones introduces the Ruthin craft centre.

Page 66 Life’s Diary

John Morgans describes how he reduced five million words to 160,000.

Page 70 Disarming Archbishop

David Williams on the incense, wine and fudge at the heart of Anglican debates over sexuality.

The Last Word

Page 72 Taking Wales with you

by Peter Stead.