peaking on the eighth anniversary of his elevation to the top political post in Wales, Mr Morgan spoke of the way his family had shaped his views and the way he’d like to leave Wales for future generations.
He said:
Everyone wants the very best for their children and grandchildren, and I’m no different. I have seven grandchildren. Six of them have arrived during my period as First Minister. It has changed my perspective on politics and life in general completely.
What motivates me is doing my very best to ensure a brighter, sustainable future for them and every other child growing up in Wales today.
I want to see the quality of life that we have in Wales today, the work-life balance we have in Wales, the environment and all we enjoy conserved, protected and improved. I want my grandchildren to still be able to enjoy the unspoilt beaches and the weird and wonderful wildlife and countryside we have, when they reach my age in half-a-century’s time.
This isn’t just about talking the talk, but walking the walk – planning ahead as much as possible and occasionally taking tough decisions to pave the way for a bright future for Wales.
As the longest serving leader of any of the UK political institutions, the First Minister highlighted eight priority areas to mark his eight years in charge which he believes will continue to improve the quality of life for people today and in the future.
* Environment;
* Health;
* Education;
* Ending child poverty;
* Addressing the issue of affordable housing;
* Further improvements to the economy;
* Small clever country;
* Proud and confident nation.
He continued:
Top of the list is sustainability. I’m proud that the Assembly is the only institution in the world where sustainable development is included in our constitution. But that also means taking tough decisions for the long term benefit of all, and one such example is our decision to release Assembly Government-owned land for the development of wind farms.
This is an example of a decision that hasn’t been welcomed in all quarters. But these are the kind of steps we must take if we are serious about combating the growing problem of climate change.
A first rate health service fit for the demands of the 21st Century is vital. Nye Bevan created the NHS 60 years ago, but 60 years before that local Medical Aid Societies had sprung up by the cooperative efforts of miners and ironworkers in the Valleys. It was to ensure that they and their families had pre-paid access to medical treatment.
My ambition is to create a new revolution in health care to match the industrial revolution that swept Wales in the 19th century, providing facilities, equipment and highly trained staff fit for the future.
We are already investing heavily in what I expect to be Wales’ first truly 21st Century hospital in Ystrad Mynach to serve the mid valley area of Glamorgan and Gwent. The same applies to the continuing development of the National Children’s Hospital. We are keen to tackle the causes of ill health as well as curing the symptoms.
I fully understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle following my heart scare last year. I now follow a near fat-free healthier diet and a ‘walk with the dog every day’ exercise regime. I have lost more than 36lbs, and feel 10 years younger. I heartily recommend it!
Education is the key to a successful life, and I am delighted that the Assembly Government is laying the foundations for everyone to access courses that will help their personal development and skills.
We are adopting successful schemes from other countries, such as the ‘learn through play’ early years schemes pioneered in Sweden, as well as developing our own initiatives. Our mantra is to encourage lifelong learning from cradle to the grave, reinforcing our reputation as a small, smart country.
I am also determined to end the scourge of child poverty by our target date of 2020, and have put in motion a number of initiatives to achieve this.
The lives of an entire generation of people in Wales are being blighted because house prices and rents have soared out of their reach. That’s why affordable housing has been given priority by my government and will be one of the first Welsh laws to be passed in Wales in more than 500 years under new powers granted to us under the Government of Wales Act 2006.
Wales is a fantastic place to live and do business, and I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made in attracting international high-tech companies to base their research and development facilities here.
Eight years ago no-one could have predicted that by late 2007 Cardiff University would have two Nobel Prize winning scientists on its staff. That has enormously enhanced our reputation as a forward-looking country which embraces the latest technologies and breakthroughs like stem cell research.
Alongside that has been a growing confidence as a nation, a confidence best expressed by the success of the miners at Tower Colliery. Although the mine has now closed because it has run out of coal, the message that Wales is a ‘can do’ country was heard far and wide and well beyond our boundaries. It is a story that has inspired us all.
Finally, Wales is about to break the three million population barrier for the first time ever, a landmark achievement for the country. This brings me back to my original point – my aim is to ensure that that Wales has the kind of jobs, services and facilities that make it a leading 21st Century country fit for all our children.
