'Busy' Deputy First Minister using current economic crisis as excuse not to be scrutinised by AMs is appalling

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Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

'Busy' Deputy First Minister using current economic crisis as excuse not to be scrutinised by AMs is appalling - Kirsty

March 11, 2009 12:00 AM

Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has attacked the Deputy First Minister and Economy and Transport Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones for refusing to attend a Finance Committee because he was too busy during "this current economic climate".

Committee clerks had checked with the office of Ieuan Wyn Jones as to his availability on that date. The Deputy First Minister was available.

In his letter to the Chair of the committee, the Deputy First Minister said:

"Thank you for your letter of the 19th February regarding Finance Committee's enquiry into Roads Infrastructure in Wales.

"As you can appreciate, my diary is very busy and extremely so during the current economic climate.

"I will suggest therefore that officials attend the committee meeting 18th march on my behalf."

Some members of the committee even questioned Ieuan Wyn Jones' ability to hold both roles of Transport and Economy Minister and Deputy First Minister of Wales during difficult economic times.

Kirsty Williams, Welsh Lib Dem member of the Finance Committee said:

"I am appalled that the Deputy First Minister has shown contempt for this important committee meeting by using the current economic situation as an excuse not to be scrutinised before the committee.

"Ieuan Wyn Jones does have a record of failing to attend committee meetings to subject himself to scrutiny by fellow Assembly Members.

"The Deputy First Minster has chosen not to attend this committee to be scrutinised and that is wholly unacceptable as our committee officials went out of their way to establish a date when he knew he was free."

Video of the Committee session here: http://www.senedd.tv