Almost caught out by the bell…because it didn’t ring.
We all know that Rhodri Morgan, First Minister, ensures that he keeps himself fit. But not often can we see him taking advantage of that fitness.
Sitting at a table in what is pejoratively sometimes called the Dungeon in the Senedd, outside the AMs’ entrance to the debating chamber, I heard deputy presiding officer Rosemary Butler announcing to a pretty full house of members that, following agreement with party business managers, she had decided for this time to do away with the bell announcing voting time near the end of a plenary.
No doubt, the idea was to save a bit of time.
She had just told AMs to cast their first vote when a tall grey-haired gentleman rushed from a side room opposite the debating chamber, trying to pour himself into his jacket, and flashing an embarrassed grin my way.
Rhodri Morgan was on his way to vote. Perhaps he missed the first; he certainly caught the second.
It reminds me of the time when Mr Morgan tried to govern without a coalition with the Liberal Democrats to strengthen his position.
One important vote was lost…because a member had gone to the toilet I think.
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