Bridgend Builder in Blistering Bombast

A special report from Welsh Affairs correspondent, Alun Tudor Jones

Bridgend College staff were delighted when a former colleague, Alun John Pugh, AM, agreed to being the prestigious guest speaker at their annual awards evening.

Traditionally, these events bring great joy to the college community and particularly to the forty students who are selected as 'Student of the Year' in their particular fields of study.

Free

Alun is Welsh Assembly Minister for Culture, Sport and the Welsh Language and his presence was even more appreciated as he gave up his time, free of charge, right in the midst of a major political controversy over his alleged sacking of the Chairman of the Wales Arts Council, Geraint Talfan Davies.

Chums

Last Tuesday, following the ceremony, the Minister sought a little relaxation from his hectic schedule, with a rare opportunity to re-unite with some old chums in a local hostelry.

A pleasant evening ensued until Mr. Pugh was introduced to Bridgend builder and entrepreneur, David Abacus Oakley.

"Very nice to meet you", declared the Assembly Minister, in accordance with his usual polite manner that has endeared him to the Welsh people in general and his Clwyd West constituents specifically.

Criminal

"The Assembly is a criminal waste of money. Criminal!", bombasted Mr. Oakley, "and you lot are the biggest bunch of wasters on the planet." With accustomed elegance and dignity, Alun Pugh left the hostelry without comment or fuss.

STOP PRESS

News is breaking that the Minister has resigned and that David Oakley has been appointed Chairman of the Arts Council for Wales.