from new member, Arddun Rhiannon from Caernarfon.
My interest in politics began six years ago. I was 13 years old and it was just after the 2010 General Election.
Despite being so young at the time, and many of my friends not taking much notice of politics or the result, I remember feeling angry and confused as I watched the news over the following days.
Who can forget that ridiculous scene of Nick and Dave outside 10 Downing Street? The journalists all gathered around them as if they were guests in a very awkward wedding. And I thought to myself, ‘Who voted for these people? There must be a better way!’
I was right.
As I watched the marriage disintegrate, I began to do my own research into the other political parties. It soon became clear that there was only one party that was truly deserving of my vote in the next election – and that was Plaid Cymru.
Trip to Cardiff!
After doing my research, I discovered Plaid’s youth movement, Plaid Ifanc. And thus when the opportunity arose to travel down to Cardiff for their annual conference this year, I took it!
My first experience of attending a political conference was a very positive one. From the beginning there was this air of wanting to change and challenge and create and develop our own Wales.
One of the highlights of the day was listening to the discussion with Delyth Jewell and Liz Musa, discussing women and politics.
- I’ve joined!
Liz from BAWSO spoke about ‘coming out’ as Plaid after being a supporter since the 1970s and about working with Helen Mary Jones who had been a inspiration for her. Delyth spoke about her work in Westminster and working together with charities to create new and better laws for stalking and domestic violence survivors. She also spoke about how Westminster was very much a ‘boys club’.
She put it well when she said, ‘everybody needs feminism’.
It was also a delight to meet Trefina Kerrain from Breizh on behalf of UDB Yaouank and Adrian Fuentes from the Basque Country on behalf of Gazte Abertzaleak.
After electing a new committee, the conference was over for another year.
What struck me most was the enthusiasm and passion that everyone had about building our nation.
Its true to say that my political awakening has begun – and there’s no turning back now!
