‘Two-faced’ Plaid is accused of both criticising and praising air defence show

Apr 28 2008 by Martin Shipton, Western Mail

PLAID Cymru has been accused of facing both ways after an aerospace exhibition previously criticised by the party as a showcase for arms dealers was praised by party leader Ieuan Wyn Jones.

The Aerolink Wales exhibition went ahead at Glamorgan cricket’s headquarters in Cardiff.

Major players in the aerospace industry, including Airbus UK and BAE Systems, attended the conference, organised by Aerospace Wales Forum (AWF) which is part-funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Plaid leader Ieuan Wyn Jones, who is Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, welcomed the event, saying: “The aerospace industry plays a vital role in the Welsh economy with more than 180 companies employing more than 25,000 people. Aerolink Wales attracts global companies and provides a superb networking opportunity with the one-to-one business meetings providing an unrivalled opportunity to meet key buyers from these companies.”

But when the same event took place in the same location two years ago, it was strongly criticised by local Plaid councillor Gwenllian Lansdown.

Ms Lansdown, who is now Plaid’s chief executive, said at the time: “Even if there are no legal powers to stop this event taking place, at least we can raise our objections. I’m appalled this took place in Riverside.”

Rhondda Labour MP Chris Bryant said: “If this was a matter of principle for Gwenllian Lansdown two years ago, then she should stick by those principles and speak out again now.”

A Plaid spokeswoman said: “At the time, Councillor Lansdown was representing the views of her local community. This attempt to mislead the public shows how worried Labour are about their votes in Riverside.”