Wales readies for the referendum

The battle lines are drawn, the campaigns are coming to an end and after months of debate the referendum is almost upon us.

The campaigns have been marred by controversy, from Twitter faux pas to inflatable pigs, and the people of Wales are feared to be indifferent or uninformed about the referendum.

True Wales set chins wagging when they failed to register as an official campaign, while Yes for Wales stepped up their appeal for volunteers to promote their message.

Nevertheless, on Thursday Wales will be asked to decide whether the Assembly Government should have more decision-making powers, removing the layer of scrutiny at Westminster.

Len Gibbs, 74, a prominent spokesperson for True Wales, said: "We are past the convincing date because of the postal vote. A huge number of people have already voted. It's likely to be a 40 per cent turnout. This is a non event."

Expressing frustration, Mr Gibbs, a retired businessman, added: "People are unhappy that they have been given an assembly they did not vote for. Lots of people will vote against it because they feel they have been duped.

"We cannot divorce past performance against future promises. In the key areas of health, education and the economy, they have all the powers they will ever get.

"They are pretending they do not have the powers to do the job but they do not need them. Why would you give more to people who have failed in these areas?"

Roger Lewis, of the Yes for Wales, said: "I have travelled all over Wales over the last few months and the feeling on the streets about the Yes for Wales vote is very positive. We need everyone to come forward now and seize what is a unique and special opportunity for Wales.

"People all over Wales are canvassing for support over these final days. It is special to see such unity. This shows the maturity that Wales as a nation has achieved in a short period - people of all gender, all class and all attitudes.
"If we want to gain respect we first of all have to have self respect by taking responsibility. It's plain common sense - it ensures the business is as effective as it can be."

REFERENDUM AT A GLANCE
If Wales votes Yes, the assembly will be able to pass laws in devolved areas, including health, education and the environment, without first having to gain the consent of Westminster.

ARGUMENTS FOR VOTING YES:

• A Yes vote should speed up the WAG decision-making process
• A Yes vote will give Wales its own voice
• Decisions that only affect Wales should be made in, and by, Wales
• More devolution has worked well in Scotland. It could work well in Wales too
• Voting Yes would mean a more efficient and cheaper form of government

ARGUMENTS FOR VOTING NO:

• Less scrutiny is dangerous.
• Our politicians are not up to the job. The WAG has failed in important areas
•  The WAG has become an over-inflated, expensive body, one we didn't vote for
• The referendum is a slippery slope to an independent, autonomous nation
•  It would create a state free of the influence of democratically elected Westiminster MPs