It is sometimes difficult to know who is the more real - Cathy Beale of Eastenders or the Duchess of York. The speaker criticised the leading quality papers such as the Times and Daily Telegraph. Today's lead is likely to be a lurid court case or a statement of the spin doctors. We get shadow not substance. Too often, instead of straight reporting we get what the papers think of what is happening.
Comment is free but facts are expensive.
Mr Hannan was involved in the last debate in March 2nd 1979. He thought that as devolution was then rejected by the people that would have been the end of it. But the issue, once raised, has taken on a life of its own. The Tory party, which has little to say on Welsh matters, has been forced to address this question. Mr. Hannan expects people will vote for the Welsh Assembly but whatever the result, the creation of a Scottish Assembly will change the nature of the debate in Wales.