So, Councillor Margaret Smith, who was elected as an independent but was really a Conservative all the time, has come out and joined the Conservative group (Post, January 24); Councillor Rene Kinzett who stood as Liberal Democrat has suddenly found after all these years that he too is really a Conservative. Meanwhile, councillors Joan Peters and Huw Rees have renounced their Tory views, having only just discovered Liberal Democracy as practised in Swansea. What conclusions should voters draw?
If politicians haven't worked out their political beliefs by the time they have obtained political office, they are not worth voting for. At the 2007 Assembly elections and the 2008 council elections, be sure you can trust those who come asking for your support.
True independents are few and far between and should be eyed with great suspicion on the doorstep. As for Swansea, how can councillors be independent yet form part of the administration?
Members of Plaid Cymru and Labour at least stand for something more than just personal ambition and the pocketing of council allowances; what a pity Plaid didn't take power with Labour in 2004 and save the city and county from the shambles that now passes for local government in County Hall.
Tony Beddow
Wind Rode
Llangennith,
Gower
