The National Assembly
The National
Assembly for Wales was established in 1998, following a
pledge by Prime Minister Tony Blair to devolve government to the regions.
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London all received new local governments
in the reforms. The current building is a temporary home for the Assembly and
was opened in 1999. The new building opens fall 2005. Cardiff fought off stiff
competition from Swansea to house the Assembly in a long process of
consultation. The former Wales First Secretary, Ron Davies, explained his
patient decision-making by reminding reporters that "Wales has waited 700 years
for an all-Wales assembly."
The
Assembly is a very modern type of legislature and deliberately attempts to
represent a new style of government. As opposed to Westminster in London, the
Assembly is a government closer to the people and is more accessible to them.
Inside the building, the atmosphere is fresh and optimistic. Technology plays
an important role, especially when it comes to language.
Business is conducted in both Welsh and English with instant translation in both
languages. In addition, the Assembly offers other state-of-the-art computer
facilities installed for Members.
The Assembly
is situated in Cardiff Bay, one of the most exciting
waterfront developments in Europe. The building resides in
Mermaid Quay, an attractive blend of plazas, cafés, restaurants and shops
spilling down onto boardwalks. The Wales Millennium Centre, a fabulous £86
million multi-purpose arts center, opened in 2004. It promises to be an
impressive attraction, with a 1900-seat auditorium, restaurants, and a new home
for the Welsh National Opera.
The Assembly is a great experiment for Wales and Great Britain. Devolution is in its infancy and the onus is on the new Assembly to obtain more powers from London. Welsh nationalists see the Assembly as a stepping stone to gaining a full-fledged Parliament. This working environment promises to offer a rich educational and practical experience for interns. Interns should find the work experience to be relaxed and enjoyable, with a distinct sense of pride displayed by their colleagues.
Subject Committees
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