0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:02 > 0:00:04- In the year 2000, - Rhodri Morgan's dream...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..of becoming Wales's leader - was finally realized.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- At the time, no-one was more proud - than his mother.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- He's my son.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- I can't differentiate...
0:00:17 > 0:00:20- ..between him being my son...
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- ..and him being a politician.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- What kind of man is the politician?
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- What are the events and influences - that have shaped his personality...
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- ..and his loyalty - to the Labour Party?
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- To what extent has the man - and the politician changed?
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- Having become First Minister...
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- ..he's become more involved...
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- ..with the Welsh-speaking - heartlands, literature and culture.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- That's transformed his life.
0:00:52 > 0:00:57- It's made him, in my view, - far more like my father...
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- ..and my grandfather - and my forefathers.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- Not only their radicalism - but their interest in eisteddfodau.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- What you see is what you get - with Rhodri.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- What you see is a man being true - to his own values and attitudes...
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- ..and not going around every ten - minutes apologizing for it.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- He's sincere, he's genuine. - That's why people love him.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- Rhodri Morgan was our man...
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- ..who was unfairly treated - by the posh Englishman in London.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- Since then...
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- ..I think Rhodri Morgan - has risen above politics.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- We evaluate his contribution...
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- ..and set him on a different - pedestal to other politicians.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- People think he's a good man - and one of us.
0:01:56 > 0:02:02- He's wanted this - right from the very start.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- He said he wanted - to break his ties with London.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- He's achieved his desire.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- That's nice for him.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- At his home, in Michaelston-Le-Pit - on the outskirts of Cardiff...
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- ..Rhodri Morgan - is getting ready for his retirement.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- Part of a field has been turned - into a large garden...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..where the former First Minister - flexes his green fingers.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- I've converted a field - into a garden or an allotment.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- It's a continuous struggle.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- You have to weed it all the time.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- To be honest, I enjoy weeding.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- If you enjoy weeding, - I think you can succeed in politics.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- That's Morgan's First Principle.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- That's a reasonable carrot.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- I don't think it would win - any prizes in a show...
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- ..but it's more than acceptable - as a carrot.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- Have you taken up gardening - recently?
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- No. I'd do a lot in the garden - with Tad-cu and Dad.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- During the war, and after the war, - everyone dug for victory.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- We'd grow all sorts - celery and - food not available in the shops.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28- AIR RAID SIREN
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- Rhodri Morgan was born during the - first year of the Second World War.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- The siren which warned - of the approaching German planes...
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- ..greatly influenced his childhood.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- War was the greatest influence.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- We lived next door - to the police station in Radyr.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- When the air raid siren - was sounded...
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- ..it went off about ten yards from - my ear when I was trying to sleep.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03- The siren was in the garden - of the house next door.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- I can just remember Mam - taking me and Prys downstairs...
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- ..and pitching the camp bed - under the stairs.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- We'd sleep under the stairs - until the morning.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- The family lived in this house - in Radyr.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- He had a comfortable upbringing...
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- ..surrounded my a middle-class - Welsh family.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- His mother, Huana, was an author.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- His father, T J Morgan, - was an academic...
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- ..who became Professor of Welsh - at the University of Wales.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- Rhodri and Prys's upbringing - was steeped in Welsh culture.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- After the war, - when petrol was re-introduced...
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- ..we would attend the Welsh chapel - in the morning in Gwaelod-y-Garth...
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- ..and Tabernacl in the Hayes - for Sunday school in the afternoon.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- During my first few years, - in terms of religion...
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- ..I was with Methodists - in the English Sunday school...
0:05:04 > 0:05:10- ..I was with Congregationalists - in Gwaelod-y-Garth in the morning...
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- ..and the Baptists - in the afternoon in the Hayes.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- My experience of religion - caused a lot of confusion.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- There were so many - different influences...
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- ..with different denominations - and languages...
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- ..during my early years.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- In Radyr and the rest of Cardiff...
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- ..opportunities to speak Welsh - were scarce...
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- ..in the 1940s and 1950s.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- However, Welsh was the language - spoken at home.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- We spoke Welsh...
0:05:49 > 0:05:55- ..surrounded by the English language - spoken in the village.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- Only one other child spoke Welsh.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- In Ty'r Cymry, - there was a fledgling Welsh school.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- Every Saturday morning...
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- ..parents could take their children - there to socialize.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- That was the start of Welsh-language - education in Cardiff.
0:06:13 > 0:06:19- We'd meet on Saturday mornings, - any Welsh parents who had children.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- We'd meet in Ty'r Cymry.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- The children would play together...
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- ..and they realized that there - were other children who spoke Welsh.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36- This kind of upbringing would have - led many to become nationalists...
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- ..but not Rhodri Morgan.
0:06:40 > 0:06:46- Rhodri was influenced strongly - by the chapel...
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- ..academia and Welsh culture...
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- ..and the obsession - our family had with culture.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- My mother was an author - and my father was also an author.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- In some ways, - it's a natural progression.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- I wasn't the rebellious type...
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- ..but if Rhodri wanted to express - his personality in any way...
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- ..he had to somehow escape - from all these influences.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- You've always been someone - who's weighed everything up.
0:07:21 > 0:07:27- Did you join the Labour movement - after weighing up all your options?
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- No, no - instinct.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- No, I didn't ponder which party - I should choose, not at all.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- There was never a choice for me.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- Not at all. - It was entirely instinctive.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- There was no choice. - There was only one choice.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- Why was there only one choice?
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- What was responsible creating - the instinct that led him to Labour?
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- His first political meeting - was dramatic and memorable.
0:07:59 > 0:08:06- I remember him asking me - to take him to a political meeting.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- He was about 13 years old.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- To my surprise, - he stood up to ask a question.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- During the meeting, Rhodri - saw the speaker given a hard time...
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- ..by Radyr's Tories.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- The politician under pressure - was Labour's Dorothy Rees.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- There were shouts and screams - from every corner.
0:08:32 > 0:08:38- As a woman, she had never - experienced anything like this.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- She couldn't cope - with the experience.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- There was an undercurrent - of hate towards her...
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- ..from about 150 people - in a packed room.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- It was sad but no-one could suggest - that politics was boring...
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- ..if they were present - at that meeting in the village hall.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- Young Rhodri had a special reason - to thank Labour after the war.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- Aneurin Bevan was the founder - of the National Health Service.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- Rhodri remembers the experience - of being treated before and after...
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- ..the new service was introduced.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- What I remember, it's something - that's stayed with me to this day...
0:09:25 > 0:09:31- ..is having a private operation - in 1946 or 1947.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- I felt it was disgraceful that I - had to urinate into a milk bottle...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..each time I wanted to go - to the toilet.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- An empty milk bottle, of course!
0:09:42 > 0:09:47- Somehow or other, - I didn't feel that was right.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- It was a disgrace asking a young boy - to urinate into a milk bottle.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- For some reason, it upset me.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- Two years later, when the National - Health Service was introduced...
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- ..I was allowed to urinate - into a suitable plastic container.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- A container that was fitting - for the job in hand.
0:10:08 > 0:10:14- It made me a fan of the NHS - right from the outset.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20- There was another influential - person in the family's history...
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- ..author and nationalist - Saunders Lewis.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- Lewis and Rhodri's father were - divided over one particular issue.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- In the 1930s, - during the Spanish Civil War...
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- ..many Welsh soldiers - fought against General Franco.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- Saunders Lewis supported Franco.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- Rhodri's father didn't.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- Even though Dad greatly respected - Saunders's literary work...
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- ..they had intense arguments - about the Spanish Civil War...
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- ..during the 1930s.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- Dad supported the Republicans - and Saunders supported Franco.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- Dad never forgave Saunders - for supporting Franco.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- Rhodri's father and Saunders Lewis - were adjudicators...
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- ..at the Denbigh Eisteddfod in 1939.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- They stayed in a mansion - owned by a wealthy landowner.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Breakfast time was an uneasy - experience for TJ Morgan.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Every morning, over a boiled egg...
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- ..he would listen to Saunders - and the landowner...
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- ..lauding Franco - for winning the Spanish Civil War.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- It made my father's stomach churn - and he couldn't eat his breakfast.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- Both would cross swords again - some years later...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..over an election to Westminster.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- During that time, the University - of Wales had its own MP.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- In a by-election in 1943...
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- ..the nationalist candidate - for the seat was Saunders Lewis.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- He was beaten - by Liberal WJ Gruffydd.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- Gruffydd's agent - was Rhodri's father.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- He was also the sub-editor - of the magazine, Y Llenor.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- For five years, the magazine - was boycotted by the nationalists...
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- ..only because it had been - established by WJ Gruffydd...
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- ..the politician who kept - Saunders Lewis out of Parliament.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- Kate Roberts said, on the Eisteddfod - field, if I remember correctly...
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- ..Kate told my father...
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- .."Well, TJ, don't you know - that we vowed after the war...
0:12:48 > 0:12:53- .."that while WJ Gruffydd's name - remained on the cover of Y Llenor...
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- .."we, and other nationalists, - would not contribute to the Llenor?
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- "We won't buy the magazine - or contribute any features to it."
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- It was the first time my father - became aware of this vow.
0:13:08 > 0:13:14- The split in Welsh culture - was very deep.
0:13:15 > 0:13:21- TJ Morgan had to write - most of Y Llenor for five years.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- Rhodri was a child - during his father's battles...
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- ..with Saunders Lewis over Franco, - WJ Gruffydd and Y Llenor...
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- ..but the battles - greatly influenced him.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- It sunk in, somehow or other.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- Saunders supported Franco - during the Second World War...
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- ..and his friends boycotted - Y Llenor after the war.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- That's the image of Saunders - I had in my head...
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- ..not the popular image - of Saunders...
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- ..being able to foresee - the future of Wales.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01- Many Welsh youngsters hung - on his every word, but not me.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Rhodri was not interested either...
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- ..in the excitement - which swept Wales during the 1960s.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- A different world awaited him - in Oxford University and America.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19- .
0:14:21 > 0:14:21- 888
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- 888- - 888
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- At the end of the 1950s, Rhodri - and his brother went to Oxford.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- There, Prys was interviewed - by broadcaster Myfanwy Howell.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Most Welsh students - attend Jesus College...
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- ..but my brother and I attend - St John's College.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- What are you studying?
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- I'm studying History and my - brother's studying Politics - PPE.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- Neither of you have followed - in your father's footsteps.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- It's nice to hear you - speaking Welsh, though.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Both were keen members - of Oxford's Welsh society...
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- ..the Dafydd ap Gwilym Society.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- "The Rattlebag.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- "As I was, easiest praise..."
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- However, by now, Rhodri was tiring - of Welsh culture at home.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- It was the obsession with culture...
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- ..that Rhodri found suffocated him - as a young boy.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- His life was overrun - with all this culture...
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- ..the Urdd, the school eisteddfod...
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- ..and all the cultural mania - we had as a family.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- "The second meeting - of the trinity season."
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- The Dafydd ap Gwilym Society...
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- ..kept the cultural mania - alive in Oxford...
0:15:51 > 0:15:57- ..but back in Wales, - there was a nationalistic revival.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- The first catalyst for the revival - was flooding Tryweryn.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- It affected a generation - of young Welsh people...
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- ..who would fuel the rise - of nationalism during the 1960s.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- But it did not affect Rhodri Morgan.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- After graduating from Oxford, he - continued his studies in America...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- ..at Harvard University.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- This young student missed out - on the political excitement at home.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- I remember historian John Davies - saying...
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- ..that it was such a shame - that Rhodri and I...
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- ..didn't know prominent people...
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- ..who came to the fore - between 1956 and 1964.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- Rhodri and I were in Oxford - and Rhodri then went to America.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- John Davies claimed that we missed - out on getting acquainted...
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- ..with a generation - of prominent people.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- John said it was a fault in us both, - as brothers.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- I agree that it's true.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- Rhodri wasn't influenced by Welsh - nationalists as a student...
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- ..towards the end of the 1950s.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- The story could have been different - had we gone to Aberystwyth.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- The second catalyst - for the revival...
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- ..was Saunders Lewis's - radio lecture in 1962...
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- ..calling for a revolution - to save the language.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- Cymdeithas Yr Iaith - was founded in 1963.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- The society's first protest was held - on Trefechan Bridge in Aberystwyth.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- Rhodri Morgan - missed these events too.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- I remember the Swansea - National Eisteddfod in 1964.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- Saunders addressed a meeting - on the Eisteddfod field...
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- ..on the future - of the Welsh language and nation.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- There was a person there, - I didn't know him...
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- ..but he was excited - by Saunders's words.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- I realized - there was a level of interest...
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- ..and groundswell of views towards - the future of the Welsh nation...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- ..but none of it appealed to me.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- The priority for Rhodri - and many graduates of this time...
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- ..was finding work.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- Many of the old industries - were waning in Wales.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- The economy was in a fragile state.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- In the 1964 General Election...
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- ..Harold Wilson - became a Labour Prime Minister.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- After a long period - of Conservative governments...
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- ..people were ready for change.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Our family had differing opinions.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- Dad, on the whole, voted Labour.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- Mam, on the whole, - voted for Plaid Cymru.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- Rhodri felt that the only party - with any hope...
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- ..and this was before - Gwynfor's by-election...
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- ..the only party with any hope - of doing anything for Wales...
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- ..was the Labour Party.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- He wanted to work - through the Labour Party...
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- ..supporting Cledwyn, Goronwy - Roberts and Gwilym Prys Davies.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- Rhodri lived in a flat - in the capital city by 1964.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- He was joined there - by a young Labour supporter...
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- ..who would seal his support - for Labour.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- Someone said the student leader - from Cardiff University...
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- ..was looking to rent a room.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- He didn't have a clue - how to look after himself.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- He couldn't even tie - his own shoelaces...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- ..but his girlfriend - came from north Wales...
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- ..and she was a great cook.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- Rhodri was asked to offer this man, - Kinnock, a room in the flat.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- Neil moved into this room.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- He was great company...
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- ..and he persuaded Rhodri - to join the Labour Party.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14- In Cardiff, the 1964 Election was - an opportunity for Rhodri Morgan...
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- ..to canvass voters - for the first time...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..and ensure James Callaghan's - safe passage back to Parliament.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- He was joined by another - Labour supporter - Julie.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- Three years later, - they were married.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- Seeing the world beyond Wales.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- Too much cultural mania - in the family.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- The importance of the economy.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- And the influence - of his best friend, Neil Kinnock.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- These were the influences which led - Rhodri Morgan to the Labour Party.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- Less than 20 years later...
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- ..Neil Kinnock - would be the Labour Party leader.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- The only dispute between them - involved devolution.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- Kinnock opposed it, Rhodri Morgan - had always supported it.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Devolution and the Welsh language...
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- ..would split - Labour in Wales for decades.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19- Members in the Valleys were wary - of the Welsh speakers in the party.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- They included Elystan Morgan - and Cledwyn Hughes.
0:21:26 > 0:21:32- The most significant piece of work - I ever read about Rhodri Morgan...
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- ..was written by Kevin Morgan - and Geoff Mungham.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- It's one of the more recent books - about devolution.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- It claimed that Rhodri Morgan...
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- ..wasn't accepted - by Labour members in the Valleys...
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- ..because he wasn't one of them, - culturally.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- People were aware - that his background...
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- ..and early life experiences - differed from theirs.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- A sense of distance and separation - developed from there.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- At a time when people - started accepting him...
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- ..there was an acknowledgement - from both sides...
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- ..that the background and - the experiences were very different.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- Welsh speakers normally have - a bumpy ride in the Labour Party...
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- ..particularly in south Wales.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- Labour's power - has always been in south Wales.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- I remember vividly, - I won't name names...
0:22:34 > 0:22:40- ..but I was talking to Rhodri Morgan - in Transport House in Welsh...
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- ..and someone came over and said...
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- .."Don't speak that language - in front of us."
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- The man was a union leader - in south Wales.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- I think - if Rhodri had spoken Welsh...
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- ..more regularly - in the Labour Party...
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- ..he wouldn't have had - the success he had.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- But Rhodri Morgan has been true to - his Welsh roots throughout his life.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- That includes regular visits - to the west coast of Wales.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- This is where the family came - on holiday when he was a child.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25- He continued to come here with Julie - and their three children.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- He now brings his eight - grandchildren here too.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- Only a rather - unconventional person...
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- ..would spend every summer holiday - over the past 40 years...
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- ..in a caravan in Mwnt.
0:23:42 > 0:23:48- I started visiting Mwnt - with my parents 63 years ago...
0:23:48 > 0:23:49- ..from 1946...
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- ..as soon as they'd rolled - the barbed wire from the beach...
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- ..after the Second World War.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01- We started staying in the caravan - with the children 40 years ago.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- They come down now - and stay here with their children.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Three generations - of the Morgan family...
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- ..have spent a lot of time - on Mwnt beach.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- Sometimes, I need time - to catch up on my sleep.
0:24:14 > 0:24:21- I have the odd nap in the afternoon - after a bellyful of sandwiches...
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- ..and some coffee from the stall.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- We spend a lot of time - swimming in the sea.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- Julie and I are slow swimmers...
0:24:31 > 0:24:37- ..but we are swimmers - who can stay in the water...
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- ..for an hour or two.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- We walk along the coastline.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48- We watch the seals and dolphins - that swim close to the shore.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- We read books - - we read a lot of books...
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- ..not only political biographies...
0:24:55 > 0:25:00- ..but novels that can detach - a person from the political world.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- But until his late 40s...
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- ..there was no need - to visit west Wales...
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- ..to escape any political pressure.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- For around 20 years, - he was a civil servant in Cardiff...
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- ..working for the TUC, - the Welsh Office...
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- ..South Glamorgan Council - and the European Community.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- He was 48 years old before he stood - for Parliament for the first time.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- He was elected - in the Cardiff West constituency.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- Rhodri Morgan, - the Labour Party candidate...
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- ..20,329.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- You are seeing - in front of you tonight...
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- ..a very tired - but very happy Welshman.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- A lucrative career awaited him - in the House of Commons.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- Within 13 years, he'd reach the - pinnacle of Welsh political life.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57- .
0:25:59 > 0:25:59- 888
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- 888- - 888
0:26:06 > 0:26:07- For ten years...
0:26:07 > 0:26:12- ..Rhodri Morgan was a Labour MP - during a Conservative Government.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15- He was seen as a maverick...
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- ..a thorn in the side - of institutions, such as the WDA.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22- He was very unpredictable.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29- The Welsh Grand Committee - blows off steam in Cardiff...
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- ..and Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36- He opposed the construction - of the Cardiff Bay Barrage...
0:26:36 > 0:26:41- ..because of the increased risk - of flooding in his constituency.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- The arguments - for and against the barrage...
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- ..are controlled by the nature - of the River Taff.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- As you can see, - it's a fast-flowing river.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- Its level can rise in six hours...
0:26:56 > 0:27:00- ..after heavy rainfall in - the Valleys or the Brecon Beacons.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- As the level subsides, - it leaves all this rubbish behind.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- You can see plastic bags, - toilet paper, all sorts of rubbish.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- It's rubbish from the Valleys...
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- ..that's forced - out of the sewers by rainwater.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- The barrage was built...
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- ..but not before Rhodri offered many - amendments to the Parliament Bill.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- According to one MP...
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- ..the debate raged on longer - than the First World War.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35- During the 1990s, - his popular image improved...
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- ..over a debate - about Lottery funding.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- There were two applications - for funding in Cardiff...
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- ..the first, to build - an opera house in Cardiff Bay.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- Rhodri supported the application - for a new rugby stadium.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- He was evidently not an opera buff.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- I don't think people in Splott - are queuing up...
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- ..for the first performance - in 2000...
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- ..of Wagner's Ring Cycle.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- Being outspoken - was more important to him..
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- ..than building - a respectable image.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- In terms of his dress sense, - he appeared rather shabby.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20- In this college photo, brother Prys - is wearing a formal jacket.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- As is just about everyone else - in the photograph.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- All except Rhodri.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29- From the very beginning, - his public image and appearance...
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- ..have never been a priority - for him.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- No, it hasn't been.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39- I hope people accept that some - people worry about their image...
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- ..and other people don't.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- It's not a priority of mine.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47- That's how it is.
0:28:48 > 0:28:54- I remember travelling along the M4 - and stopping in a service station.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59- I bought some eggs, toast and tea.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- I went to pay for it - and the cashier said...
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- .."Shouldn't you be Transport?"
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- These are just my work clothes.
0:29:09 > 0:29:15- I need large pockets to hold - envelopes, papers and messages.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- A man's pockets are always bursting - when he's in Parliament.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- In his conduct of life...
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- ..he wouldn't call himself - immaculately organized.
0:29:26 > 0:29:32- He can sometimes look dishevelled, - less now than used to be the case.
0:29:32 > 0:29:37- He doesn't give a damn about - the orderliness of life at all...
0:29:37 > 0:29:43- ..but when it comes to the - self-discipline of commitment...
0:29:43 > 0:29:48- ..then you will not find anyone - who's more regimented...
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- ..than Rhodri Morgan.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- In 1997, - after 18 years of Tory rule...
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- ..Labour swept to power - under the leadership of Tony Blair.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- It was a particularly joyous - election for the Morgan family.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14- Julie Morgan was elected - as MP for Cardiff North.
0:30:19 > 0:30:25- Rhodri had been Labour Parliamentary - Spokesman for Wales for five years.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- He was the obvious choice as Welsh - Secretary in the new government.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- Tony Blair's choice for the post - was Ron Davies.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- I'm absolutely delighted.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42- A shock for the political world, - disappointment for Rhodri.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- The greatest disappointment - in his life...
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- ..was not being given a role - by Tony Blair...
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- ..especially after Ron was promoted.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- Rhodri felt he knew more - about devolution than Ron.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03- He'd been a supporter of devolution - at a time when Ron wasn't.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- That's how he felt at the time.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- I remember the bitter disappointment - he felt.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- He was bitter - and he was very disappointed.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- I didn't see it as disappointment.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- It was far worse for Julie.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- It was a huge blow for her.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25- It took away the elation of winning - her first parliamentary seat.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- For Tony Blair, - the modernizer of New Labour...
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- ..Rhodri Morgan - was too much of a maverick.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- There is still no other explanation - for not promoting him.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- I was astounded and I told - Tony Blair this, astounded...
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- ..when Rhodri wasn't appointed...
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- ..at least to a junior ministership, - in the 1997 government.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- I never got - a really lucid explanation...
0:31:56 > 0:31:58- ..of Tony Blair's decision.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04- I was close to Tony and very - friendly with him, still am.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- But he never gave - a convincing reason...
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- ..for not including Rhodri Morgan - in his ministerial team.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19- One incident might have worked - against Rhodri Morgan.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24- A night in 1991 when Tony Blair - spent the night in Rhodri's home.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- As far as I know, he woke up...
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- ..and he went down - to make a cup of tea.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- My mother-in-law was up early, - at 6.00am.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- He didn't know who she was...
0:32:39 > 0:32:43- ..and she wasn't sure - who this man was...
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- ..trying to make a cup of tea - on his own.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- He was a stranger to her.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- She recognized his face - from somewhere.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- He had no idea who this woman was.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- He was rendered speechless.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06- In the end, she said, - "I know who you are.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- "You're Lionel Blair, aren't you?"
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- I know that happened.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- You'd have to ask Tony Blair - for his own reasons.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22- It's all in the past.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- If Blair's choice was Ron Davies...
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- ..the people's choice - was Rhodri Morgan.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- Soon after the disappointment...
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- ..Rhodri was invited to address - a Labour Party meeting...
0:33:35 > 0:33:37- ..in Alan Rogers's constituency - in the Rhondda.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- All the cheers and clapping.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- Everyone was screaming.
0:33:43 > 0:33:49- I turned to Alan Rogers and said, - "I didn't know you were so popular."
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- "No," he replied, - "That was for you.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55- "It's sympathy for you."
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- It was such a shock for me...
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- ..but by the following day...
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- ..I realized that Tony Blair - might have done me a favour.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- Tony Blair had placed a halo - over my head.
0:34:10 > 0:34:16- We love hearing stories in Wales - about people who've been wronged...
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- ..in eisteddfodau or a referee - in a rugby or football match.
0:34:20 > 0:34:26- Somehow or other, Tony Blair - had turned me into the victim...
0:34:26 > 0:34:29- ..wronged by the establishment.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- That was very handy - two years later...
0:34:33 > 0:34:39- ..since it gave me a special status - as the people's choice...
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- ..when the National Assembly - was established.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- When Wales accepted the Assembly - in the 1997 Referendum...
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- ..Rhodri Morgan, - thanks to Tony Blair...
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- ..was embarking - on a journey of popularity...
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- ..which would grow and grow.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04- However, there would be more - disappointments on that journey.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- An election was held - to elect a Labour leader in Wales.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- The two candidates - were Rhodri Morgan and Ron Davies.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- There were three colleges - of voters in the election...
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- ..MPs and AMs, the trade unions - and Labour Party members.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27- Rhodri was the choice - of the party members...
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- ..but it wasn't enough - to defeat Ron Davies.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- However, Ron Davies's reign - was brief.
0:35:42 > 0:35:47- After his moment of madness - on Clapham Common, he resigned...
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- ..sparking a new election - for a Welsh leader.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- Rhodri's opponent this time - was Alun Michael...
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- ..a fellow MP in Cardiff.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- Unfortunately for Rhodri, - Alun Michael had a powerful ally.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- None other than Tony Blair.
0:36:10 > 0:36:16- Once again, the Prime Minister - would stand in his way.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- Once again, he would be defeated - by the Labour establishment.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24- Fait accompli, Mr Michael?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- Let's wait and see.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- The overall result...
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- ..Alun Michael...
0:36:39 > 0:36:44- ..52.68%.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46- Rhodri Morgan...
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- ..47.32%.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- I therefore declare - that Alun Michael was elected.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- Like Ron Davies before him...
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- ..Alun Michael also resigned...
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- ..following protests - about the way he ran the Assembly.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11- When the Assembly's Labour Cabinet - elected Rhodri as their leader...
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- ..he was finally appointed - as First Minister for Wales.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- One of the first people - to congratulate him...
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- ..was his mother, Huana, - who died five years later...
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- ..on the eve of her 100th birthday.
0:37:29 > 0:37:35- He's wanted this - right from the start, hasn't he?
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- He said he wanted to finish - working in London.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- He's had what he wanted.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- That's nice for him.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- He rolled up his sleeves, - he got stuck in...
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- ..and people said, "Why didn't we - elect this guy before?"
0:37:58 > 0:38:03- It's wonderful when that question - was quickly and very broadly asked.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- Not just by people - in the Labour movement...
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- ..but people well beyond it.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- Why didn't we have this guy before?
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- It was a triumph for Rhodri - that the question was asked...
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- ..and never had to be answered...
0:38:19 > 0:38:25- ..because everybody knew it was - because of miscalculation...
0:38:25 > 0:38:31- ..and maybe remoteness by - the leadership of the Labour Party.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36- To Tony Blair's credit, - he acknowledged that warmly...
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- ..without too much delay.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- He was glad to have Rhodri there - in the end.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- Tony Blair has apologized - publicly...
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- ..saying it was one - of his greatest mistakes.
0:38:48 > 0:38:53- When he was asked back in 2000 - what his greatest mistake was...
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- ..he said not supporting - Rhodri Morgan's efforts...
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- ..to become - the Labour Party leader in Wales.
0:39:00 > 0:39:05- That came out of the blue, - it was totally unexpected.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- He said - that was his greatest mistake.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13- Labour were in power - in the Assembly...
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- ..and the challenge for Rhodri - Morgan for the next ten years...
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- ..would be holding on to that power.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23- .
0:39:25 > 0:39:25- 888
0:39:25 > 0:39:27- 888- - 888
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- # Happy birthday to you... #
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- A few months - after his 60th birthday...
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- ..Rhodri Morgan - became the Assembly Leader...
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- ..the third leader in two years.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- Thanks to all - the political dramas...
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- ..there were concerns - about the integrity of devolution.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- Devolution in Wales - was becoming a laughing stock.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00- The English media looked down - their noses at devolution in Wales.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- My first concern - was steadying the ship.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- I just wanted - a plain and simple government.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13- I wanted to show people - that we were able to do the job.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- The job included more than one - crisis for the new First Minister.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- One of the worst - was the foot and mouth outbreak.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- The general consensus is that Rhodri - Morgan stabilized the Assembly...
0:40:28 > 0:40:30- ..during some very difficult times.
0:40:31 > 0:40:37- I think he made some significant - moves to stabilize the whole set-up.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- He built the Assembly - on solid foundations...
0:40:40 > 0:40:44- ..and allowed the Assembly - and the Assembly Government...
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- ..to build further - on those foundations.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53- He's also been successful - in managing coalition governments.
0:40:53 > 0:40:59- It's an unfamiliar skill - in the context of British politics.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05- The coalition with - the Liberal Party worked smoothly.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- The current coalition - with Plaid Cymru has also worked...
0:41:10 > 0:41:14- ..even more smoothly than - either party would have expected.
0:41:14 > 0:41:21- I think his political skills as - a leader have been underestimated.
0:41:21 > 0:41:27- The public image is central to - the way we think of Rhodri Morgan...
0:41:27 > 0:41:32- ..but we don't see the other aspects - he's contributed to Welsh politics.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- Forming a coalition - with the nationalists...
0:41:37 > 0:41:40- ..didn't please everyone - in the Labour Party...
0:41:40 > 0:41:46- ..especially the man who introduced - Rhodri to the Labour Party.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50- I was antagonistic - and I remain hostile to coalition.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- Not as a principle - - sometimes, you've got to do it...
0:41:54 > 0:41:58- ..but strategically in Wales, - I was against it and still am...
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- ..but it's never come - between Rhodri and myself.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- We still do the Ayatollah together - in Ninian Park.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- Rhodri Morgan - has also been criticized...
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- ..for not venturing further down - the patriotic road...
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- ..and for not being more radical - over the past ten years.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- He opposed construction - of a new Assembly building.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- Many were disappointed...
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- ..that he didn't ask - for more powers for the Assembly.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- He's been very conservative.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- That's what the Welsh nation - might have wanted.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- It may suit us as a nation.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- He could have been more radical...
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- ..he could have raised - the profile of the Assembly...
0:42:41 > 0:42:45- ..and he could have challenged - Westminster.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- For Rhodri Morgan...
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- ..challenging Westminster was - not the way to develop the Assembly.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- He wanted to appease the Welsh - public to gain support.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- The Assembly has secured - limited law-making powers...
0:43:00 > 0:43:05- ..but some people believe he should - have fought for more powers.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08- In the current situation...
0:43:08 > 0:43:14- ..Welsh MPs in Westminster - have more powers...
0:43:14 > 0:43:19- ..than they had - before the Assembly was created.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22- I don't know - if that was Rhodri Morgan's aim...
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- ..but that's the current situation.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31- Political skills are far from - Rhodri Morgan's mind these days.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36- He wants to develop - traditional skills.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- I want to do more woodwork and DIY.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43- I've lost a lot of skills...
0:43:43 > 0:43:48- ..and I'm eager to regain - the skills I had in 1987...
0:43:48 > 0:43:51- ..when I became an MP.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53- I was quite handy with my tools.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57- Now then, - the runner beans have grown well.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02- I have a book entitled - "Every Month In Your Allotment".
0:44:02 > 0:44:04- It will be my new Bible.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08- The cabbage have grown well. - Plenty of cabbage.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16- One of the other skills - he's still developing...
0:44:16 > 0:44:21- ..is bringing together the two - heritages he faced as a young man.
0:44:22 > 0:44:27- The cultural heritage which was - stronger in west and north Wales...
0:44:28 > 0:44:31- ..and the industrial Wales - of south Wales...
0:44:31 > 0:44:34- ..which was far more important - to Rhodri during the 1960s.
0:44:35 > 0:44:40- He sees the importance of bridging - the gap between both traditions.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45- It has been very difficult, - up until the period of devolution...
0:44:45 > 0:44:50- ..to combine these two versions - of Welsh history.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- You chose the industrial heritage.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- Most definitely. You can see why.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59- It's historical.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- The pressure on the Welsh economy - when I was growing up...
0:45:02 > 0:45:04- ..would affect people like me.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- My main concern after graduating - and living in America...
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- ..was finding gainful employment.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- What kind of work was available - for people like me...
0:45:15 > 0:45:17- ..as the Welsh economy - deteriorated...
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- ..during the worst recession seen...
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- ..until the one - we're experiencing currently.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27- In Welsh history...
0:45:27 > 0:45:31- ..we now know that one man who - inspired the youth of the 1960s...
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- ..was powerless - to influence Rhodri Morgan.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39- The relationship between his father - and the famous author...
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- ..was one of the reasons why Rhodri - kept away from the nationalists.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- It's interesting to hear Rhodri - talking about Welsh nationalism.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- Saunders Lewis is always central - to the debate.
0:45:53 > 0:45:58- Saunders Lewis is far more of - a negative influence for Rhodri...
0:45:58 > 0:46:04- ..than he was a positive influence - to the leaders of Plaid Cymru.
0:46:04 > 0:46:09- He still considers Saunders Lewis - a huge influence on Plaid Cymru.
0:46:09 > 0:46:14- He measures the gap - between himself and Plaid Cymru...
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- ..in terms - of his views on Saunders Lewis.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22- One feels that Rhodri Morgan - is fighting his father's battles.
0:46:24 > 0:46:29- Another aspect that incensed - my father about Saunders's ideas...
0:46:29 > 0:46:33- ..was Saunders's views - about the Welsh nation.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- You should never eradicate...
0:46:37 > 0:46:41- ..the poverty - of the working class in Wales.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44- They should stay poor...
0:46:44 > 0:46:48- ..until they were educated - to appreciate the importance...
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- ..of our heritage, - history and language.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54- That incensed Dad.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56- He had come from the working class.
0:46:57 > 0:47:02- His father was a miner and his - brother, my Uncle Gwyn, was a miner.
0:47:05 > 0:47:10- Rhodri Morgan's radical ancestry - stretches back many generations.
0:47:11 > 0:47:15- At Felindre School, he celebrated - the life of one of his forefathers...
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- ..who led the Rebecca Riots.
0:47:17 > 0:47:22- He's taken more of an interest - in Welsh history and culture.
0:47:25 > 0:47:31- The fact that he had responsibility - for Welsh culture...
0:47:31 > 0:47:37- ..has led him back to the - cultural tradition of our family.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43- Rhodri Morgan helped out - in the garden when he was a child.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48- He's rediscovering the past - in many ways...
0:47:49 > 0:47:53- ..and especially so since being - elected as First Minister of Wales.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57- I know it's changed - Rhodri's personality.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02- The fact that his grandsons - attend a Welsh-medium school...
0:48:02 > 0:48:05- ..has greatly affected him.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09- I think it's transformed - his personality...
0:48:10 > 0:48:13- ..from being radical in the 1960s...
0:48:13 > 0:48:17- ..to being a Welsh radical - and a Welsh-language radical.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20- You haven't invited me here...
0:48:20 > 0:48:23- ..to show me - someone else's work, have you?
0:48:23 > 0:48:26- No, no - I do get help - but this is all my work.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29- They've started to sprout - look!
0:48:30 > 0:48:35- I planted these. - These are the first to sprout.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38- I can see them - can you see them?
0:48:41 > 0:48:45- Pak choi. - Have you heard of pak choi?
0:48:45 > 0:48:47- It's a Chinese vegetable.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50- I'm growing pak choi here.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53- They've started to grow.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55- That's a row of cabbage.
0:49:16 > 0:49:19- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:49:19 > 0:49:20- .