0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:10 > 0:00:15- There are four weeks to go - until this year's Assembly election.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- Just four weeks for you to decide - who will get your vote.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- But as you ponder, - we have a special series...
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- ..to help you follow - the race to the Senedd.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- We cut through the slogans - and the spin...
0:00:29 > 0:00:34- ..as five familiar faces lead us - behind the scenes of the campaign...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- ..and question the candidates.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- First tonight, - a journalist and broadcaster...
0:00:44 > 0:00:49- ..who fronted Newyddion Saith - and S4C's 1980s election coverage.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- She has presented her popular - radio series for almost 30 years.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55- She's a proud Cardi...
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- ..and a campaigner for the rights - of people with dementia.
0:00:59 > 0:01:00- Hello, Catrin.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- Hello, Catrin.- - Beti George, how are you?
0:01:02 > 0:01:03- Very well, thank you.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- I've got a special envelope for you.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Open it to find out - which party you've got.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- The Liberal Democrats.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- How do you feel about that?
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- It's the wooden spoon, I'm afraid.
0:01:25 > 0:01:30- The Liberal Democrats - have faced big challenges of late.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- They face another one - in this year's Assembly election...
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- ..with a big question mark - over their ability...
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- ..to keep their five current seats.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46- Journalist Dylan Iorwerth looks at - their trials and electoral pledges.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- There's an old joke about the - Liberals in the House of Commons.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- They could all have arrived - together in one taxi.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- After this Assembly election...
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- ..a bike could be enough - for the Liberal Democrats.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- Alright, it may be a tandem...
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- ..but one opinion poll analysis - suggests they won't need anything.
0:02:24 > 0:02:25- Jaguar cars were the problem.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- After the 2010 general election...
0:02:29 > 0:02:34- ..a handful of Liberal Democrats - got smart ministerial cars...
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- ..before they had learnt to drive.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- The Conservatives played with the - brakes at the following election...
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- ..and the cars all vanished...
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- ..like Cinderella's grand carriage - at midnight.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- And here's poor Kirstyrella.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- The fairy godmother has gone, - leaving her with four big sisters.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- Some say she'd make - a good little princess...
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- ..but she has no hope if she's lost - in the depths of the cellar.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- There's even something sad about - the party's election pledges.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- Many mention things getting smaller.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- Smaller classes, - lower business rates...
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- ..as if they want everything - cut down to their size.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- All the pledges of more nursing jobs - makes it hard not to suspect...
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- ..that Kirstyrella may be seeking - a new career after May's operation.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- To be fair, they can boast - to being the only party...
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- ..to vote against - a pay rise for AMs.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58- But that's easily done...
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- ..when it won't be relevant - to most of them.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- Size does matter.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- However good or sincere it is...
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- ..a small party finds it - harder to get attention...
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- ..which could make it smaller still.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- It's like riding a bike on the road.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- Everyone storms past, squashing you - to the side and splashing you...
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- ..and drowning your protests - by sounding their horns.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38- Oh, for those halcyon days - when bikes ruled the roads.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- No cars, no motorways.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- In fact, the very time - when the Liberals ruled everything.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- The days of that famous rider...
0:04:53 > 0:04:54- ..Lloyd George.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59- Oh, yes.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- Today's Liberal Democrats - can claim one major victory.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- A successful campaign, - it is said...
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- ..to save Lloyd George's museum - in Llanystumdwy.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- An excellent idea, - because, unless things change...
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- ..that's where many of them - will be after May.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Dylan Iorwerth's unique view - of matters there.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- But how is the party doing - at the grass roots?
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Over the past weeks, - broadcaster Beti George...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..has been out with the Lib Dems - to see what they have to offer...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- ..in the fields - that are important to her.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- I've been interested in politics - since I was a young child.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- At that time, - the Liberals ran Ceredigion.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- You could have put a sheep up - as Liberal candidate...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- ..and it would have been elected.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- I then worked in news - and current affairs.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Now, I'm looking forward - to going back to the Liberals.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- One of the things - I want to go after is health...
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- ..specifically, dementia care.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- David, my partner, has Alzheimer's.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31- 45,000 people in Wales - live with dementia.
0:06:32 > 0:06:38- It costs Wales 1.4 billion a year.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- But it's the people with dementia - and their families...
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- ..who pay two-thirds of that cost.
0:06:45 > 0:06:46- Is that fair?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- Another thing that worries me...
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- ..is the future - of our language and culture...
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- ..and the future of our nation.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- The demography of Wales - has changed immensely.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- They say that 23% - of those who now live in Wales...
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- ..were born in England.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- I wonder what the Lib Dems - have to say about that.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- I've come home to Ceredigion...
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- ..because the Liberal Democrats' - big day is taking place here.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- They're launching their campaign - in Llanrhystud.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Ladies and gentlemen...
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- ..the leader of the Welsh - Liberal Democrats, Kirsty Williams.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- We're the only party - in this campaign.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- An Assembly government - that works for all of us.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- We're launching a campaign - to create that Assembly.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- To create a Wales - with more nurses...
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- ..smaller class sizes - and an opportunity economy.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01- But that's not enough.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Wales needs more than that.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Not a different institution, - just a different government.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- Well, their leader - is a very effective speaker.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- Thank you very much - for this morning. Diolch yn fawr.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- Only a couple of words of Welsh - were heard from that stage.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27- It's unbelievable.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- I'm on my way to North Wales...
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- ..to meet one of the pillars of - the Welsh Lib Dems, Aled Roberts.
0:08:40 > 0:08:46- I want to ask him whether his party - truly cares about the language.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- And how afraid is he of UKIP, - the purple party?
0:08:56 > 0:08:57- Well, Aled.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00- What weather!
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- What weather!- - Yes, we're ready for a cuppa by now.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- We've got one street to finish.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- I'll join you to see - what reaction you get.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- We're just asking for support...
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- ..even if you don't - usually support us.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- If you'd consider it this time, - to help keep the seat.
0:09:19 > 0:09:20- Do you vote usually?
0:09:21 > 0:09:22- Yes.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24- I won't say who for!
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- Do the Lib Dems worry at all...
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- ..about the future of the language - and the nation?
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Yes, of course they do.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- I think we were behind the - Cymru Fydd movement at the outset.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- What we need to show - is that we are a Welsh party.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Clearly, we don't believe - in independence.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50- That's...
0:09:50 > 0:09:51- Don't you?
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- Don't you?- - No, we believe in federalism.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Where Wales has control...
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- ..over matters - that are important for Wales.
0:10:01 > 0:10:07- But we maybe believe that matters - such as defence and the like...
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- ..are easier when we sit - within the British system.
0:10:14 > 0:10:14- The threat to you is UKIP.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15- The threat to you is UKIP.- - Yes.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- There is definitely - a percentage of UKIP voters...
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- ..who have come here...
0:10:23 > 0:10:28- ..and are maybe unhappy with the way - the world, even, is changing.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- They want to go back - twenty or thirty years.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- There is also dissatisfaction - in north-eastern areas of Wales...
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- ..among traditional Labour voters.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- Ten years ago, perhaps, - we would have benefitted locally...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- ..from that dissatisfaction.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- But since we went into coalition - in Westminster...
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- ..we are now viewed maybe - as part of the Establishment.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Aled Roberts is working hard, - I must say that.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- He's also very sincere - and wants to make a difference.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- But his party's message - is neither simple nor clear.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- To be honest, they could learn a lot - from their arch-enemy, Farage.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- After the break, Beti George reveals - her conclusions about the Lib Dems.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- And I interview their leader - in Wales, Kirsty Williams.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- Is calling yourself the ugly party - in politics a progressive message?
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- I don't believe - the picture you're painting.
0:11:35 > 0:11:35- .
0:11:39 > 0:11:39- Subtitles
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:44 > 0:11:45- Welcome back.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Tonight, on Y Ras i'r Senedd...
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- ..the Lib Dems - are under the microscope.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- I'll be speaking - to their leader shortly...
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- ..but first, let's return - to Beti George.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- She's been to see how much - grass-roots support they have.
0:12:03 > 0:12:09- The Lib Dems are launching a portion - of their health policy today.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- The most important part for them, - nurses.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- Their measure on higher staffing - levels for nurses in Wales...
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- ..became law today.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- I'm on my way to Heath Hospital - in Cardiff...
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- ..to hear what they have to say.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- This is the only private measure - introduced to the Assembly.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Where will these extra nurses - come from?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Apparently, we're heading - into a ward here.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- A ward where people are ill.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- They're not chronic, they're acute.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52- Hello, Cadan.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- Is this the kind of ward where - you're calling for more nurses?
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- We've already passed a law...
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- ..ensuring we have more nurses - on wards like this one.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- We're trying to extend it - to mental health wards...
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- ..maternity wards - and community nurses.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Where will you get these nurses?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- A lot of nurses - have already left the profession...
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- ..because they're under - so much pressure.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- Around the world, when laws like - this one have been enacted...
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- ..nurses have started coming back - to nursing.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- They see that working conditions - are better...
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- ..and that they'll enjoy it more.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Recently, the Welsh Government - has guaranteed more places...
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- ..to train nurses.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- Through a combination of those two, - we're hoping there will be enough.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- At the moment, you're recruiting - from foreign countries.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50- Yes, that is a problem.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- The nurses from abroad - are very good nurses.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- They do good work - and we're glad to have them.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- Kirsty, this is a very, very - important bit of legislation.
0:14:06 > 0:14:07- You're very proud of this.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08- You're very proud of this.- - Yes, I am.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- The next thing I want you to do is - to do the same with social carers.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- I'm a carer. We need a revolution - in dementia care.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19- Absolutely.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24- We already know that Wales has - an above average older population.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- We need to make sure that we're - increasing our diagnosis rate.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Once we have a diagnosis, there - must be services in place for them.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- Are you confident - that you'll be back in the Senedd...
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- ..to carry out all these reforms as - far as dementia care is concerned?
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- I'm determined to get back...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..and to bring a group of - Welsh Liberal Democrats with us.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- If we weren't there, - this law would not have happened.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- That's the value of voting - for the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- We can do more, - should we have the opportunity.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- Kirsty was very happy.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- Who can blame her? - It's an important law.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- To be honest, - it doesn't help people like me.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- We don't need nursing care. - We need care in the community.
0:15:17 > 0:15:23- Kirsty did agree that there needs - to be a revolution in that area.
0:15:23 > 0:15:29- But will she be here next time - to see that revolution happen?
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- The party for nice people, - that's the Lib Dem image.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- But I think you need a little bit - of the devil about you...
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- ..to be an effective politician.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- They like to say that they're - "Punching above our weight".
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- But if the latest - opinion poll holds true...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..they're going to be wiped out - and won't have any weight to start.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- I've come to West Wales - to meet one of the candidates...
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- ..and to ask her what's the point - of voting for the Liberal Democrats.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- Elizabeth, what's the point of - voting for the Liberal Democrats...
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- ..when there will only be - one or two of you?
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- As Kirsty Williams said - and is still saying...
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- ..it's important to vote - for the Lib Dems.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- We're still important - to politics in Wales.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- I also feel that there's a place - for Liberals in the Assembly.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- It's clear that Welsh - isn't very important to you.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- It's important to me. - It's important to our councillors.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- We didn't hear a word of Welsh - at the launch...
0:16:49 > 0:16:50- ..apart from "croeso" and "diolch".
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- ..apart from "croeso" and "diolch".- - I understand that.
0:16:52 > 0:16:58- When I speak to the party - at meetings, I do speak Welsh.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- I agree with you - that Welsh is important...
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- ..particularly in rural Wales.
0:17:05 > 0:17:06- Are you going to win?
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- They call it candidate-itis.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- When the candidate goes out - to pound the pavement...
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- ..everyone is nice to us and we - think we'll do it, we'll win.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- The opposite is true for me.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- Beti, I don't know, - but I'm working towards it.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- I wanted to raise two subjects - in particular with the Lib Dems...
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- ..the Welsh language and dementia.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- It's obvious Welsh - isn't important to them.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- We heard no Welsh - in their campaign launch.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51- In terms of dementia, it's not - mentioned in their health manifesto.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- I would expect it - to be one of their priorities.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- I have to say, they work very hard.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- But in reality, are we seeing...
0:18:02 > 0:18:08- ..the old Welsh tradition of - Liberalism dying before our eyes?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Lib Dems - 2 seats, - UKIP - 7 seats...
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- ..according to the - latest opinion poll.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- Lloyd George - is turning in his grave.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- What's the message - from the Lib Dems' leader...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- ..as this election approaches?
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- What hope does she have to stop - her party's consistent slump?
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- It's getting smaller and smaller - with each election.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- Kirsty Williams has led - the Welsh Lib Dems since 2008.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Back then, - the aim was to win a majority...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- ..and form a government - in Cardiff Bay.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- To do that now would be a miracle.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- The party's supporters - are hoping to keep their five seats.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- And no mention of winning more.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- Kirsty Williams, - can you tell me why you think...
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- ..your prospects for this election - are so abysmal right now?
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- If you look back at what's happened - over the last five years...
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- ..before the last - Assembly elections...
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- ..journalists like yourself - predicted doom and gloom...
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- ..and said that no Liberal Democrats - would be returned to the Assembly.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- We returned a strong group.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- We've been punching above our weight - for the last five years.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- The polls aren't - where I'd like them to be.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28- Activists across Wales...
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- ..will be making a positive case - for why we need Liberal Democrats...
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- ..at the National Assembly - and what we'll do should we be back.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- You have five seats to lose. There's - a question mark over your seat.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- Are you starting to panic?
0:19:42 > 0:19:43- Are you starting to panic?- - No. Absolutely never panic.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- We're making the case - for why Welsh Liberal Democrats...
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- ..should be returned to the Assembly - and what we'll do when we get there.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53- Cutting class sizes...
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- ..ensuring there's the right number - of nurses on our hospital wards.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Making sure well-paid jobs allow - people to reach their potential.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- That's what people will get if they - vote Welsh Liberal Democrats.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- You used to be the party of values.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- What are you now after selling those - values to the Tories in Westminster?
0:20:12 > 0:20:13- Let's be clear.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- As we've seen with the potential - cuts to the disabled...
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- ..my colleagues in Westminster...
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- ..held back the Tories - from the worst excesses.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Now we see the Tory government - doing what they would have done...
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- ..five years ago - if it wasn't for my colleagues.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- If I'd had my way, the coalition - would have been different.
0:20:33 > 0:20:33- Would there have been a coalition?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Would there have been a coalition?- - We've paid a very heavy price.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Would there have been a coalition - if you were in charge?
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- You might be in that position - in the Assembly.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44- We'll have to wait and see.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Would you have made - the same decision?
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- What people want to know...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- ..is what the Welsh Liberal - Democrats are going to do...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- ..should they have an opportunity - in this election.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- I've demonstrated that you don't - need to be in a coalition...
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- ..to get things done - for the people of Wales.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- We've passed a law and - we are the first part of Europe...
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- ..to have a minimum - safe staffing level.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- We've had more money - into our schools.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11- More money spent on housing.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13- All outside a coalition.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Wouldn't it be better - for your party to regroup...
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- ..think about your core values...
0:21:19 > 0:21:24- ..as opposed to considering selling - yourselves again to another party?
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- I'm not obsessed - with the idea of a coalition.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- It's the media who are.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- People are concerned - that Welsh teachers...
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- ..are having to teach in classes - of over 30 children.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- We're committed to changing that - and cutting those class sizes.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- If you're concerned that Welsh - nurses are looking after...
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- ..more patients than their - counterparts across the border...
0:21:46 > 0:21:47- ..we want to change that.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- A phrase I've heard you use often - - you've used it today...
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- ..is that the Liberal Democrats - are punching above their weight.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- It's a term used for an unattractive - partner in a relationship.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- Do you realise how that sounds - to the electorate?
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- It's the smallest group - in the Assembly...
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- ..delivering the most - for the people of Wales.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- Have you tested it on the streets?
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- I've asked around. - That's the response I get.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14- With a small group...
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- ..we've been able to achieve - more than the official opposition...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..or a larger Plaid Cymru group.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- There are two - private members' bills...
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- ..that have succeeded - over the last five years.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Both put forward - by Welsh Liberal Democrats.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- You asked the question. I deserve - the opportunity to answer.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- The only private members - bills passed...
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- ..were put forward - by Liberal Democrats.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- We delivered additional money - to our schools, a pupil premium.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- The gap between the attainment - levels of our poorest children...
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- ..and our richest children - is changing.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- We're not contesting that. What - I'm asking you is about messaging.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- You criticised the message - of the general election...
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- ..head for Labour, - heart for the Tories.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- Are you having - the same problem again?
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Is this another faux pas?
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Calling yourself the ugly party - isn't a progressive message.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- I don't believe - the picture you're painting.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- Despite being the smallest group...
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- ..we've delivered more - over the last five years...
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- ..than the official opposition - and the larger party.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- If we can do that with five...
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- ..imagine what we could do - with more Assembly Members.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27- That's it for tonight.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- Next week, Plaid Cymru - go under the microscope.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- I'll be speaking to their leader, - Leanne Wood.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Join us next week at 9.30pm.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:53 > 0:23:53- .