Would-be MP 'hates Welsh speakers'
A POTENTIAL politician for one of the most Welsh-speaking parts of Wales has declared his hatred for the Welsh speaking community.
In an article in Welsh-language magazine Barn, Labour's prospective Parliamentary candidate for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, Rhys Williams, accused some Welsh speakers of using the language as a tool of exclusion.
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Rhys Williams.
His statements have caused criticism from local representatives throughout the constituency, who have demanded an apology to residents — two thirds of whom are first language Welsh speakers.
Mr Williams wrote: "Jonathan Swift said he hates humankind but loves Tom, Dick and Harry.
"In my case I hate the Welsh speaking community but love Heledd, Gethin a Glesni."
He later said: "The ugly truth is that these Welsh people, on the whole, use the Welsh language as a weapon — either to exclude people or to make them second class citizens."
The Cwmann-based former teacher wrote the article in Welsh to highlight what he perceived to be growing divisions through language.
Non-Welsh speaking Cwmann councillor Fiona Hughes said she was shocked at his views.
"My experience is that, Welsh speaking or not, this county is a very welcoming and warm place," she said.
"For him to accuse people from this area of using the Welsh language as a weapon and to state that as a collective he hates Welsh speakers is a disgrace."
Saron councillor John Edwards said the Labour party would be well advised to distance itself from Mr Williams.
"I would hope that Rhys Williams comes out and apologises unreservedly for these comments," he said.
"The statement is not only insulting to Welsh speakers but to the county as a whole."
Plaid's national chairman, Llanpumsaint's John Dixon, said Mr Williams had written his own political suicide note in the article.
"I cannot imagine that any serious candidate for a serious party would get away with such comments if they were based on race, creed, or colour," he said.
Mr Williams stood by his comments today.
"The complaint in my article was not about individuals or communities, but about attitudes which can unfortunately be found in parts of Wales where the Welsh language is a badge of exclusivity," he said.
"I myself am a fluent Welsh speaker, and believe that the Welsh language is the heritage of all Welsh people."
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by rico, swansea
Wednesday, February 11 2009, 8:16PM
“Yet another Labour one who hates us all,no matter if you speak Welsh or not.”
by Robyn Davies, Llangadog
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 7:17PM
“Why does our language keep getting used as a political football. It'a about time Wales as a nation showed it's maturity, and that all it's citizens should aspire to be fluent in both languages. Most other countries flourish in bilinguilism - why can't we just get on with it.
It is proven that bilingualism promotes higher educational standards, better thinking skills and learning skills. Surely we need to ensure that the welsh have all the skills needed for Wales in the 21st century.
Ray Gravell used to start every conversation with anyone from anywhere in welsh. His positivity should be an example to us all.”
by Mrs Fruits, Swansea
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 5:02AM
“Firstly I must admit to being ashamed not being able to speak my mother tongue and have added it as a priority to my 'to do list' in the future. You wouldn't go to France and find a frenchman admitting they were unable to speak their own language would you?
I have been in many situations when one minute you are having a decent conversation with a group of people in English then they pointedly revert to speaking Welsh knowing full well you cannot contribute. I find it extremely rude, ignorant and quite frankly downright bad manners on their part!! I am sure I am not the only person to have experienced this.”
by Howard, Port Talbot
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 1:56AM
“If your not prepared to promote the welsh language why do you want to represent these people ? if people make it know they do not speak welsh then out of curtousy English is spoken as i have always found in places like Cardigeion but loving the language I have said no carry on its ok and learn't more my listening to it spoken than I ever did at school .”
by Gary, Swansea
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 12:14AM
“If you don't like the welsh language then there is a way to get away. DOWN THE M4. Ask any other nation to drop their language and I know ehat the answer would be.”
by Stephen G, Pontardulais
Monday, February 09 2009, 5:36PM
“Mr Williams seems far too silly to be an M.P. I knew the Labour Party was in a poor state but honestly.”
by welsh and proud, south wales
Monday, February 09 2009, 5:31PM
“The people out in france don't stop speaking french, because they have an english speaking neighbour do they!?! what a muppet.”
by Llyr, Ammanford
Monday, February 09 2009, 4:23PM
“As a fluent Welsh speaker and writer. I have to admit that there are Welsh speakers who use the language as a tool to make those who do not speak it feel ostrecised, unwelcome and out of place. I have been in countless situations where people have used their ability to speak Welsh, particularly in company of non-Welsh nationals, to make derogatory comments about individuals in their own company!. There is that element of being 'two-faced' which most people wont admit they are, in doing so. There is a time honoured 'they're not local' sentiment dished out. The narrow minded folk who cast xenophobia to the non-Welsh of these communities are in denial of doing so. Not only is it petty, but they are denying their communitites and a Nation as a whole, prosperity, employment and growth. Non-Welsh speaking Cwmann councillor Fiona Hughes said she thought that the county was a very welcoming and warm place, however, i bet, and I'm sure there'll be agreement here, that she has been spoken ill of behind her back. Wake up Wales, quit wearing the badge of exclusivity of speaking, be proud and fortunate that you do, but don't use it to make others feel bad.”
by C. williams, Swansea
Monday, February 09 2009, 4:17PM
“Its exactly what you'd expect from a present or potential Labour politician, their conceit knows no bounds, he foolishly thinks by donning his Welsh speaking badge that it should qualify him to critize people. Maybe he should look closer at himself, perhaps he has an unfortunate attitude which might explain peoples reluctance to include him in things. I've been trying to learn Welsh these last 5 years and can only speak from my experiences, nearly everyone including my long suffering tutors have been helpful and patient. I don't have a problem if they suddenly babble away to each other in front of me, if it makes their jobs easier or just simply more natural for them. I suggest he gives up the idea of being a politician, whilst his attitude is very much New Labour someone should tell him their on their way out, thank God. Talking of which , good on the church today for telling Labour where to go.!”
by annoyed welsh speaker, WALES
Monday, February 09 2009, 4:14PM
“If you feel you're being excluded, simple LEARN TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE!!.”