Monday 15 December 2008

Is an i_pod the new dead sheep?

It is not for me to criticize Nick Bourne for buying an electronic device to enable his learning of the Welsh language. If it helps him communicate with his electorate a significant proportion of whom speak Welsh as their first language then his actions are to be applauded. However his choice of player leaves a lot to be desired and his justification opens up significant questions of his approach to government.

Take his defence in todays Western Mail as an example

“I’ve made it absolutely clear it’s primarily for learning Welsh. There is no music on it.”


WHAT A WASTE!

If that is all you needed what was wrong with the £20 generic player from any high street store. My own Sansa only set me back £80 and I can listen to Radio Wales and keep up with the news on it.

If this is indicative of the opposition approach to value for money then what confidence can we have in a future Tory administration led by a man who claims of the public

They want a Wales that doesn’t draw this hard and fast distinction between the public and private sectors – people just want decent healthcare that is paid for


How will he be able to determine what is best when he is incapable of identifying when a generic product is as good for the job as the more expensive brand. After all isn't that just the problem clinicians face every day?

1 comment:

Costigan Quist said...

But iPods are, like, really cool, man.

I hope you're not suggesting that the gentleman should be learning Welsh on an mp3 player that wasn't hip, trendy and promoted with a huge marketing budget.

And I'm quite certain Mr Bourne wouldn't carry that philosophy into other purchasing decisions and spend more public money based on who had the glossiest brochure or the most shmoozing salesmen.