Following news First Minister Carwyn Jones is still Wales’ most popular political leader, we asked the people of Cardiff how many Welsh political figures they could actually name.
A Wales Governance Centre/ ITV poll for March found Carwyn was rated five out of ten by voters, while Leanne Wood of Plaid Cymru and Kirsty Williams of the Liberal Democrats got 4.4 out of ten. Andrew RT Davies’ popularity rose from last year, but he only to 3.4 out of ten. But is Carwyn’s popularity related to his visibility more than his policies?
Ryan Wood, 18, a Barber from Talbot Green, said: “If somebody came up to me and asked me to name the leaders, I wouldn’t have a clue. I’ve had no promotional material through really, the only things I’ve had are those little leaflets that say do you want to vote or not, but that’s about it.
“I definitely think they should do more to interact with people, especially for the younger generation. My parents vote and they know all about what would happen if they voted for this guy or the other but with me it’s like it’s just another person.
“I think that’s part of the problem why young people don’t vote.”
Sheila Bain, 73, from Canton, said: “I haven’t got a clue who the leaders are to be honest with you. I see the main one in Cardiff, whatever his name is. I can see his face but I couldn’t tell you what his name is.
“I know it sounds awful but I’ve got to the stage now where I think they’re all out for themselves. The thing is, because Wales has been Labour for so long, then you don’t need to know anyone else.”
Ivor Buckley, 72, Tonyrefail, said: “No one can name them. I know Carwyn and I knew Rhodri Morgan, and there’s a woman, but I just can’t think of their names from the top of my head. You don’t see them enough unless there’s an election coming up and that’s when you get to know them.
“Other than that they don’t push themselves, and this has pretty much always been the issue with Wales.”
That’ll be a no then…
