Welsh Lib Dem reaction to Budget

12.00.00am GMT Fri 15th Dec 2006

Jenny Randerson AM for Cardiff Central commented on the budget passing "The three leaders of the opposition parties together, including the independents, have achieved a significant difference. what has Plaid Cymru achieved? It has secured a sum of £300,000. That is half a teacher per local authority. Had they not blinked so soon we could have achieved more."

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Mike German said, "By working together the opposition parties have been able to achieve significant improvements to the budget.

"Let's remember why these talks stalled - because Labour wouldn't give a fair deal to schools, and they are selling our universities short. When Ieuan and I left the negotiating table, we were clear - what was on the table wasn't good enough. It still isn't."

Notes:

Private talks held between Labour and Plaid resulted in agreement between the minority Labour administration and Plaid over spending plans for 2006-07 allowing the budget to pass. Previously opposition members had been working together to secure a better budget.