Dominic Hannigan launches Welsh Lib Dem Assembly campaign for a fair and green future

7.12.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Mar 2007

Dominic Hannigan (3rd left) joined Kirsty Williams AM (left) and Mike German AM (right) to launch the campaign

Welsh Liberal Democrats launched their campaign for a fair green future for Wales on Monday. At the launch Assembly leader Mike German revealed nine of the party's key pledges around the Fair Green Future theme, ahead of the publication of the formal manifesto in April. He also revealed the largest slate of candidates ever put forward by the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Brecon & Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams and Cardiff South & Penarth candidate Dominic Hannigan joined Mr German at the press conference.

Mike German said: "In this election the people of Wales have a clear choice between parties. If they want a fair green future, then they have to vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

"In my speech to conference I spoke about the importance of creating a society where young people can join in. A society that gives them opportunities, rather than disillusion. The snapshot of policies we are highlighting today showcase our intention to give young people opportunities, and our strong commitment to action in dealing with climate change."

Dominic Hannigan said: "Too much of the current political mood is focused on demonising young people. We need to replace the politics of fear with a politics of hope. We can build a fairer greener future, but we have to start work now if we are to do it. Our proposals to set challenging targets on energy generation and recycling will put Wales at the forefront of the green revolution, and create economic opportunities too. And by blocking top-up fees for Welsh domiciled students, we are lifting fear of mortgage-style debts from their shoulders."

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, added: "The forthcoming Welsh General Election is a major opportunity for change. From May, the Assembly will have new powers and new opportunities - now it just needs a new government.

"These policies will give our children the best start in life - with smaller class sizes, better classrooms, and more opportunities to develop healthy active lifestyles. These are the policies that can put Wales at

Mike German added: "The more Welsh Liberal Democrats we can elect, the more influence we will have on the next Assembly Government, and the more of our policies we can deliver for Wales."

Welsh Liberal Democrats unveiled 9 key pledges from their forthcoming manifesto to highlight the Fair Green Future message.

FAIR:

Guaranteed standard of service in the NHS for all

No to top-up fees

Votes for 16 year olds in local government elections

GREEN:

100% of Wales' electricity from renewable sources by 2050

60% household waste recycled by 2011

Climate Connect fund to help families and communities go green

FUTURE:

Class sizes of 25 in our primary schools - best start for children

Invest in school buildings to create the best learning environment

Create sporting and cultural opportunities for our young people

Welsh General Election facts:

Welsh Liberal Democrats will field 71 candidates in 40 constituencies and five electoral regions.

From today, the post office will begin to deliver 3.5million leaflets for us.O

The first 780,000 will arrive at post offices across Wales this week.

Welsh Liberal Democrats are the growing party in Welsh politics, showing an increased share of the vote, and representation at successive elections.

The final costed manifesto will be published in April.