First Minister and MP face questions (From Barry And District News)

First Minister and MP face questions

BARRY shoppers had the chance to put First Minister Rhodri Morgan on the spot when he went walkabout with MP John Smith.

Jane Hutt, AM, joined the pair for part of their meet-and-greet town centre tour.

Kevin Lewis, of Llantwit Major, spoke to the First Minister about the need to improve the link between Cardiff Wales International Airport and Culverhouse Cross.

Rhodri Morgan said that the Assembly intended to turn the route to the airport through Bonvilston and along Five Mile Lane into a trunk road, so that necessary improvements could be made.

One passer-by thanked John Smith for fighting the corner of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in a recent debate about merging the regiment.

And Valerie Dimond, of Baird Rise, told the group of politicians: "My biggest concern is the length of NHS waiting lists.

"My daughter has been waiting 12 months for an operation and has had to miss work because of it. I really think something needs to be done urgently."

Rhodri Morgan said: "Waiting lists are coming down and cutting them is a priority aim of our government."