Is anything else on offer other than bigger stilts?

It was interesting to read an item among all the otherwise expert analysis that it is possible to look at the referendum predictions from the YouGov poll from a different perspective and arrive at a further conclusion from the obvious one that the result will be tight. Despite claims published in the Western Mail that “42% of the Welsh electorate would vote Yes in a referendum on law-making powers for the Assembly”, the truth is that no-one is actually sure if that kind of percentage turnout is in any way achievable.

Whilst additional powers are naturally considered crucial among the political villagers of Cardiff Bay, pro-devolutionary forces - and their opponents – may have problems in convincing the tax-paying public that constitutional reform should also figure among their own priorities of employment, house prices and the cost of living.

Perhaps what we need are a few practical examples of how Wales - rather than the Welsh political establishment – would benefit. There is plenty of scope although we would probably not see control & construction of social housing returned to democratic local government control. It is unlikely that anyone will even talk about reversing the transfers. Waste management will probably remain under 'arms-length' control whilst economic development will stay a centralised under-resourced strategic function. Privatised utilities & services would stay that way and bankers would continue to get their bonuses.

Like we said, perhaps we need a few practical examples ....