One of the reasons that Lib Dems are in power at Westminster is that the majority of them have managed to shrug off the popular depiction of anoraked worthies who can be seen crunching on a carrot sticks whilst they peer critically at cracked pavements. The problem for the Greens is that they are still very much perceived in this light - and in some instances it represents an improvement in their public standing.
Regardless of any stated Assembly ambitions, “progressive” and “green” are not readily identified as politically synonymous descriptions and party leader Caroline Lucas is going to have serious trouble proving otherwise in Wales. As activists gather for their spring conference in Cardiff today, the reality is that they are regarded by press and voters as dominated by conservationist, anti-development elements whose candidates crop up from time to time to oppose something, rather than a proactive force in Welsh politics.
Lucas and her party are fully aware that her election in 2010 was an aberration rather than the beginning of a trend. Polls consistently show that the Green vote is going nowhere with candidates often polling less than UKIP in by-elections - even when the occasion favours the alternative and/or protest platform.
As for making inroads in South Wales Central, not only is there is a world of difference between Butetown and Brighton Pavilion, the Greens will find that Plaid hold ambitions – and believe they hold the necessary green credentials – to be a significant force in any future coalition.
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