Wales uncertain about Hain’s dual job

The news that Peter Hain will take on the role of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in addition to his role as Welsh Secretary has drawn criticism from opposition parties, despite his instance he can do both jobs.

The Liberal Democrats’ Assembly leader Mike German said he feared a “botched job”.

Mr German said: “As far as I can work out, Labour seems set on a white paper, a bill and a referendum on the future powers of the Assembly. If we are to avoid the botched job that Ron Davies steered through Westminster and create a proper parliament, as they have in Scotland, then this needs to be handled with care and attention. It cannot be done as a part-time matter when there’s some down time in Northern Ireland.”