Rhodri doesn't get it - workers need more support from government

12.00.00am GMT Tue 4th Nov 2008

First Minister Rhodri Morgan says he's backing Barack Obama - but he won't follow his lead by cutting taxes for lower and middle income earners in Wales.

That's what emerged at First Minister's Questions, when he was put on the spot by Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Mike German.

Speaking at question time, Mr German said: "It's the job of government to help people. You've said recently that you will be supporting Barack Obama in the US Presidential election. A key part of his appeal has been his tax policy.

"Do you agree with Barack Obama that government should be helping the majority of middle and lower income earners by cutting their taxes?"

Mr German added: "If the First Minister agrees with Barack Obama that it's right to give workers some of their money back to help cope with the current economic slump, then the Assembly government should be putting more money in to local authorities to all councils to cut council tax.

"People across Wales are clamouring for government to help them through these difficult times. The Labour-Plaid Government is turning a deaf ear to our proposals to give people some of their money back, by changing the priorities in the draft budget.

"By failing to properly fund local government, they are turning their backs on the people they claim to represent."