It's
hard to disagree with much of what Jeff Jones had to say last week about the
idea of bringing the Commonwealth Games to Wales. The experience of other countries shows that
it's a costly project, and particularly difficult for any government with no
tax-raising powers; there is inevitably a danger that other areas of spending
will be hit.
When
I saw the first reports about the proposal, I was – and remain – concerned
about the Cardiff-centric nature of the plans.
The Olympics demonstrated clearly how holding an event in one part of
the country can suck resources in from elsewhere. It looked like another example of Wales emulating the way the UK behaves – pouring
resources into the south-east at the expense of the rest.
The
scheme's supporters talk about the "economic benefits" – another
parallel with the Olympic hype. I didn't
believe it then, and I don't believe it now.
And
yet, for all that…
For
those of us who want Wales to become a confident, outward looking member of the
international community, who wouldn't want to see Wales hosting the premier sporting
event in which we actually compete as a nation in our own right? And, to repeatt the point I made in relation
to the Olympics, isn't there more to events celebrating human endeavour and
achievement in the field of sports than mere pounds and pennies?
None
of that makes the cost questions go away – but Wales is not the only nation
competing in the Commonwealth Games to be facing financial difficulties. If all those worried about the cost failed to
bid, there'd be no games at all.
Economics rules, OK.
If
we want to see major sporting events like this continue, and if we want them to
continue to be held in a range of different countries (and why shouldn't all
those countries participating aspire to host them?), then we need a different
approach to funding.
My
preferred option would be to see all countries involved contributing an annual
amount – based perhaps on GVA/head – to a central pot which can then be used to
assist host countries in turn, rather than allowing the whole burden to full on
one country at a time.
But
at the least, we can move away from the attitude which encourages each host in
turn to promise – and then try and deliver – the most lavish overall plan and
to outdo its predecessor. There's too
much emphasis on the premises and ceremonies, and not enough on the sport
itself.
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