Welsh Assembly Members - Key audience research

A representative sample of 36 AMs - more than half of the Senedd chamber - were interviewed face-to-face on a range of issues by Ipsos in September / October 2007.

A representative sample of 36 AMs - more than half of the Senedd chamber - were interviewed face-to-face on a range of issues by Ipsos in September / October 2007. The newly published rresearch show's that AM's of all parties want greater power for the Welsh Assembly.  

Key findings from the research include:

  • AMs call for greater Assembly powers
Based on the opinions of almost all Assembly Members, it is only a matter of time before the National Assembly attempts to increase its powers.  
  • AMs optimistic about the future Welsh economy
Labour AMs failed to forecast a downturn in the Welsh economy in 2008.  
  • AMs support expanded use of the Welsh language
The Assembly could potentially back a strengthening of the current Welsh Language Act, with more than two-thirds of AMs saying that use of the language should be expanded.  
  • Edwina Hart voted most impressive AM
When asked who is the most impressive AM from any party at the moment, the most mentioned name was Edwina Hart.  
  • Western Mail dominates Senedd's newspaper readership
Nine-in-ten AMs read the Western Mail (significantly more than any other newspaper), showing that almost all AMs feel the need to be aware of Welsh issues (which tend to have less coverage in the London based press).  
  • General public do understand which powers are devolved to the Assembly

Our survey suggests that the general public have a fairly good grasp on which issues are devolved to the National Assembly, at least in terms of the correspondence that AMs receive.

 Download the full report here

Tehnical Notes

Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 36 Assembly Members during October - November 2007 as part of Ipsos's programme of regular multi-sponsored studies among key audiences. All interviews were conducted face-to-face. The final data have been weighted to be representative of the Assembly's true balance by party and ministerial or spokesperson position.

Ipsos's Survey of the National Assembly for Wales will be repeated in September - October 2008.

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