Opposition is easy – the Government make proposals, the Opposition points out all the flaws in those proposals.  It is right that Government – at all levels in Westminster, Cardiff Bay, or County Hall – are scrutinised by backbenchers from all parties.

What is not right is opportunistic, populist criticism that does nothing to improve the proposals at hand.

So I am mindful of that as I add my opposition to Cardiff Council’s proposal to close Landsdowne Primary School in Canton, adding my voice to the many concerned parents and my colleages Rhodri Morgan and Councillors Cook, Patel and Thomas.

Schools reorganisation in Cardiff is a real and difficult issue where not every parent will be happy with the final results.  But whilst the Lib Dems carped from the sidelines under a Labour administration in the Council, now the shoe is on the other foot it seems they are buckling under the pressure.

I have opposed each botched and bungled attempt at schools reorganisation the Lib Dem administration has so far put forth not for political capital but out of a real concern – one clearly shared by the thousands of parents and pupils I represent – that the proposals would not further the educational needs of our children.

As a parent I believe that such important matters cannot fall prey to political point scoring – we only have one shot at this as it will affect the education of every child currently going through education.

In the past the Lib Dems have failed to consult with staff, pupils and parents on their plans.  Now, years after they identified schools reorganisation as “long overdue”, they seem unwilling to make any decision or show any leadership.

Difficult decisions are the privilege of being in Government.  Whilst people may not have always agreed with the previous Labour administration’s decisions I doubt many would accuse it of being indecisive.  The Lib Dems could continue to dally and delay this important decision, but with a local government election just around the corner the Lib Dems need to show the people of Cardiff the results of their turn in office.  They, like all politicians, will face the consequences of their actions at the ballot box.