Editor,

The election will be over before this letter can be printed, but no matter, political good news of any shade is always to be cherished. In Lampeter last night (Monday 9 December), a ‘climate hustings’ was held which will long live in memory as an example of how politics should be conducted.

It was truly inspiring to see and hear the four candidates who were able to attend Plaid, Lib Dem, Labour, Green - listening to each other with respect and positivity. There was no point-scoring, no accusations, no comparison of past records, no animosity, but openness, constructive development of each others’ themes and an obvious acceptance that while we may often disagree about what we should do, we do all depend on each other, and we need to find ways forward that everyone can support. This can only be achieved by listening to each other, and through civilised debate.

We in Ceredigion can be proud that we have had so many candidates of such quality, who are willing to venture into the bear-pit of national politics carrying their principles high, hoping to tame the beasts of unreason which they will encounter, and working with anyone of goodwill to tackle the existential crisis which the world faces.

It was sad that Amanda Jenner for the Conservatives and Gethin James for the Brexit Party were unable to be there - the other candidates missed them as much as the audience. It could have been a complete object lesson in how we need to conduct ourselves in the public space.

No more finger-pointing, casting of blame and cheap jibes. No more shouting. Just honest attempts to solve the problems facing us all, and a realistic discussion of possible solutions. No-one is blessed with perfect knowledge. We all need to contribute, and we all need to be listened to.

May we thank - in alphabetical order - Ben Lake, Dinah Mulholland, Chris Simpson and Mark Williams for their time and their commitment to the truth. Whichever candidate has won the seat by now, we wish them well, and God Speed.

Carol Nixon, Extinction Rebellion Lampeter Penuwch, Tregaron

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