Asylum Seekers and Free Health Care in Wales

I don't share the view that politicians should be approached with cynicism. It was shown today in Wales that the likes of Edwina Hart can make controversial decisions because they are right.

Well done I say to Edwina Hart who was brave enough today to grant unsuccessful asylum seekers the right to have free health care in Wales. It would have been so easy for her to hide behind the legal challenges that are being pursued by the UK Government.

I did several BBC interviews this morning and feel terribly sad that helping a small number of vulnerable individuals who may be unwell on our doorstep proved to be such a controversial issue and the source not of legitimate care - that's OK - but blatant bigotry.

The Welsh media are brilliant at holding the conversations of the public square in Wales. They have my fullest support and gratitude. I wasn't sure today if people who are unwell - even suffering from cancer - should be brought out to question the policy.

Today's issue wasn't about one group of unwell people competing with another group. The asylum seekers involved simply aren't that numerous to make a difference.

Barack Obama

I want to go over to the USA in November to help Barack Obama win. Provided he doesn't call me 'sweetie' I'll be OK. He'll win Oregon in style. Just don't mention Kentucky.

Cardiff City

I really enjoyed watching the Cardiff v Portsmouth FA Cup Final in my neighbours' house. We had a fantastic time supporting Cardiff. It was my national duty to do so - even as a Manchester United fan.

Cardiff did Wales proud and although they lost 1:0 we all supported them to the end. Brilliant boys.

O Ye of Little Faith

This is just for those of little faith who were not inclined towards believing my shark fishing story.

Many thanks also to my son's young friends who have seen fit to defend my story telling integrity by providing irrefutable photographic evidence of my honourable fishing credentials.

It was a brilliant weekend and I trust that this little member of the shark family is now happy swimming somewhere off the coast of Tenby.

I don't think it was too happy to be in our boat but we all did the honourable thing by putting him safely back in the water. I think it was a him - unless someone can tell my differently by the photo.

In the Frame

This morning I failed to get a frame for my Shane Williams signed photo. He's just too good to put into any frame. At least, that's my theory.

In the gym this morning I heard that some significant foreign clubs are willing to pay £100 million for Ronaldo. Hands off please!

More Doctors

This was a half day at work. The other half was spent on Displaced People in Action.

The Welsh Assembly Government minister, Brian Gibbons, came with a couple of his staff to see our work in serving children, refugee communities and refugees who wish to find work. DPIA has helped hundreds over the past six years.

Since 2002 the WARD project (Wales Asylum Seeking and Refugee Doctors Project) in particular has helped 98 refugee and asylum seeking doctors with their UK training. As a Welsh internationalist this gives me a huge sense of pride. DPIA and the Welsh Assembly Government continue to work well together.

Champions and Ryan Giggs

Just to make a perfect, perfect weekend - Manchester United retained the Championship.

It was just brilliant that my great hero Ryan Giggs scored the second goal. After the result, I was told by a group of men in the gym swimming pool that all Manchester United fans had to leave the water. I had outed myself as a fan in the middle of a lot of bubbles.

Apparently, Manchester United winning things isn't good for football. That's OK. We are not good at sinking or blowing bubbles. We are just very, very humble when we win everything - except for the FA Cup which is on its way to Cardiff.

European Championship: here we come!