Gosh, it's becoming expensive to be a member of Plaid Cymru these days. Every year, the party holds a summer school for its members to get together, make plans and discuss strategies. In recent years it's taken in such sunspots as Fighguard and Machynlleth, all at a non-restrictive cost to members. This year they're off to...Havana, Cuba. And the cost? £900 to you, sir.
YSGOL HAFANA: PLAID GOES TO CUBA!
During the Whitsun school holidays in 2008 you will have the unique opportunity to spend the week in Cuba with like-minded Plaid members and friends. We will be flying with Virgin Atlantic on Sunday morning, the 25 May, and returning from Havana at 5:10PM the following Sunday, arriving in Gatwick early Monday the 2 June. During the week there will be plenty of time to discuss and generate ideas, visit places of political and historical interest, relax and unwind in the sun after the local elections - and who knows, perhaps even learn some salsa! The approximate price will be £900, which will include return flights, travel in Cuba, several meals, and an extensive and exciting programme arranged with the co-operation and support of the Cuban Government.
The prime mover behind this venture is Adam Price, who, with a £60,000 MP's salary, can presumably afford to shell out £900 on a trip. But as one dispirited party member for whom it is a sizeable sum points out: "As the son of a miner, Adam Price wouldn't want to do anything elitist, or encourage anyone else down that path."