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Back from Wales, and full of cold.

But also struck by the admiration in the country for their First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

I was interviewing him in the Welsh Assembly building about his government's ProAct scheme.

It will be one of his last interviews as First Minister. , so after a handover period he will be leaving the post.

Of course, politicians are always more likely to get praised when they're on the way out - ?

But the warmth towards the man in Wales' top job does seem to be genuine.

The MD of a company I visited in Llantrisant said he was astounded by his knowledge of the firm when he visited.

And the steel unions and managers in Port Talbot talk about the open access you get to him and his expertise and passion.

Would that many of our other politicians could get such rave reviews.

You can see a small slice of my interview with him and hear more about the help the Welsh are giving to their manufacturing businesses on the this Sunday.

Some news on a few aspiring politicians to wrap up too though.

You probably know by now - - that Labour picked as its candidate for Carlisle.

The city council's Labour group leader stood in Penrith and the Border in the last two elections. He now has a fight on his hands in a seat that boundary changes have made more marginal.

And .

There's two local candidates - union official and Ferryhill town councillor Pat McCourt and Darlington borough councillor .

The other two who've made it through are based in London but have North East links.

, who's worked for the , once reported for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Newcastle, (I confess I don't remember him but that's more a reflection on my memory!)

And Ashton McGregor, who works as a manager for the Metropolitan Police, grew up in Yarm.

Selection is on December 5.

This weekend sees Labour select in Newcastle North (Doug Henderson's seat). It's an all-women shortlist.

And Durham North West Labour party have given up the ghost in their fight against an all-woman shortlist in their constituency.

So no new sinecure for Lord Mandelson there!

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