Sharp End

In tonight's Sharp End we look at rival proposals unveiled by both the Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru for a new business bank to make it easier for small firms to access lending. Plaid's proposal envisages creating a new 'Bank of Wales.'

Of course there was a Bank of Wales, set up in 1971 by the financier Sir Julian Hodge to lend money to Welsh businesses that mainstream banks wouldn't lend to. Here he is explaining it to Emyr Daniel of HTV Wales. It all seems very familiar. Apart from the pipe.

• Politics
• ITV Wales
• Sharp End

The leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly has told me that he'd campaign for a 'No' vote in a future referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union if voting 'Yes' meant heading towards a 'greater Federal Europe.'

His comments follow the Prime Minister's pledge to renegotiate the UK's relationship with Brussels and, after that, to give voters their say in a referendum. I asked him whether or not he'd campaign for a 'Yes' or a 'No' vote in that referendum.

You can see the interview in tonight's edition of Sharp End 1035pm ITV Cymru Wales.

• Politics
• Andrew RT Davies AM
• Welsh Conservatives

In her first broadcast interview since being convicted of drink-driving, Bethan Jenkins has been telling me how she feels she let down her constituents, family and friends. She said she deeply regrets what happened and that she wasn't thinking rationally.

The Plaid Cymru AM was banned from driving for 20 months after pleading guilty to the charge last month. She was suspended by her party but has since been reinstated although she faces a further investigation by the Assembly's Standards Commissioner.

She tells me she hopes to continue as an Assembly Member and has been overwhelmed by support from constituents, support she didn't think she deserved. You can see my interview in tonight's Sharp End at 1035pm ITV Cymru Wales.

• UK
• Bethan Jenkins AM
• ITV Wales