NEWPORT, like towns and villages across Wales, has a proud rugby tradition.

From rugby played on the school pitch, to the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade, residents are drawn to join in with the unique camaraderie and fun that rugby offers.

With the Six Nations now in full swing and heading towards a Twickenham showdown, it is wonderful to see the Newport Gwent Dragons being so greatly represented by Taulupe Faletau.

Yet Faletau’s formidable record of tackles and ball carries made, are unfortunately in great contrast to how the Welsh Government have dropped the ball.

A recent BBC poll found that health was the biggest issue for one third of the people questioned.

Of course this is completely understandable based on the dismal ambulance and A&E waiting times. However what concerns me more is that 29 per cent of the respondents wrongly believed that health was the responsibility of the UK government.

In the run up to the Assembly elections on 5 May it is vital that everyone is aware of what major responsibilities they are entrusting to the Welsh Government.

Figures released last week showed that 16,380 operations were cancelled across seven sites operated by the Aneurin Bevan Health Board between April 2013 and September 2015.

Considering the stress and anxiety for patients, families and friends in the time before the operation it is hard to imagine why these people should be put through even more when faced with a cancelled operation.

Education is a huge responsibility of the Welsh Government.

The plight of the proposed Welsh medium school on the Duffryn High School site, together with the existing school’s dilapidated buildings, highlight the need for effective investment and modernisation into our school infrastructure. Wales needs a government that is going to support its children, invest in them and will do everything to make their educational experience the best possible.

With an overall turnout of 42.2 per cent at the last Assembly elections in 2011, it is vital that this figure increases in 2016.

May I finish with a note of farewell and thanks.

As this will be my last column as your AM for South Wales East, I would like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve you since 1999. It has been my privilege to be your Assembly Member and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our great region.