This is the challenge for devolution

This week marks 20 years since we voted to establish the National Assembly for Wales. The historical vote marked the creation of the first Welsh parliamentary body for 600 years, since Owain Glyndwr instigated the Welsh Revolt against the rule of Henry IV of England.

September 18, 1997 was a hugely significant day in our history, and development, as a nation. While the margin of victory in the referendum was slim, what we have seen since is the people of Wales building a sense of confidence which had been eroded over the previous 600 years. That vote meant we in Wales finally had to start thinking for ourselves in terms of creating solutions to our own problems - just like every other nation.

Our development is a work in progress. As a nation, we face many challenges, but the Welsh public now have an element of control. That was not the case for 600 years. Since that historic poll in 1997, the institution has grown and taken on additional powers. As the institution has become part and parcel of Welsh life, we have found that support for it has grown.

Powers gained via the 2011 referendum means that the body is able to pass laws in its devolved areas.

Under the recent Wales Act, the institution will receive tax varying powers next year, and there are already interesting discussions around how these powers will be used.

As Wales matures as a nation, and the self-confidence returns, opinion polls consistently show that there is support for more self-determination.

The challenge now is to engage people across Wales in the democratic process and utilise the wealth of talent that we have in Wales in determining Government policy and legislation. If we manage that, Wales can look forward to a bright future.