Historic days in Wales are not usually accompanied by a great fuss, but yesterday Welsh politics produced the kind of drama that the pundits were hoping for. In the unremarkable setting of the opening session of the new National Assembly in Cardiff Bay - complete with low-key oak-finish walls and grey chairs - the newly-appointed First Secretary of Wales, Mr Alun Michael, surprised observers by not appointing the former Welsh secretary, Mr Ron Davies, to his Cabinet.
Being confined to the back-benches, but certainly not obscurity, clearly upset the Assembly member for Caerphilly and he couldn't hide his feelings when asked to comment: "I am disappointed, but not angry. I have had a lot of knocks, but not to be included within the Cabinet is a surprise and a disappointment in view of my ministerial experience. I am naturally disappointed. We have a different style of politics, I think. Alun has decided that he doesn't have a place for me in his team and that is something I have to accept."
Others were less gracious. Labour's AM for Wrexham, Mr John Marek, who was also left out of Mr Michael's Cabinet, claimed the First Secretary had rewarded his supporters. "I had hoped Labour would have liked to have drawn a line under the leadership affair. I am sure it was hard for Ron Davies today," he said. The First Secretary had been widely expected to give Mr Davies the agriculture or environmental portfolio by way of recognition of his immense experience in Wales, not least as architect of Labour's devolution policy. His appointment would also have been seen as another step on the road to political rehabilitation after the "moment of madness" on Clapham Common.
Perhaps recognising that Mr Davies could prove more disruptive outside his Cabinet than inside, Mr Michael assured Mr Davies he would play a "very significant role in the Assembly".
In his opening speech, Mr Michael said he was "proud and honoured and slightly hesitant" about leading the Assembly, but he was sure it was "the start of a new era, not just in Welsh politics but in Welsh life."
Surprises aside, the main business of the Assembly was the election of Mr Michael - nominated by defeated leadership contender and now Economic Development and European Affairs Secretary for Wales, Mr Rhodri Morgan - and the Presiding Officer (Speaker), Plaid Cymru AM, Lord Elis-Thomas.