21 June 2008

Press release by Plaid Cymru

LLWYD RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT

Plaid Cymru's Parliamentary Leader at Westminster, the Meirionnydd Nant Conwy Member for Parliament, Elfyn Llwyd, today announced his candidacy for the party's Presidency contest. He launched his campaign with a press conference at the Victoria Hotel in Menai Bridge, and many prominent members of Plaid Cymru attended to show and announce their support. Others who couldn't be present, such as the Members for Parliament Adam Price and Hywel Williams, along with the former Member for Parliament and Assembly Member, Cynog Dafis, sent message of support.

Elfyn Llwyd explained that he felt that the time was now right for him to run for the Presidency, and that he also feels ready for the challenge.

He said: "I strongly believe that the time has come for a change in the Presidency of the Party. We need to return to our political and community roots. As a Party, we must re-state the essence of our existence, placing less emphasis on internal committee meetings and focussing more on grass root concerns. This calls for less introspective navel gazing and involves engaging instead with the very real concerns of the people of Wales.

As President, I would work hard to increase the membership of Plaid Cymru. I would also ensure better communication between all levels of government so that we work as an united Party.

We are on the verge on an extremely important general election, which could be an exciting and historical one for Plaid Cymru. As President, I would give my all to ensure success, and I hope to convince our members during the course of this campaign that I won't disappoint them if they place their trust in me." 

Words of support:

Cynog Dafis, former Plaid Cymru Member of Parliament and Assembly Member:  

I'm delighted to be able to support Elfyn as a candidate for the Presidency of the Party. Having worked closely with him over a period of eight years, and carefully observing his contribution even prior to that, I know  that he is an able and highly regarded parliamentarian, and that he is thorough and capable in his work at all  times.

At the same time, he has maintained a close relationship with Plaid's members and he is extremely popular throughout Wales.

Because the core role of the President is to build bridges between Plaid's voluntary members and the elected groups in the Assembly and the United Kingdom's Parliaments along with Europe, I regard Elfyn as an ideal candidate for this key role.

I wish him  every success in his campaign.

Adam Price, Member of Parliament

Dafydd Iwan's presidency laid the foundations for Plaid's growth over the past few years. I am confident that Elfyn now offers the best opportunity to build further on this and his ideas about renewing Plaid's work within our communities is both exciting and timely.

Hywel Williams, Member for Parliament

It is an absolute pleasure to be able to support Elfyn's bid for the Presidency. Having worked closely with him over the past few years, I have complete faith in his ability and enthusiasm for the role. Dafydd Iwan has done sterling work as President, but I now feel that it's time for a change. Elfyn has the experience and the vision to take Plaid forward into the future.