Tribute to Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas

Tribute from Liz Saville Roberts MP and Mabon ap Gwynfor MS to the late Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas.

Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said:

The news of the death of Dafydd Elis-Thomas has come as a huge blow. He made an invaluable contribution to Welsh politics. In the 1970s and 1980s he succeeded in extending Plaid Cymru's appeal to a new generation. And then by the 1990s and the beginning of this century he was instrumental in laying the foundations for our Parliament, and ensuring that Wales had our own legislature for the first time in 600 years. He was a shrewd politician, who knew the political hidden paths of the United Kingdom and Wales in order to influence and achieve his objectives and ensure valuable gains for Wales. As his successor as Member of the Senedd for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, my personal thanks to him are huge. He was on hand to advise and every word of advice was valuable and wise, and he showed me complete support from the moment I was elected. Deepest condolences to his loved ones in their grief. Wales has lost a giant.

The Rt Hon. Liz Saville Roberts MP said:

....

As the Member of Parliament for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mair and the entire family of Dafydd Elis-Thomas following this very sad news. Dafydd Êl was a tremendous figure in the public life of Wales, and an inspiration to generations all over Wales. I have spoken to so many people in the constituency, and especially in Meirionnydd, who tell me how Dafydd's politics had passionately inspired them as young people. As Plaid Cymru's first Member of Parliament for Meirionnydd, and then as a Member of the Senedd, a Member of the House of Lords, and a Welsh Government minister, he played a central role in shaping the political landscape of our nation. His tireless work and his commitment to Wales, its people, and its democracy has left a huge mark on our history. Dafydd was also absolutely key in strengthening our young democracy as Llywydd of the Senedd. His contributions, often behind the scenes, to the development of the Senedd were crucial in order to create the stronger democracy we have today. His ability to build bridges across political divisions and his deep passion for Welsh culture and identity earned him the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum. Dafydd was a colorful politician and never boring. He will be greatly missed, not only by his family and friends but by everyone who believes in the vision of a stronger, more confident Wales. We will remember his contribution and the legacy he leaves behind.

Plaid Cymru Dwyfor Meirionnydd Constituency Committee said:

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, former Member of the Senedd for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, and the party's first Member of Parliament in Meirionnydd. Dafydd was an integral part of our nation's political and civil life since the early 70s, laying the foundation of our national Parliament. He was a smart, resourceful politician and ready to break new ground. He was a powerful and effective advocate for the Welsh language, the culture of our country and for the communities of rural Wales. There is no doubt that his influence and political activity over the years led to establishing solid support for the Party across the constituency, particularly in Meirionnydd where he was a vocal advocate for so many years. As a Constituency Committee we wish to thank Dafydd for his invaluable contribution to the area, our nation and to the Party. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family on their huge loss.

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Alun Roberts published this page in Latest News 2025-02-07 11:48:50 +0000

Plaid Cymru Dwyfor Meirionnydd The Rt Hon. Liz Saville Roberts MP and Mabon ap Gwynfor MS