www.plaidcymru.org
February 2011
INSIDE Conference preview
CONTENTS
Plaid’s new Wedding Bells President Shouting for Wales History Society Greening Launch the Valleys
YES VOTE WILL GIVE MORE POWER TO THE PEOPLE OF WALES Wales is ended. Instead, the people in Wales - not remote committees in Westminster - should be in control. “The system in place here doesn't exist anywhere else in the world and for good reason. “I needed three pieces of legislation to make school transport safer and it took four years. It isn't right that children's safety has been jeopardised needlessly because of the way our legislation works. “We need to move to a normal system of government. It should be swifter, simpler and much more cost-effective, with the focus on people and not politics. “Speeding up and simplifying the legal process is a much-needed change and one the people of Wales should not be denied any longer. “A Yes vote would be a clear sign that we are ready to take greater responsibility in shaping Wales for future generations. “March 3 is our chance to say Yes failing Wales and the people of for Wales and give ourselves and Wales would benefit if it was our children the best possible fuchanged. ture.” A successful referendum result Speaking to Welsh Nation following would make Wales an even better the launch, Mr Jones said the referplace to live, work, and bring up endum would be the first of two exfamilies, he said. tremely important events for Plaid “This referendum is about giving Cymru in the first half of 2011. power to the people,” he said. “The “It is an exciting time for us all in Yes campaign is going to be delivPlaid Cymru,” he said, “but we canered on the front line by a broad not underestimate the size of the range of people from all walks of life challenge ahead. and its success will have a hugely "As a party, we've recognised the positive effect on the people of importance of winning the referenWales. dum and rectifying the problems “People in Wales are no less capathat have beset our system of govble of making their own decisions ernment. than those in Scotland or Northern “It is up to us to do all we can to Ireland and yet our system is primideliver a Yes vote. It will mean tive in comparison. hard work for us all, knocking doors “People in Wales deserve to have and speaking to as many people as the right to decide how they want the we can to raise awareness of the country run. issues and gain support for our de“It is time the expensive and longtermination to put things right. winded system for making laws for "And as soon as the referendum is Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones helped launch the official Yes campaign for the March referendum by highlighting how a positive vote would give more power to the people of Wales. Mr Jones was joined by other political leaders and campaign supporters at the launch and said there was a simple message at the core of the campaign - the current system was
completed, our focus will fix firmly on May's Welsh General Election. “There will be no let-up but, as ever, we must go about these challenges with the same determination as ever to change our nation for the better."
Tax-raising powers Spring backed
Conference
SNP book review
Awards for Plaid MP and AMseek Councillors more powers
‘True Wales’ hits turnout
CALLING ALL MEMBERS TO CAMPAIGN FOR YES VOTE AND FOR PLAID IN THE ELECTIONS writes Chief Executive Gwenllian Lansdown making that’s less wasteful of resources, time and money will allow Assembly members to concentrate on the things that matter; A Yes vote will strengthen our nation’s voice. If you are keen to organise an event, hand out leaflets, contribute Where to start in this edition of the financially or help the campaign in Welsh Nation? any other way, e-mail There’s so much to do and yet so contact@yesforwales.com. little time! And if that’s not enough, there will be The New Year started on a positive no time for complacency after the note with a series of events referendum on March 3 as there will throughout Wales indicating the start only be two months left until the of the Yes for Wales campaign with Welsh General Election on May 5! people from villages, towns and cities Our brilliant team of candidates are right across Wales coming together working tirelessly already. to work for the well-being of the They are out canvassing, delivering nation. leaflets and meeting people to share Many street stalls, public meetings Plaid’s ideas whatever the weather. and online campaigns have already If you’d like to help your candidate been launched to remind our fellow locally, let us know by emailing citizens of those arguments which are post@plaidcymru.com or by phoning completely obvious to us: 029 20472272. • Laws that are specific to Wales In terms of policy, Nerys Evans, AM, Plaid’s Director of Policy will be should be made in Wales; presenting the manifesto at the • A new system for decision-
National Council meeting on March 12 in Aberystwyth. This follows a vast consultation process with Plaid Cymru members, charities, companies, campaign groups, the unions and the public. It will more than likely include some of the ideas you may have already read about in the press: setting up a new not-for-profit company to run Wales’ train services, ensuring Wales benefits financially from the use of our national resources and tackling the fact that many of our young people are lacking the necessary skills for the workplace. Plaid Cymru members will have the opportunity to hear more about our plans in the Spring Conference which is being held on Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26 in Cardiff. Every member will be able to attend this exciting occasion free of charge. I hope many of you venture to the capital city for our conference – the last before our General Election.
THIS YEAR WILL BE MASSIVE FOR PLAID – AND FOR WALES writes Plaid President Jill Evans I would like to wish all members a happy and peaceful new year. There can be no doubt that 2011 is a massive year for our party and our country. It will set our future course as a nation.
On a personal note, I am now in my second decade of being Plaid’s first Member of the European Parliament.
Plaid Cymru entered the New Year in campaign mode, ready for the referendum in March and the Welsh General Election in May.
I was delighted to support the formation of the Plaid Cymru History Society which can help us preserve these treasured memories which are also such an important part of Wales' history.
Our amazing team of candidates has been working for months and we have new and exciting policies to improve the lives of people in Wales.
So as we enter this momentous year, we should remind ourselves that the key to our success has been the work of every one of our members over these many years.
We will pull out all the stops to win the power to put these policies into practice. But every year is a big year for Plaid and the causes we believe in, of course. 2011 is our 86th year of existence as a party and one we begin as a party in government after a dozen years of devolution. What an achievement! It’s been 45 years since Gwynfor Evans won Plaid's first Westminster seat.
I am sure all of you can think of personal anniversaries within the party: when you joined, when you joined up your first new member, when we won that particular byelection, your first protest march...and many, many more.
Every door knocked, every letter written, every penny donated, every leaflet delivered has been vital. That is why I am asking every one of you to do everything you can to We have seen radical change as a help us win in 2011. party and we have helped bring about radical change in Wales. We have come a long way as a party. Our unity and our determination have come from our commitment This year is another step forward to freedom, equality, peace and in the journey to create a nation justice. that is confident prosperous, just and humane. Bon voyage!
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‘TRUE WALES’ ACTIONS WILL MEAN LOWER TURNOUT The shenanigans of a group calling itself ‘True Wales’ will almost certainly lead to a low turnout at the March referendum, Plaid’s Deputy Leader Helen Mary Jones, AM, has warned. ‘True Wales’ has refused to apply for official No campaign status, which, for reasons of fairness, will hamper the Yes campaign’s efforts in getting its message over. At the time of going to press, it seemed unlikely that there can be any political broadcasts or mail-outs for either side. Ms Jones said this could mean a low turnout and the blame of this would lie firmly at the door of ‘True Wales’, as they were, in effect, denying people information on both sides of the argument. No-one, she said, should question the legitimacy of the vote on a low turnout because only one side of the debate, the Yes campaign, was trying to make everyone in Wales aware of the issues involved. Ms Jones said: "The Yes for Wales campaign has been working hard to make it clear to people what this referendum is about, to increase awareness and to ensure that as many people as possible take part in the debate. “A high turnout was always going to be difficult because, while this is a vitally important referendum, it is effectively a tidying up exercise. It can be hard to motivate people to go out and vote in referendums at the best of times and that problem will be exaggerated by the fact that there will be no official No campaign, reducing people’s access to information. “I have been campaigning to get as many people out to vote as possible and will be continuing to do that right up to the day of the referendum. “The Yes for Wales campaign has engaged on every level, leading social networking campaigns on Facebook and Twitter, holding campaign launches across the whole of Wales which have been attended by supporters of all political parties and those who support no party, and there are people out spreading the message every day with leaflets and door-to-door canvassing. “I hope for as large a turnout as possible but, sadly, thanks to the actions of the No campaign there is a possibility it will be less than desired."
WEDDING BELLS
Hywel Williams and Myfanwy Davies, pictured at their wedding at Greenfield Baptist Church, Llanelli. Mr Williams is the MP for Arfon and Dr Davies an Assembly candidate for Mid and West Wales.
Darren Price and his wife, Jeni, who were married at Penuel Chapel, Nelson. Coun Price is a Swansea councillor and the Assembly candidate for Gower.
TUITION FEES DEBATE SHOWS WHY WALES NEEDS A YES VOTE Plaid Cymru’s Jonathan Edwards, MP, has said the debate over student tuition fees shows the importance of a Yes vote in the March referendum. He said the decision of the Welsh Government on the future of tuition fees showed the value of devolution and the benefits of being able to have Welsh solutions for the benefit of Wales – rather than just copying Westminster. “What this shows is that we can do things differently in Wales”, he
said. “We do not have to be dictated to be Westminster – and by a Government that has shown such distain for the many students whose votes put them there in the first place. “Ninety per cent of MPs have benefited from a university education and the overwhelming majority will also have had a free education. “Having benefited from that, MPs should not be pulling up the drawbridge behind them and leaving
other students to have to pay for their own education. “Labour MPs, who are now so keenly complaining about an increase in tuition fees, were the first to break the compact with our young people and undermine the concept of free higher education for all. “In the One Wales Government, Plaid Cymru is committed to doing whatever possible to mitigate the effects on students living in Wales.”
Mr Edwards continued: “Access to higher education should be on the basis of the individual’s potential to benefit and not on the basis of what they can afford to pay. “This really shows why it is so important that the Welsh Assembly exists and has the powers it has. “It is also why I believe that Wales will vote next March to confirm further powers for the Assembly.”
IWAN HUWS OUT TO RETAIN ABERCONWY FOR PLAID Plaid Cymru has selected Iwan Huws to fight the Aberconwy seat in next May's Welsh General Election. Mr Huws, former Chief Executive of Snowdonia National Park and Wales
Director of the National Trust, hopes to succeed Plaid's current AM for Aberconwy, Gareth Jones, who will be retiring at the election. “I’m delighted to have been selected
by Plaid Cymru to defend the seat of Aberconwy and I’m looking forward to hitting the campaign trail across the constituency in the months before the election,” he said. “Gareth Jones has been a tremendous Assembly Member for the area. He will be a very hard act to follow, but I will strive to serve the people of Aberconwy to his very high standards if elected. “Having worked in communities across the constituency for many years, I believe that I truly understand the priorities and needs of the local communities I seek to represent. “My focus will be to ensure that our local health services are maintained
and improved and that more highquality jobs are created across our communities.” Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “The challenging times ahead need an experienced and ambitious Plaid team to move Wales forward. “With Gareth Jones retiring in May, the people of Aberconwy need a strong and effective AM to continue his exceptional work and represent their interests in the Senedd. “Iwan brings a wealth of experience, skill and drive to Plaid’s campaign and I know that, if elected, he will be a first-class Assembly Member for the people of Aberconwy.”
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GIANTS OF WELSH NA STEFFAN GRIFFITH – PLAID’S OLDEST MEMBER Quaker, pacifist, friend of Waldo Williams and Plaid’s oldest member, Steffan Griffith has died at the age of 102. Mr. Griffith, who was born in Blaenau Ffestiniog, lived in Neyland, Pembrokeshire. He studied Physics at Bangor University and later taught the subject at schools in Herefordshire and Buckinghamshire before returning to Wales to teach in Sir Benfro. He joined Plaid Cymru on his return. A fluent Welsh speaker, he said that as a proud Welshman returning to Wales he had been inspired to join Plaid Cymru by his friendship with Waldo Williams, who later stood as the first Plaid candidate at a Westminster election. When Mr Griffith celebrated his 100th birthday, Chris Gillham, the constituency chairman, with Simon Moffett, the constituency secretary and former National Assembly candidate Conrad Bryant visited Mr and Mrs Griffith at their home to present him with specially-produced birthday cards. The main birthday card,
Steffan Griffith celebrating his 100th birthday with his wife Clemency, Conrad Bryant and the Rev Chris Gillham. Steffan Griffith celebrating his 100th birthday with his wife Clemency, Conrad Bryant and the Rev Chris Gillham.
incorporating the Plaid logo with the number one to spell out 100, was signed by hundreds of members, including the then President Dafydd Iwan and Honorary President Dafydd Wigley. Other cards came from Jill Evans, MEP, the party’s three Westminster MPs, the five Pembrokeshire county councillors, and the whole of the National Executive Committee. Mr Gillham said Mr. Griffith was the oldest member of the
party and one of its longestserving members, not just in Pembrokeshire but in the whole of Wales. Mr. Griffith had been asked if he wished to receive a telegram from the Queen on his 100th birthday but declined as he was a long-standing republican who did not believe in the hereditary system of choosing the head of state. As well as his political interests, Mr Griffith was the author of seven books and a fervent supporter of the
National Eisteddfod. His other interests included keeping bees, sailing his boat on the River Daugleddau, looking after his pond with its frogs andtoads, water lilies and solar fountain, reading, watching travel programmes on television and his computer. A keen environmentalist, he had solar panels on the roof of his bungalow in Neyland. Mr. Griffith leaves a widow, Clemency, and three daughters.
GLYN JAMES – INSPIRATIONAL CAMPAIGNER One of Plaid’s greatest campaigning councillors, Glyn James, has died at the age of 88. Mr James was the party’s first councillor in Rhondda, where he later served as Mayor. His campaigns included chaining himself to Llwynypia Hospital in a protest to keep services. He climbed onto the roof of the council offices to call for more services for the Rhondda Fach and he broadcast on the pirate radio station Radio Free Wales. Mr James and fellow county councillor Glyn Owen
protested in the public gallery of the House of Commons during the miners’ strike, throwing leaflets onto the floor of the House calling for justice for the miners. He stood in the Rhondda several times in general elections and will be remembered for the smokebreathing dragon on the back of a lorry that was typical of the way he got his message across. Born in Llangranog, Glyn, who was a mining engineer, came to the Rhondda to work in Tylorstown and then Lady Windsor Colliery.
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He first stood in Ystrad Rhondda in a by-election in 1959, losing by only four votes. He overcame the disappointment by winning the first seat for Plaid Cymru in the Rhondda the following year. He was re-elected many times. Mr James leaves a widow, Hawys, and two children. Plaid President Jill Evans said: “Glyn was a close friend and colleague. “He was a major figure in the Rhondda and in Plaid Cymru and a real inspiration to me. “He loved the Rhondda and Wales with a passion and his enthusiasm was reflected in his
colourful and exciting campaigns. “He never stopped campaigning and was the eternal optimist who never doubted that Wales would win its freedom. “It is this, most of all, that I will remember about Glyn, and that will continue to inspire so many of us in Plaid Cymru for many years to come. “He was a great man and I will miss him very much. “On behalf of Plaid Cymru I offer our deep sympathy to Hawys and the family.”
SH NATIONALISM CASTRO – A GREAT NATIONALIST Rhobert ap Steffan, fondly known as Castro, has died at his home in Llandagog after a short illness. Aged 62, he was brought up in Treorci and was one of Wales’ greatest nationalists of recent years. He leaves a widow, Marilyn, and three children. Castro was a historian, photographer, regular writer to the Press on patriotic issues and a political activist for a great many years. A long-standing member and supporter of Plaid Cymru, he was active in many Welsh movements, including the anti-Investiture campaign of 1969 and Cofiwn, and regularly attended the annual Cilmeri commemoration. He was a supporter of the Free Wales Army, and his nickname, Castro, came from a cap he wore with his FWA uniform. His achievements for Welsh causes were many and varied. He had close links with Patagonia where he learned Welsh in 1970, working in a sawmill near Trelew and on a big ranch at the foot of the Andes in Cwm Hyfryd. Years later he was back in South America to raise money for Mencap Cymru with a charity walk across the Andes, more than doubling the target of £3,500 he was aiming to raise for the cause. After spending a week in the Andes, he flew to the Welsh-speaking area of
Patagonia, spending time at the Eisteddfod there and giving a series of lectures. He also presented a copy of a new Welsh language encyclopaedia, signed by the then First Minster Rhodri Morgan and Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones, to the Welsh Library in Gaiman. Back home in Wales, one of his greatest achievements was spearheading a campaign for a memorial to Llewelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan at the site of Llanymddyfri Castle. Llewelyn, a supporter of Owain Glyndŵr, was executed in the town by the English in 1401. To raise interest in the project, Castro visited schools, councils and local organisations, convincing people of the merit of erecting a statue of a man few had ever heard of. His inspiration, hard work and organisational ability secured funding of £60,000 from a number of public agencies, and the design of the gigantic stainless steel monument by brothers Toby and Gideon Petersen was chosen by popular acclaim. The Daily Telegraph at the time carried a headline referring to Llewelyn as the Welsh Braveheart - a description that could well have applied to Castro himself. He was a founder of the annual St David's Day Parade in Cardiff. He refused to fill in the 2001 census in
Castro pictured at a commemorative stone for his political hero Gwynfor Evans, whom he described as “the man who had the greatest influence on my life as a Welshman and, in my opinion, on contemporary Welsh politics and the future of our language.” protest at the lack of a Welsh tick-box option and was one of the leading campaigners who fought successfully for the tick-box to be included in this year’s census. Castro was described by friends as a “high-spirited, warm-hearted likeable personality with a brilliant sense of humour, who thoroughly enjoyed socialising with his many friends.” He was in his latter years an assistant editor of Cambria magazine. The magazine’s founder, Henry Jones-Davies, said: “Rhobert ap Stef-
fan touched the lives of so many people in Wales and on many different levels. When I visited him a few days before he died, he told me it was his last wish to see a resounding Yes vote in the March referendum. “He was denied that, but it gives me renewed strength to fight hard for it on his behalf. He had so much more to give, and we shall miss him terribly.”
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PUTTING PLAID HISTORY ON THE MAP A Plaid Cymru History Society has been set up with plans for a website, regular meetings and a day school. The Society will be a forum for members and supporters to remember, celebrate, promote and research the party’s activities, elections, campaigns and people. Membership is open to everyone who has an interest in Plaid’s history. The Chairman will be Dafydd Williams, former Plaid General Secretary and author of The Story of Plaid Cymru, General Secretary Alan Jobbins and Treasurer Yvonne Balakrishnan, a community councillor from Torfaen.
The proposed website will be open to members to submit their reminiscences of Plaid’s national and local history. It will be coordinated by Penri Williams, who is an experienced web designer and builder. One of the first contributions to be recived by the History Society, following an appeal by Mr Jobbins, came from Emrys Roberts, General Secretary 1960-64 and Vice-President to Gwynfor Evans 1978 - 80. Mr Roberts stood as a parliamentary candidate in Cardiff, Newport and Ebbw Vale and in Merthyr Tydfil at the 1972 byelection, following the death of S.O. Davies. He was Leader of the Plaid Group on Merthyr Tydfil Council from 1974 to
Members of the Plaid Cymru History Society at their inaugural meeting, left to right, Yvonne Balakrishnan, Jim Foster, Syd Morgan, Colin Gregory, Sian Thomas, Gwynfor Davies, Jonathan Edwards, Alan Jobbins, Dafydd Williams, Huw Roberts, Dai Thomas and Les Davies.
1979. An Events page on the internet will celebrate prominent Plaid camapigners. Included will be the unveiling of a bust of Gwynfor Evans in Barry Library and the appeal led by Coun Sian Thomas for funds to restore the grave of D.J. Williams to a state befitting one of Plaid’s pioneers. Much of the party’s local history can be found in branch minutes, leaflets and correspondence, etc. Plaid’s history in Ynys Môn and Cwm Cynon is already being res-
earched by two of the Society’s members. It is hoped other members will take up the challenge to write the history of their branch or constituency. Remembrance will be a section on the website where friends and relatives can send photographs and tributes. The first four to be remembered will be Terry O’Neill, Glyn James, Geoff Jones and Dr.Ceinwen Thomas. Anyone interested in joining the History Society or wanting further
information should contact Alan Jobbins at 47 Wingfield Rd. Caerdydd CF14 1NJ or at asjobbins@btinternet.com A meeting of the History Society willl be held durign the spring conference in Cardiff on Friday, March 25 at 4.30pm. The guest speaker will be Dr D. Hywel Davies, author of The Welsh Nationalist Party 19251945 - A Call to Nationhood.
DAFYDD WIGLEY TO FIGHT FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS Plaid Cymru’s first elected peer, Honorary President Dafydd Wigley, promised to be a champion for disability rights as he entered the House of Lords for
the first time. Mr Wigley is a long-standing campaigner in the field and was Vice-Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Disability Group for ten years when he was an MP. He was sponsored by fellow Plaid Peer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas and cross-bench Peer Lord Faulkner of Worcester as he took up his new title as “Baron Wigley of Caernarfon in the County of Gwynedd". Mr Wigley said: “One of the most important things for me in the Second Chamber will be to continue my work in raising awareness of issues affecting disabled people and how we can improve the lives of this significant percentage of the Welsh population. “I've got no interest in the pomp and ceremony of the Lords, but I do want to work hard for Wales
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here. “I'll keep a watchful eye on the progress of Welsh legislative bids and also speak up on issues relating to the Welsh economy and the National Assembly's financial settlement. “As the first ever peer to be elected by a party's own membership, I hope that a fully elected second chamber will become a reality and I will continue to campaign for a reform of this place. “I am excited to be taking this new role at such an important time for Wales and, of course, I'm looking forward to working with Plaid's three excellent MPs in the Commons – a team which already punches well above its weight.” Plaid’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd said: “Dafydd has so much to contribute to politics and I know
his appointment has been welcomed by many across the political spectrum both in the Second Chamber and throughout Wales. I’m looking forward to his joining our Westminster team and to being assisted by his huge experience and expertise.” *Dafydd Wigley was one of three Plaid Cymru members elected by the party for nomination to the second chamber in January 2008. The other two were the party’s economic adviser, Eurfyl ap Gwilym, and former AM Janet Davies. Plaid will continue to press the case for their appointment also and will continue to campaign for a fully elected Second Chamber.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO STEP DOWN AFTER ASSEMBLY ELECTION Dr Gwenllian Lansdown has announced that she will be stepping down as Plaid’s Chief Executive after the Assembly elections in May. She is also resigning as a Cardiff City councillor, having represented the Riverside Ward for six years. Dr Lansdown recently became
engaged to Arwyn Davies, a farmer and well-known poet and singer, who lives near Llanerfyl, Maldwyn. They are planning to get married in mid-June. Dr Landown said: “It has been my intention all along to step down after the May elections, largely because I feel my successor would need four years to prepare for the 2015 Welsh General
Gwenllian Lansdown with Colin Nosworthy
Election. Obviously, the fact that I shall be living in Maldwyn will make the decision easier for me! “We face two enormous challenges as a party over the next three months, and it will be a privilege and an honour to play a prominent part in the Yes for Wales referendum campaign and in our election campaign. “I have enjoyed being able to lead a dedicated staff team and serving a Leader, elected members, candidates and a National Executive Committee who work tirelessly for Wales. Working with grass-roots Plaid members has also inspired me, for their contribution to the nation is enormous. “I have also decided to stand down as a county councillor. This means there will be a by-election and I hope Plaid members will give as much help as they can to retain the seat. “I’d like to thank everyone for their support to me personally, professionally and politically and I look forward to victory in the
referendum and the Assmeby elections.” Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “Gwenllian has been an inspirational leader, a tower of strength leading a dedicated team at Tŷ Gwynfor. “She has built on the success of the 2007 Assembly elections and laid the foundations for a good result in May. “While we are all sad to see her leave, we are delighted for her personally and wish her and Arwyn all the very best for their future happiness.” Plaid’s Leader on Cardiff Council, Neil McEvoy, said Dr Lansdown had made a massive contribution as a Riverside councillor and was very well respected in the community.“We are sad to see her go, but happy for her personally,” he said. “She has been a highly valued colleageue and friend.”
SPRING CONFERENCE – AND FOOTBALL TOO! With hopes of a majority Yes vote in the March 3 referendum, everyone will enjoy a boost of energy that is likely to last three weeks. This is what scientists have discovered in world-wide studies over a number of years by measuring the physical effects of winning referendums. The results of these studies have led Plaid Cymru to the decision to hold its Spring Conference on the weekend of March 25 and 26. The venue is the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. Not that we’re taking the result for granted. The studies also show that three weeks are also required to recover from an unsuccessful referendum. The timing is therefore perfect for holding Plaid’s best ever Spring Conference. The weekend starts with a rally to mark a thousand hours until the Welsh General Election takes place. The rally will take place at 3pm on Thursday the 24th, with the location to be confirmed. The Welsh General Election will of course be the main theme of the conference. In recent years, Plaid conferences have devoted time to the discussion and debate of a wide range of policy areas. We have also continually made innovations in
the format and content of our conferences. Although the innovation will continue, the objective of this conference will be to communicate our message to the people of Wales and to persuade them to cast a vote for Plaid Cymru at the next election. Everybody understands that whichever party forms the next Welsh Government, they will not face an easy time. Plaid Ministers have gained experience in government during the most difficult economic period for decades. The message will be that we have plans for renewing the economy and revitalising a thriving nation. We will rise to the challenges we face in ensuring that our citizens possess the basic skills to succeed in a modern Wales, that our health services meet our requirements and that the natural resources of our country are developed for the benefit of the people. The speech by Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones be the highlight, and there will also be opportunities to hear from some of the key candidates. In addition to the sessions in the main hall, there will be a number of interesting events taking place during the conference.
The fringe meetings will provide food for thought as well as for the stomach and the conference dinner will provide food for the soul! If the guest speakers of recent conferences are any indication of the quality of the speaker for this conference, the dinner will be an occasion to remember. Attendance at the conference is free for Plaid Cymru members. It’s worth passing this message on to members who may not be aware of this change to the system. It’s also worth remembering that Wales plays its first football match against England for many years
on the Saturday afternoon, so the atmosphere in Cardiff will be all the more electric. There’s no need for football fans to worry, as the conference will be over by kick-off time and a suitable location will have been earmarked as the official Plaid venue for watching the game. So a welcome to all members to come to the conference, enjoy the company of fellow nationalists, soak up the atmosphere and watch our boys playing their hearts out to beat ‘the old enemy’.
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TOP POLITICAL AWARDS FOR HOUSING MINISTER AND WESTMINSTER LEADER A Plaid Cymru Assembly Member and a Plaid MP have won awards at this year’s Wales Yearbook event. Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies was named Politician of the Year and Plaid’s Westminster Leader Elfyn Llwyd won the Campaigner of the Year award.
South Wales East and heads Plaid’s regional list in the area for next May’s Assembly elections Mr Llwyd, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, won his award in recognition of his fight to get better conditions for exservicemen and servicewomen. Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones congratulated both winners, saying their awards were richly deserved. He said: “What Jocelyn has been able to achieve as Housing Minister has been remarkable. “Her lead on the mortgage rescue scheme has saved many people in Wales from losing their homes. Ms Davies’ award follows her “She has delivered a stunning achievements over the last 12 success in passing the 6,500 months, which included overmark for affordable homes durseeing measures to create ing this Assembly term and has more affordable homes in shown an extraordinary ability Wales and piloting the mortto work with the housing sector gage rescue scheme to prevent to secure a Housing Measure people from losing their homes. that will make a real difference She is an Assembly Member for in Wales.
“Assembly Members from “I am extremely pleased across the political spectrum Jocelyn’s hard work has been will all be pleased that Jocelyn’s given the recognition it deserves.” Mr Jones also paid tribute to Elfyn Llwyd’s campaigning work. He said: “Elfyn’s commitment to campaigning for veterans has been unmatched. “It is thanks to the hard work he has put in that people are really starting to sit up and question the care ex-service people are receiving. “It is a testament to his work that this is now a mainstream issue and the Government is being forced to consider the way troops returning from active service are looked after. “I am delighted for Elfyn on a personal level because I know dedication has been recoghow passionately he cares nised. about this issue. He has “She is one of the most reworked tirelessly - and I have spected and well thought of no doubt will continue to do so members in the Bay because to stand up for troops who deshe is always willing to put serve to be treated better than Wales before party priorities. they have been by successive
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