Plaid Cymru has welcomed the announcement that the party’s Honorary President Dafydd Wigley is to be appointed to the second chamber. The former Plaid Cymru AM and MP was elected by party members in January 2008 to represent Plaid and Wales in the House of Lords. The party said that Mr Wigley’s appointment was good news for the people of Wales and pledged to continue its campaign for a fully elected second chamber.
Dafydd Wigley said:
“My main objective in the second chamber will be to speak up for the Government of Wales, for the people of Wales as well as to represent the views of my own party, Plaid Cymru. I only hope that this appointment now paves the way for Plaid Cymru to secure a team of at least 3 members, which is not unreasonable in a chamber which will consist of almost 800 members. I will also continue to press the case for reform of the second chamber and look forward to the day when its members are democratically elected.” Plaid Cymru’s Leader and Deputy First Minister of
Wales Ieuan Wyn Jones AM said:
“I am delighted that Dafydd Wigley will be entering the second chamber. He will be a tremendous asset not only for Plaid Cymru but for the whole of Wales. Given his track record and experience, I know that he will also be an excellent advocate for a number of causes, such as championing better services for people with disabilities, and he will be able to continue the excellent work he did both as an Assembly member and as a Member of Parliament. It’s great news for Wales to have Dafydd back as part of the Westminster team. ”
Plaid’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd MP added:
“This announcement is very welcome indeed. Dafydd has got so much to contribute to politics and I know that his appointment will be 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 being assisted by his huge experience and expertise.”
