Gwynedd Third Sector Support for Dafydd

Bethan Russell Owen, Chief Exec. of Mantell Gwynedd, the voluntary body overseeing the ThirdSector in Gwynedd says:

"...Dafydd Iwan has been a key figure in the Third Sector in Gwynedd and beyond. His contribution to the development of the 3rd Sector in Gwynedd has been substantial for many years. He is a man of vision who truly understands people and their communities."

Send your vote in good time - by Tuesday if possible!

Support from Helen Mary

"I'm proud to support Dafydd Iwan's campaign to continue as Party President. I believe the President has two key roles; leading and inspiring the voluntary wing of the Party and acting as a link between the grass roots and the leadership. Dafydd is ideally placed to fill both of these. He has always been a huge personal inspiration to me, a constant reminder of the heart and soul of the Party, of the radical values and the aspirations for our nation that brought us into Plaid in the first place. We have made real progress during Dafydd's time as President and he has a vital role to play in driving this forward, particularly in motivating and supporting members."

Campaigning at the Haverfordwest Show

It was another busy day on the campaign trail at the Haverfordwest Show yesterday. I met many members and supporters- it was a great chance to hear your views and discuss issues of concern.

Making music with Belarus youth

PRESS RELEASE

Dafydd spent this afternoon talking and singing to a party of young people from Belarus, all of whom have suffered serious illnesses due to the Chernobyl disaster. They are spending some time in Wales to help them recover, thanks to people like Olwen Davies (4th from the right), who is Vice-Chair of CND Cymru.

Endorsement from Janet Ryder AM

"Dafydd has helped to reconnect the party with its members and has restored confidence at a time when we needed it. There is still much to do to build the party up for the coming elections and this can only be achieved by forward looking policies from a president committed to building up the party and party members. I feel confident that Dafydd can fill that bill. That is why I will be supporting him for president."

Janet Ryder AM

50 years in Plaid

A big thankyou to all who came to the Plaid stand on the Eisteddfod field on Friday to join me in celebrating 50 years in Plaid Cymru. Yes, many of us have been campaigning rather a long time, but the message is that we have to keep on doing it for some years yet before we reach the ultimate goal of a free, fully self-governing Wales. Thanks once again, and here's to the next 50!

The anniversary party followed on from a very successful President's Club meeting at the new Plaid head office on Thursday evening, where my special guests were Mari Gravell and her daughters Manon and Gwenan. The address was given by actress Lis Miles, who entertained us with her experiences as a nationalist and diligent Plaid campaigner, and Cardiff singer Heather Jones completed the evening with some wonderful songs.

Anglesey Show

Dafydd Iwan today joined Dylan Rees, Prospective Plaid Parliamentary Candidate for Ynys Mon, on the last stage of his protest walk around the post offices of Anglesey threatened with closure. They both arrived at the Anglesey Show in Mona where they were met by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, AM for Ynys Mon, and a crowd of supporters.

Free Tibet

The opening of the Olympics was an opportune moment to restate my call for the right to self determination of the people of Tibet and an end to human rights abuses. The decision by the Chinese authorities to ban all flags of stateless nations is, of course, linked to the Tibet question. Welsh athletes should be able to fly the ddraig instead of the union jack, if they so choose. The only way to ensure they can in future is to have our own Welsh olympic team.

Jill Evans MEP backs Dafydd Iwan in presidential race

DATGANIAD I’R WASG – PRESS RELEASE – DATGANIAD I’R WASG Jill Evans ASE / MEP

Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales in the European Parliament

for immediate release

Jill Evans MEP backs Dafydd Iwan in presidential race

Plaid MEP Jill Evans has given her backing to Dafydd Iwan in his campaign to win the Party Presidency, for which a series of hustings meetings is under way.

Jill said today:

"Dafydd Iwan has always been an inspiration to people throughout Wales and beyond. I have worked with him on many campaigns including a number involving the peace movement. His commitment to Wales and the Welsh language is matched by his passionate belief in peace, justice and human rights.

"For the past four years I have worked alongside Dafydd in my capacity as Vice President of Plaid Cymru. He has played a vital role in the growth of Plaid Cymru as a dynamic political force in Wales. Dafydd is the link between the grassroots party members and the leadership team and it is essential that he continues this work".

Dafydd Iwan has set out his manifesto on his web site: www.dafyddiwan.com

Jill Evans was re-elected unopposed in July as Vice President of Plaid Cymru. She represents the whole of Wales in the European Parliament.

diwedd / ends

Cilfynydd By-Election

Next Thursday (14th August) sees a council by-election in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The election has come about because the Liberal Democrats put up a candidate who was unable to take up his seat. Plaid is receiving a very warm reception from the people of Cilfynydd, a small village just outside Pontypridd. I was very encouraged by the response when I was there on Monday.

Our candidate is Stuart Fisher, a long term Plaid activist who has worked hard both for the party and his community. Good luck Stuart - I know you'll make an excellent councillor.

If you are available to go canvassing in Cilfynydd over the next week, get in touch with Geraint Day on 07769657122.

Support from Parliamentary Candidates

As Plaid Cymru parliamentary candidates in the forthcoming general election, we are looking forward to Elfyn Llwyd leading a successful election campaign. He has the experience and respect needed not only to front that campaign, but also to lead a larger group of Plaid MPs in the next parliamentary term.

We want to express our support for Elfyn Llwyd and Dafydd Iwan in their respective roles. We are calling on members to support Dafydd Iwan in the internal party presidential election, because we are convinced that the presidency is a specific and largely internal facing role that cannot readily be combined with another major leadership role within the party, due to the major time commitment involved in working with, and leading, the voluntary wing of the party.

Myfanwy Davies, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Llanelli

Dafydd Trystan, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Cwm Cynon

Steffan Lewis, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Islwyn

Presidential Election- Hustings

Below are details of the hustings that have been arranged for the presidential elections. While hustings are important, they do not give members the opportunity to discuss issues in any depth. I am therefore making myself available throughout the summer for discussion with members. I'll be at the Plaid Cymru stall at the Eisteddfod throughout the week. I'll also be at Canton Plaid's BBQ on Sunday 3rd August (Duke of Clarence, Clive Road from 2pm onwards). If you have any burning issues - just come and have a chat. Alternatively, members can e mail me on dafyddiwan@cymru1.net

Bangor (Neuadd Powis, Prifysgol Bangor University) 28.07.08 - 7.30pm-8.30pm

Wrecsam (Ystafell Glanyrafon Room, Y Stiwt, Rhosllanerchrugog) 29.07.08 - 7.30pm-8.30pm

Abersytwyth (Gwesty'r Marine Hotel) 30.07.08 - 7.30pm-8.30pm

Llandysilio (Gwesty Nantyffin Hotel) 01.08.08 - 7.30pm- 8.30pm

Caerdydd / Cardiff (Ystafell Taf Suite, Athrofa Chwaraeon Cymru / Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens) 2.08.08 - 10.30am-11.30am

Llanelli (Ystafell Lliedi, ger/by Canolfan Samuel Selwyn) 19.08.08 - 7.30pm-8.30pm

Blaenau Ffestiniog (Neuadd Chwaraeon / Sports Hall, Heol Wyn) 20.08.08 - 7.30pm-8.30pm

Support from the grassroots

The best people to judge my performance as party President are the party members. If you want me to be your party President, I'd like to know why.

Here are the latest messages of support from the grassroots that I have received during my campaign:

"I support Dafydd Iwan because I think he has proven himself to be a excellent president and he has always supported us in the Neath Constituency."
Carolyn Edwards, Neath

“It is an honour to support Dafydd Iwan as Plaid Cymru’s President. Plaid Cymru should have a President who is prepared to work tirelessly, and be able to weld the membership together. The President should inspire the members and be a bridge between them and the elected politicians. And the President must be a politician of conviction. Dafydd is all of these. I give him my wholehearted support”.
Richard Parry Hughes, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, 2002 - 08

"Dafydd Iwan is a person with a vision: a vision of Wales realising her full potential and taking her place amongst the nations of the world. To see a fairer form of governance in Wales and world-wide. A governance based on social justice, international cooperation and peace. And Dafydd's vision is alive at all levels of politics in Wales and beyond. As we look forward to our next steps on our journey towards self-government, Dafydd's skills are needed by Plaid more than ever. The ability to inspire, to challenge, the ability to listen and to persevere. Dafydd is the man to lead us as grass-roots members during the exciting years ahead."
Cllr. Dyfed Edwards, Gwynedd Council

If you would like to publicly support me for President, be sure to email your comment to dafydd@cymru1.net

Farming- protecting the environment, Rural Wales and our culture

PRESS RELEASE

On the eve of the Royal Welsh Show, Plaid Cymru President Dafydd Iwan has made a strong defence of the farming industry, saying that our network of family farms in Wales is a tremendous asset in protecting our natural environment, rural communities, and our language and culture.

Dafydd Iwan said: “ The mistake often made by politicians is to measure the value of agriculture like other industries in turnover, profit and number of jobs. But what makes farming different to other industries is that it supports a way of life, supports whole communities, is a way of keeping young people in rural areas, and at the same time is an excellent means of protecting our natural heritage and environment.”

“Of course everyone recognizes by now that farming has to change: more emphasis must be placed on environmental planning, on diversifying the skills of our youth, and on adding value to our product and on more effective marketing. But at the same time, politicians must realise that we cannot sustain rural communities nor be more self-sufficient in food production without a buoyant and healthy farming industry.”

“This is why I heartily welcome the move to make rural planning rules less restrictive, and to proactively encourage the building of affordable homes for people in their own locality in rural communities.”

Manifesto- A Bridge to the Future

We live in probably the most exciting political times in the history of Plaid Cymru. We are providing leadership and vision to our National Government and at a local level are playing our part in governing our communities all across Wales. Our time as a party has come, and the next few years offer enormous opportunities – to secure a proper parliament, to become the largest party in Wales and to put in place a framework to safeguard the language for generations to come. The opportunities are immense.

But with opportunity comes responsibility, and alongside our opportunities and responsibilities come challenges – the challenges of a new political era, the challenges of building a stronger and more vibrant Plaid Cymru. I’ve thought long and hard as to whether to put my name forward for one more two year term as President. But the more I thought of the challenges ahead, the more I wanted to play my part in building a stronger party as we look to a better future for our nation.

As a party, we have professionalised enormously over the past few years. We have become a party of government for the first time and we have won elections in every corner of our land. But as we enter our next phase of development I think we face a major choice. We can develop our professionalisation even further, with our increasing numbers of elected members, and staff given more and more responsibility – much as New Labour did in the 1990s. On one level this was enormously successful, but what profiteth a man if he wins the whole world but loses his own soul? Our tradition in Plaid Cymru is very different to New Labour’s. Ours is about us the members of the party running the party, making the decisions that count and moving us forward. As we look to the future, we must reinvigorate our party and bring our members to the forefront of our activities – because if we are to succeed, as I know we can, then we must build our success on the active and informed participation of our members in our work.

I’ve always been a grassroots politician, and that’s why I think that as the relationships between government, party and elected members are defined anew, the Party needs more than ever a grassroots politician as President. A President whose aim is to be a bridge – a bridge to a better future for the party, a bridge between the members and our professional politicians, a bridge to self government for Wales.

Tros Gymru

Dafydd Iwan

MY PRIORITIES – 1 – THE BRIDGE
Now more than ever in my view, the party needs a President who can speak on behalf of the members and act as a bridge to our elected members. I have spent decades working with our elected leaders, with Ieuan, Jill, Elfyn; the two Dafydds and Gwynfor before them; and know the enormous work that they do on a daily basis. I also know how much our elected members rely on the party membership the length and breadth of Wales to campaign, to raise funds and to work in our communities. Our members must know that they are a key part of our work.

I want to hear the views of members on how best the President can act as a bridge, but here are a number of ideas I’d like to implement over the next two years:

• Rolling Question Time. Prior to every NEC and National Council meeting I’d like to give all members the opportunity to put questions direct to the President. The NEC is a small body, and not everyone can make it to National Council in person – I want to give every member a voice. I’ll make sure all members' questions and comments are answered and I'll develop a Frequently Asked Questions section in my report and publish it on the web-site.

• Regular membership surveys to involve members but also to provide suggestions and advice on action. We should also consider consultative polls on some of the major issues facing the party. The aim here is to develop a strong base of active members feeding in their views through the President to our elected members.

• Develop the President’s Section on the Plaid Cymru web-site with interactive elements, videos and news.

MY PRIORITIES – 2 – MEMBERS
Our party is nothing without our members. Travelling the length and breadth of Wales to branches and constituencies, meeting and talking to members is a vital part of the role of president. Our members are our foundation stone, and we should make every effort to involve grassroots party members in our activities. Members are also the bridge to our local communities, raising issues of concern and making sure the party is listening to peoples' priorities and letting us know when we haven’t got something quite right! Over the next two years as President I want to make sure members remain at the heart of our activities.
I will:

• Continue to enthuse and encourage members and launch a proactive programme of visiting every constituency at least once during the term of office.

• Work closely with CymruX to support and develop our younger members. The youth are our future, yet too often as a party CymruX and our younger membership are an afterthought. A strong CymruX is vital if we are to build a stronger party and nation.

• Support the development of National Sections. Our sections bring in new members to the party and are a key plank of support particularly for members new to politics. We need to support our sections nationally with the investment of time and resources.

• Reinvigorate conference with topical debates, more use of web-based forums and use of interactive technology to expand the audience of conference to all plaid members – not just those sat in the conference hall.

• Use new technology to the full to promote Plaid’s message whether its youtube videos, blogs or even a Plaid island on Second Life, we have to be at the forefront of technological innovation as befits a modern dynamic party.

• Rejuvenate the Presidents Club with more local sessions for members, strategy sessions with the President, key staff and NEC members.

MY PRIORITIES – 3 – A SELF GOVERNING WALES
As a Party we have made enormous strides forward in recent years. Those who lived through the despair of 1979 and the Thatcher years will be amazed at how much has been achieved. However, our achievements thus far are just the beginning. If we are to truly realise our potential as a people and a nation then we can only do so as an independent country. At our conference in Newport, Elin Jones highlighted the frustrations of representing the Welsh Assembly Government in Europe, while countries the same size and smaller than Wales all have a voice at the top table. But I’m sure there are countless more examples of how Wales is poorly served by dependence on our neighbour to the east! We need to put the case for more self government for Wales and our ultimate aim of independence with clarity and confidence. Our sister party in Scotland has shown the way with a combination of a vision of an independent Scotland alongside high quality governance. We need to match our effectiveness in government with effectiveness in our campaign for our longer term goals.
I want to see:

• Plaid Cymru leading the way by undertaking the detailed policy work to make the case for independence.

• Plaid Cymru using the platform of our European campaign to highlight the way other small, successful and independent European countries are powering forward while Wales is in danger of getting left behind.

• A series of pamphlets, podcasts and videos produced under the title ‘Talking about Independence’ – discussing the issues and opening up the debate.

BUILDING A STRONGER PARTY – GET INVOLVED
My vision of the Presidency is rooted in the recognition of the importance of our members. I want to be a people’s President, a bridge to a stronger future for the party and our nation, but I can only achieve these aims with your support. Give me your ideas, your views and even your complaints, because together we can build a stronger party.

Message from Dafydd

Thanks for the nominations and the messages of support. I've had a very warm reception as I travelled across Wales over the past weeks - Llanrhaeadr  ym Mochnant, Bedlinog, Cardiff, Llansawel, Cwmaman, Treletert, Haverfordwest, Trefor, Carmarthen, Cil-y-Cwm - thank you all for your welcome and good wishes. I'm confident we can build a stronger Plaid together.

And what struck me most of all is the growing support from young people. After a  lean period, I know Cymru X has a long way to go, but I feel the time is right for me and Cymru X together to draw more and more young people to campaign with Plaid Cymru.

We must use the Presidency to create a bridge between the grass-root members (that's you and me) and the elected members. So please use me as your link - let me know what you think, and I will help you  get your voice heard.

I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail!

Dafydd.