Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth pays tribute to Dafydd Elis-Thomas who has passed away aged 78

Following the sad news of the passing of former leader of Plaid Cymru Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said,

“Dafydd’s passing will be a huge loss to Welsh politics and the civic life of Wales.

He was unquestionably one of the most influential figures of his generation, and as the Presiding Officer of the First Assembly made a priceless contribution in laying the firm foundations of devolution.

We remember Dafydd as a groundbreaking MP when he became the youngest Member of the 1974 UK Parliament before leading Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction.

Dafydd was a personal friend to my family and I, and was an influential figure during my formative years.

His love for our nation, its language and culture was unwavering.

On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I extend our sincerest condolences to Dafydd’s family.