PLAID CYMRU members have said an emotional thank you to retiring Assembly Member Rhodri Glyn Thomas who has served the constituents of Carmarthen East and Dinefwr since the advent of devolution in 1999.
In the same week that nominations for May’s national election closed, party members gathered for an evening of celebration at Llandybie Rugby Club this week to pay tribute to the achievements and dedication of one of the Assembly’s founding members.
In the packed event, hosted by television presenter and rugby commentator Huw Llywelyn Davies, party members recalled their experiences of working with Rhodri and his many achievements for Carmarthenshire and Wales over the last 17 years.
During his time in the Assembly Rhodri Glyn served as a Minister for Heritage and Culture and later represented the Assembly, an in institution, on the European Union’s Committee of Regions. Some of his many achievements include:
- Saving the National Botanic Garden of Wales from closure
- Senior officers in local government now have their pay packages independently scrutinised
- 320,000 families in Wales have been protected from a cut in their council tax support
- Winner of the Welsh Politician of the Year award
His work in the EU’s Committee of Regions has received glowing praise from nations and regions across Europe including Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, who congratulated Rhodri Glyn on his work around private-public investment partnerships to stimulate economic growth.
As well as being one of the Assembly’s ‘most able politicians’, Jonathan Edwards MP said Rhodri would be remembered fondly by local residents as someone they knew would be “there for them, on their side, in their time of need.”
Former colleague Adam Price, was who the MP for nine of Rhodri’s 17 years in office and now seeks election as his successor, said Rhodri was a politician who commanded respect from all political parties and “got things done for voters without looking to make headlines”.
Mr Price said: “There are businesses in Carmarthenshire today that would not be trading were it not for the support and efforts of Rhodri. There are families today accessing a dentist and hospital treatment because of Rhodri. There are communities today whose local facilities have been saved because of Rhodri.
“When the chips were down, residents knew Rhodri was just a phone call away. He would meet them at their home, in his office or in their local area to see what he could do to help.
“Carmarthenshire and indeed Plaid Cymru have been fortunate to have Rhodri represent us.
“Over his 17 years’ service he has commanded the respect from all political parties and got things done for voters without looking to make headlines.
“As he retires from front line politics Rhodri leaves behind some very big shoes to fill. I sincerely hope, with the support and trust of voters in May’s election, I can continue to be the first-class community champion Rhodri has been for us.”
Mr Edwards added: “Rhodri has been one of the Assembly’s most able politicians. He has never been afraid to challenge Ministers, or as we all know, challenge the council on behalf of local residents.
“With just weeks to go until he retired Rhodri was working hard, challenging the health minister and First Minister to see more physiotherapy treatment available at the acute stroke unit at Glangwili hospital – an endeavour I’m delighted to say he has succeeded in achieving.
“Residents know that Rhodri was always there for them, on their side, in their time of need.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work so closely with Rhodri. I know that although he’ll be spending a lot more time with his family and grandchildren, he’ll still be making a hugely important contribution to Welsh public life.”
Rhodri was recently appointed by the Welsh Government as President of the National Library of Wales, and is currently chairing a Ministerial Working Group on developing the procurement tools of local government to boost the Welsh language and local investment.
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