Plaid Cymru in Ceredigion has launched its campaign to win the county’s parliamentary seat at Westminster with an event in Llannon Hall which was attended by over 100 people.

Mike Parker, an author and broadcaster who is standing as Plaid Cymru’s candidate to re-take the constituency it has held in the past, spoke passionately about his desire to see Ceredigion thrive and succeed, and for its needs to be taken seriously in Westminster.

He was supported by Elin Jones AM, former MPs Cynog Dafis and Simon Thomas, and former party president Dafydd Iwan.

There was also a musical contribution to the evening from Dafydd Iwan and his daughter Elliw, and readings from local poets Eurig Salisbury and Samantha Rhydderch.

Plaid’s MP candidate for Ceredigion Mike Parker said,

“It was fantastic to see the hall in Llannon full, and to see many new faces as well as familiar ones.

“People are clearly enthused for the campaign in this marginal seat, and there’s a real feeling that with hard work, we can win.

“The context of the Scottish referendum was of course a major talking point. Within hours of the referendum result, Westminster politicians were already backtracking on their promises and squabbling amongst themselves. Scotland was quickly shoved aside, and Wales never even got out of the starting blocks.

“It’s made it abundantly clear how we can’t afford Wales to be sidelined in important debates about the future. Increasingly, people see that just electing backbenchers from the main parties makes no difference.

“When Plaid is on the up, Westminster takes note of communities like Ceredigion. If we depend on London parties, our voice disappears.

“People feel let down by the Lib Dems, and on the doorstep many people are telling me they won’t vote for the party again after their record on issues such as tuition fees and the bedroom tax. People don’t know what they stand for any more.

“I’m proud to be able to offer a positive choice to the people of Ceredigion next May.”

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, said,

“Taking our cue from the Scottish referendum debate which so energized people to take part in the democratic process, the campaign launch event combined contributions from artists and politicians. It was fantastic to see over a hundred people there, and we had a great evening.

“I thank everyone who helped to make the event such a success, and there’s a real feeling that we can take this enthusiasm forward into the forthcoming election campaign.”

Notes for editors