Elystan Morgan died last week at the age of 88. He was a Labour Member of Parliament for Ceredigion from 1966 to 1974, a member of the House of Lords since 1981, and a barrister and a judge.

We are all sitting in this Senedd today because of the lifelong contribution of Elystan and others who fought the battle for self-government for Wales. The journey began within Plaid Cymru, and then in 1964 he left to promote the same cause within the Labour Party. He was a socialist by principle and a nationalist by instinct. The well-being of Wales and its people were at the heart of all his politics.

Vaughan Roderick said of Elystan that his greatest success was also his greatest failure, leading the 'yes' campaign in the referendum in 1979. He did so with dignity and passion within the most toxic political environment. And he kept the flame alive.

Elystan was a man rooted in his own community, and that community encompassed his beloved Bow Street, Llandre and Dole. He campaigned for Ceredigion well beyond his time as its representative, on the steps outside the Senedd here in 2006 fighting for services at Bronglais, and in safeguarding the future of IBERS as an international research institution.

A brief statement like this in the Senedd can never pay a proper tribute to Elystan's contribution, but it's true to say that the existence of this Senedd is the greatest tribute possible to Elystan's life. We are grateful for his contribution and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.