When I was chosen by Plaid Cymru to fight the 1999 Assembly election I was a newcomer to Llanelli. In the years since I have come to identify strongly with the communities across the constituency.

I never cease to be impressed by the commitment and energy that people show, running sports clubs, youth groups, arts organisations, hundreds of different groups all working to improve life in our towns and villages.

I feel angry when those people and communities are let down by government. It’s been my privilege since 1999 to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Llanelli, first as the local A.M. then since 2003 as one of our regional AM’s, fighting for what our communities need and deserve. I have helped over 5000 individuals and families with problems, and have worked with many groups and organisations.

I have decided that in 2007 I will stand only in Llanelli and not on the Regional List. I have done my best to serve the people of the whole Region, and of course I’ll continue to do so. But my heart is here. I want to be able to use all my time and energy working for Llanelli. I’m delighted that local Plaid members have chosen me to stand in 2007.

There are major challenges ahead. Since 2003 we in Llanelli have lost over 1000 manufacturing jobs. The New Labour Government has wasted the opportunity provided by Objective One European funding to create good quality lasting jobs. If the Labour Government’s new “Designed for Life” health plan is implemented in full we’ll see health services further centralised and our hospital downgraded yet again.

It’s harder than ever for young people to afford homes, yet the Labour Government has been cutting the housing budget. They are failing to fund their own plan for protecting the Welsh Language, Iaith Pawb, leaving important initiatives like the Language Centre for Llanelli struggling to get off the ground. This has to STOP. And it can be different.

We have shown, for example in the successful fight to get our Hospice funded in which I was proud to play a part, that when we stand together and really challenge Government we can win. My pledge to the people of Llanelli is that I will never let any Government get away with not putting our communities first.