Ceirion Rees: "Make Merthyr Tydfil a better place"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 1st Apr 2005

Merthyr man born and bred, Ceirion Rees, has been selected as the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary candidate in the soon to be expected general election in May for the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency.

He was selected at a record attendance of local members. "It was great to have a packed meeting, especially as most of the members were in the twenties. It goes to show we have the support of young people in Merthyr.", said Ceirion Rees.

Ceirion Rees, 24 years, born in Merthyr and went to Dowlais Infants, Gwernllwyn Juniors and Cyfarthfa High School and gained his degree at the University of Glamorgan. His family live in the town.

"I was never tempted to move away from my home town. I got involved in politics because I am passionate about Merthyr Tydfil and the future of South Wales. Many people who I went to school with have now moved out of the area because opportunities do not exist for them. I want to stay in the town and make it a better place."

"In recent weeks we have seen the approval of the Fros-Y-Ffran opencast scheme. Some have seen this a quick fix to Merthyr's economic problems. I however, think it is just another example of a political decision that lacks vision. How many more young people must leave before our politicians realise that this kind of development has no long term gain?"

"Merthyr Tydfil is a town with a great deal of potential. We are on the crossroads between North and South, East and West Wales. We have the opportunity before us to put the town at the centre of Wales. The opencast decision goes against the vision that young people here certainly have!"

Ceirion Rees' campaign team is made up of people in their twenties. "Recently we have come second in general elections in Merthyr and Rhymney. We're a young, keen and enthusiastic team who is determined that we will become the main challengers to the Labour party in the area. We certainly need a robust opposition which the opencast issue has clearly shown."

Mike German, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Welsh Assembly said, "I'm delighted that someone of Ceiron's age and energy has out himself forward to stand in the general election. It is really great to see so many young people interested and keen to make a difference with their futures and that of Merthyr and Rhymney in mind."