Tributes are being paid to Gwynfor Evans, one of the most prominent Welsh politicians of the 20th Century, who has died aged 92. He became Plaid Cymru's first MP in the 1966 Carmarthen by-election and was president of his party for 36 years.
He threatened to starve himself in the cause of Welsh language television, leading to the foundation of S4C.
This Have Your Say is now closed. A selection of comments is printed below.
Gwynfor saved Wales from drowning, and influenced the whole country to stand and be counted in not only the UK but the world. Without him, Wales might not have its language or be as significant today.
Jon Evans, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
 |  We've lost a great man - probably man of the century for Wales. Never forget him everyone |
It is difficult to find something to say about Gwynfor that hasn't already been said. It is almost unheard of for so many to be of the same opinion about a politician and this surely demonstrates what an exceptional man he was. His goodness and integrity set him apart. He was a true gentleman. I feel very privileged to have known him. We should all try to follow his example.
Rhodri, Brussels, Belgium
A sad loss of a truly inspiring great Welshman. He had a vision of a highly civilised free Welsh-speaking Wales. A Wales that would take its place in the world and offer much to it.
Keith Parry, Cardiff
A sad day for Wales. This man has helped to shape our identity as the only distinct nation in Britain to have its own language. If it were not for his efforts to protest for S4C, the language could be struggling for survival. May you rest in peace Gwynfor knowing you have helped give Wales a distinct stamp as a nation.
Simon P Jones, Wales
Truly great
Philip D'Souza, India
A sad loss for Wales, and for all of my generation who grew up in the 60s, and looked to Gwynfor Evans as an inspiration to us all.
John Ridd, New Milford Conn. USA
A man before his time - a tribute to the people of Wales. God bless
James Mapstone, Wales
| Gwynfor showed what could be done through the power of passion and pacifism. He believed in freedom and he believed in Wales |
We've lost a great man - probably man of the century for Wales. Never forget him everyone.
Gareth Jones, Llundain, Lloegr
I only once met Gwynfor Evans. I was just 17, he was a gentlemen that I greatly admired, and still do. I still remember that day as if it was yesterday. I will never forget him all these years on from then. I'm saddened by his death, but enlightened by his life. Nos da Mr Evans.
Chris Palmer, Caerffili
Gwynfor always put Wales first earning himself the title the Member for Wales whilst he was the Plaid MP for Carmarthen. Plaid Cymru and Wales owe him a lot. A true statesman.
Geraint, Pontypridd
A clear, honest voice that always put Wales and its many communities first. A light has gone out over Wales
richardedwards, Prestatyn Wales/Cymru
He was truly a great Welshman and will be a great loss to Wales. Diolch yn fawr Gwynfor.
Stephen Owen, London
His books, "For the Sake of Wales" and "Land of My Fathers" have opened my eyes. He was a great man of courage, integrity, vision, perseverance... I hope Wales will carry on his belief.
Junko Salmon, Oklahoma, USA
Great patriot for Wales! I've learned a lot about Welsh history by reading his books. Diolch yn fawr, Gwynfor, gorffwys mewn hedd!
Michael, Mannheim, Germany
I had the privilege in the 1960s of working with this greatest of Welshmen. He rests now with Glyndwr and our other heroes. Ti wyddost beth ddywed fy nghalon. Graham Hughes
Graham Hughes, New York, USA
Gwynfor showed what could be done through the power of passion and pacifism. He believed in freedom and he believed in Wales. He has now passed the baton on. We must not let him down. Gwinllan a roddwyd - diolch am ein harwain, Gwynfor.
Anwen, Bryngwran, Ynys M�n
Without this man, Wales may not even exist on the modern map. A true Welsh national hero who should never be forgotten. Tell your grandchildren to tell their grandchildren about this man. Respect
Jim, Newport, Wales
Although much of the tributes to Gwynfor will concentrate on his commitment to Wales and the welsh language. It must also be remembered that his commitment to peace ment that when first elected he was one of the few voices in the House of commons to speak out against the war in Vietnam and the labour government supplying arms to Nigeria during the Biafran civil war. He proved that nationlism was not the province of the right wing and racist but could be a beacon for peace and tolerance.
Glyn Morris, Beddau
| He was a rare example of integrity, strong and honest convictions, and a man who lived faith in a positive way. Dyn ni wedi colli rhywun mawr! Ffarwel, Gwynfor |
A patriot, a true internationalist, a man of integrity and principle, always a gentleman.
Glyn, Rhaeadr
A man who gave the Welsh something that could never be taken away - hope. Diolch.
Aled, Aberystwyth, Wales
I had the pleasure of meeting Gwynfor Evans on a couple of occasions and always found him to be the most unassuming and quiet man that I had ever met. He exuded peace and calm and showed the compassionate and inclusive face of the Welsh independence movement. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, even those who only knew him by reputation.
Muiris, Cardiff, Wales
May this hero rest in peace. Diolch, Gwynfor.
Sion, Porthmadog, Cymru
He left an indelible mark, his legacy will not be forgotten. Arguably most important Cymro of the last 100 years.
Rodri, Durham, England
He was a rare example of integrity, strong and honest convictions, and a man who lived faith in a positive way. Dyn ni wedi colli rhywun mawr! Ffarwel, Gwynfor
Paul Graves, New York, NY
The adjective great is overused but is one that can honestly describe this man. Wales should have a day of mourning for this true Great Welshman whom I feel privileged to have known.
Rhys, Cardiff Wales
| A very sad day for Wales and its people. A brilliant man whose passion for his country was plain to see. Thank you, Gwynfor Evans, for all you have done for us |
He brought dignity to the Welsh nation, her language, and her people.
Rhodri, Aberystwyth, Cymru
A great man and a great loss. Diolch Gwynfor.
Tirion Brown, Cardiff
In the history books Gwynfor will find an eminent place as one of the paramount saviours of the Welsh language. There has been no greater patriot.
Peter Morris, The Hague, Holland
A truly sad day for Cymru, on losing the father of the nation, a person who inspired the young people of Wales, and made them believe we could be a strong proud people, Da gwas, gwas ffyddlon.
Alan Jones, Trefor, Gwynedd
I for one admired his passion for Wales, the Welsh people and the Welsh language. One man changed a whole generation's perception of the Welsh identity. No current politicians wholly believe in this cause (save Dafydd Wigley), current lawmakers would do well to learn from this man's passion. I feel a great loss in his passing.
MEL JONES, Anglesey Wales
A very sad day for Wales and its people. A brilliant man, whose passion for his country was plain to see. Thank you, Gwynfor Evans, for all you have done for us.
Kate, Cardiff, Wales
As a young Flemish nationalist and European federalist I had the privilege to meet Gwynfor Evans a few times in the 1980s. He wrote the "rhagair" of my booklet "Nationalism in Wales", published in Dutch (1982). He was a very friendly man and very broad minded. Belonging to the Welsh nation and being a European and world citizen, was no contradiction for him, but a normal and logical thing. His death is a great loss for Wales.
Lieven Dehandschutter, Sint-Niklaas (Flanders/Belgium)
A truly humble and honest politician, not driven by his ego, but his conscience. Wales will miss him. Cawr o Gymro
Rhys, Aberystwyth
He made the breakthrough and showed us the way, we no longer need to spend forever on our knees. Fe godwn i eto.
Steffan, Cardiff
Gwynfor Evans was clearly a decent and moral man and to his party a significant figure who will be missed. But it is overstating his contribution to say he changed the face of British politics or that was he a statesman. He never held office and was rejected by the electorate on two out of the four occasions he stood. A bit of perspective, please.
Daniel Donelly, Caerphilly
| A great man. Wales should be very proud of him and all he stood for |
An inspirational Welshman, and has helped open my eyes to the rich history and culture of this ancient country and the idea of Welsh independence. I hope his dream is realised one day.
Steve Jones, Cardiff.
He was undoubtedly Wales' greatest patriot. As an adult Welsh learner, I was inspired by Gwynfor's own efforts to learn the Welsh language. Let us hope the people of Wales remember Gwynfor's vision for an independent Wales in the EU when they go to the polls on 5 May. Diolch yn fawr, Gwynfor.
Harry Neale, Berkeley, California, USA
With gratitude to a man who in his struggle to achieve national self respect enabled so many of us to achieve an indidual sense of worth. Thank you
Dr Dilys R Davies, Caerdydd
Nothing but praise for a man who believed passionately in our nation.Will never be forgotten. Un gair, arwr
Osian Llywelyn, Aberystwyth, Cymru
Wales and the world have lost a great, great man. A true patriot in the best possible way. He must never be forgotten.
John McDougall, London, England
I disagreed profoundly with Gwynfor Evans on many of his political views. I nevertheless had, and will continue to have, enormous respect for his integrity and commitment to his sincerely-held values. It is that sheer integrity which is so sadly lacking in the vast majority of today's on-message, spin-driven 'politicians'.
Ira Walters, Porthcawl
I wrote a letter to him from Germany in 1978 (where I was living at the time) after seeing him being interviewed on German TV. Never thinking he would reply! Of me of little faith. He wrote back almost immediately thanking me for taking the time to write to him. A wonderful man who will be greatly missed
Bob Williams, Bangor, Wales
Well done Gwynfor, you stood for many of those things we still hold precious. Christianity, fighting for a better world and cultural diversity which now has become ...can you believe it. Fashionable in Europe. Maybe partly because you were right to fight. Diolch i chi.
Gareth Thomas, Moscow Russia
Gwynfor Evans was one of those rare individuals who lived his beliefs with courage and grace. His hunger strike inspired many of us in the US to play closer attention to what was going on in Wales, and to get involved in what ways we could. His life truly made a difference.
Barbara Morgan Herron, Baltimore, Maryland USA
A man who was proud of his heritage and his roots and therefore secure in who he was. Without our beautiful language we would all be diminished. We need Welsh warriors like him to fight for our causes with conviction and determination.
Pamela Harries, London
A great man. Wales should be very proud of him and all he stood for
Donald McKay, Sarclet, Scotland
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
