Market trader David Barkworth said it was 'too soon' for Mr Jones to go

Constituents on Anglesey are rallying behind their AM Ieuan Wyn Jones after the sudden announcement he is standing down as leader of Plaid Cymru.

There seemed to be overwhelming support for Mr Jones among market traders and shoppers in Llangefni on Thursday afternoon.

He decided to resign after six members of the Plaid Cymru assembly group said they felt it was better for him to step down immediately following the party's poor result at last week's Welsh assembly elections.

Despite seeing his majority fall significantly on Anglesey, many of those questioned in Llangefni felt there was no one to take his place.

Elsie Roberts from Gwalchmai said he had been a good member for Ynys M�n.

It's a shame he is standing down - there is no one to take his place David Barkworth, market trader

"It is not his fault that Plaid have lost support.

"If it wasn't for Plaid Cymru there would be no assembly at all."

Although David Barkworth from Rhosybol did not vote for Plaid Cymru at this year's election, he was surprised at the news.

"It's a shame he is standing down - there is no one to take his place," he said.

"It is too soon for him to make this decision.

"It was a very close result here and he expected a bigger majority this time but who else can take over?

"You felt he genuinely cared about what he's doing.

Constituent RD Evans said Mr Jones had done a lot for Anglesey

"It is a shame that Dafydd Wigley had to stand down, and Cynog Dafis is gone now too.

"With them, it was personality over politics - people trusted and liked them and knew they cared.

"No one else is well-known enough to take over," he added.

According to RD Evans from Pentraeth who runs a market stall in Llangefni he is a "very able member for Ynys M�n who has done a lot for the island."

"I think he's one of the best ones there at the moment," he added.

Mr Jones will continue as AM for Ynys M�n.

Jane Roberts from Brynteg paid tribute to his work on the island.

"It's a pity - he has done a lot of good work here," she said.

"It would be difficult to get anyone who could do as well as him. I don't there is a reason for him to resign."

'Disgusted'

Meirionnydd Nant Conwy MP Elfyn Llwyd has attacked his party's AMs for their role in the resignation of Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Mr Llwyd said at least half the AMs told Mr Jones they could not support him as leader.

He said: "I'm disgusted at the move.

"The leadership is just one of 25 issues to be discussed after the election and it is wrong to single out Mr Jones for the blame."

He added he had not thought about standing for the party leadership in the race to succeed Mr Jones.

Announcing his resignation at a press conference in Cardiff on Thursday, Mr Jones thanked his family and wife Eirian for their support throughout his time as leader.