Rhodri Morgan

“It’s with great sadness that the University learnt of the death of the former First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan. Rhodri was a great friend to Cardiff University, and a regular visitor who was always willing to lend his support to the University’s development, its students and staff. Rhodri was a strong advocate of higher education and research in Wales, and the naming of the University’s Morgan-Botti Lighting Laboratory after him reflects his endeavours to work with partners from elsewhere in Europe to bring this world-class facility to Wales. Colleagues at Cardiff University will remember Rhodri for his sharp intellect and personable manner.”

“Rhodri will be missed by all, his intellect and ability to ask the right question are unmatched.”

“It was through Rhodri Morgan's leadership that the Welsh embraced devolution as the natural order of things. A giant in every sense. Diolch.”

“Clear red water, one-legged ducks, reciting Welsh Commonwealth Games records from the 1950s, and understanding the role of coalitions and political conciliation to stabilise our young democracy. These are the things I remember most about Rhodri Morgan.”

“It is difficult to over-state the influence and legacy that Rhodri Morgan has had upon the development of Wales in the twenty-first century through the cementing of Welsh devolution in particular. Having Rhodri Morgan as one of the honorary professors at our interdisciplinary School of Law and Politics has been an honour and a privilege. The tributes paid today have underscored that he was the most significant statesperson in modern Welsh history. Our thoughts are with his family.”