Glyn attacked by Plaid executive

Simon Glyn addressing a rally in Caernarfon

Plaid Cymru's national executive has criticised a rebel councillor for a "disgraceful" attack on the party's leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

But party officials stopped short of expelling Gwynedd councillor Simon Glyn, who had attacked Mr Jones as a "coward" for not backing his stand against English migration into Welsh heartlands.

Elin Jones: 'Unwarranted attack'

His outburst at the launch of Welsh language pressure group Cymuned earlier this month was roundly condemned by national executive members meeting on Saturday in Aberystwyth.

Plaid Cymru chairman Elin Jones said Mr Glyn's comments had been "unwise and intemperate".

"It...serves only to harden attitudes within the Government in Cardiff and London, and effectively lets them off the hook in dealing with the real issues," she said.

A party statement read: "Plaid Cymru's Executive condemns Simon Glyn's disgraceful and unwarranted attack on the leadership of Plaid Cymru; and his failure to contribute, within the Party, to informed debate on the issues about which he purports to be concerned."

There is a consensus that the future of the Welsh language is an urgent and pressing concern

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru chairman

Mr Glyn had earlier outraged the party by attacking the "waves" of English migrants coming into Wales, who he described as a "drain on resources" and said should be made to learn Welsh.

His criticisms gained popular support from The Welsh Language Society (Cymdeithas Yr Iaith Gymraeg), who staged a Wales is Not For Sale rally.

The protest was part of a campaign for a new property act, which it claims would make it easier for local people to buy homes.

Ieaun Wyn Jones: Called a coward

The Plaid resolution concerning Mr Glyn also declared Plaid's readiness to discuss with other organisations and other political parties, practical solutions to these issues, including measures to safeguard the Welsh language."

The party would also show "determination to address with vigour and commitment, the viability and welfare of communities throughout Wales".

Elin Jones added: "There is a consensus that the future of the Welsh language is an urgent and pressing concern.

"Governments at all levels must implement the recommendations of Plaid Cymru's Rural Housing Taskforce Report, and move quickly to deal with other, more complex issues, both economic and social, in order to secure a viable and prosperous future, for hard-pressed communities, throughout Wales."