A SPECIALLY commissioned portrait of former First Minister Rhodri Morgan was unveiled last night.

The 'Portrait for the People' of the Cardiff West Assembly Member was unveiled at the Senedd Building in Cardiff Bay.

Two portraits were actually commissioned by a committee set up to commemorate Mr Morgan's time as First Minister and funded by assembly and parliamentary colleagues, businesses, people from the sporting community, sponsors and trade union members.

The portrait unveiled last night is of Rhodri Morgan in the countryside near his Cardiff home with William Tell his labrador dog and will be on display at the Assembly's Pierpoint building.

The sister portrait of Mr Morgan sitting behind his desk in his ministerial office will be displayed at the National Library in Aberystwyth.

Newport East AM and deputy presiding officer Rosemary Butler was on the committee who commissioned the portraits and said: “Rhodri has played a major part in the history of modern Wales and his admirers felt that his contribution should be recognised with a portrait for public display.”

The portraits were painted by Welsh artist David Griffiths.