Dai, 47, was born in Ebbw Vale and has lived there all his life. He worked in the Electrical Department at the local steelworks for 26 years and was a Senior Union Shop Steward for 15 years. He is also a former secretary of Blaenau Gwent Labour Party, as well as being one of the 20 party members expelled for backing Peter Law in the general election. Dai acted as Peter Law's election agent and was subsequently employed as his political researcher.