Wales: Opposition parties are hoping dislodge Labour's stronghold

Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in Wales have set out their election pitches for the voters.

The Lib Dems published their manifesto, saying their priorities in Wales were providing "dignity for older people, real opportunity for our children, and a fair deal for families".

Leader Lembit Opik said that for "five minutes at the polling station, you can get five years of us working for you".

He pledged free eye and dental checks and lower prescription charges.

Lib Dems are also backing lower class sizes and a presumption against closure of rural schools.

Jenny Willott, candidate for Cardiff Central, which the party hopes to snatch from Labour, said that higher taxes for people earning over £100,000 would "end student tuition fees, provide free personal care for the elderly and reduce local taxes".

"Wales would gain by £845 million over five years as a result of changes we are proposing in expenditure," she said.

"This is a package for all of Wales, which also includes a strong green thread with an action pledge in each section."

Conservative attack

Elsewhere on the Welsh campaign trail, Conservative MEP Jonathan Evans said: "The people of Wales know you can't trust Tony.

"For eight years Mr Blair has failed to deliver on his promises. Now, just weeks before an election, he claims to have all the answers.

"The people of Wales will not be fooled again.

"They've had eight years to work out what is wrong with the Labour Party - they talk a lot, they tax a lot, but they don't deliver a lot."

Evans added that people across Wales "have seen their taxes go up, hospital waiting lists go up, student debt go up, MRSA cases go up, violent crime go up and government waste go up".