Plaid 'must deliver in government'

Ieuan Wyn Jones has told members of Plaid Cymru that the party is making a difference in government, but faces "a new challenge" in ensuring that election pledges are delivered.

Speaking at Plaid's first annual conference since forming a historic coalition with Labour, Wyn Jones set out his party's policies on taxation, education and the Welsh language.

Plaid Cymru took up ministerial posts for the first time in July after negotiations in the wake of the the assembly elections in May. Wyn Jones became deputy first minister under Labour's Rhodri Morgan.

The party leader told delegates in Llandudno on Friday that Plaid would "govern on behalf of every part and region of our country", bridging the gap between north and south Wales.

He pledged to cut business taxes, improve the provision of childcare as part of a range of measures to tackle child poverty and increase the affordable housing stock.

The national assembly should be "turned into a real parliament", Wyn Jones argued, and he said a national convention should be launched on the matter.

Criticising the "unfair" Barnett formula - which decides on funding for the devolved administrations - the deputy first minister said a discussion should be launched on whether Wales should have taxation powers.

He pledged to legislate on the Welsh language to eventually promote the use of Welsh "in every community in Wales".

Journey

Although Plaid Cymru made a difference in many ways, including helping ensure Wales' recognition "as a nation", Wyn Jones said the nationalists faced new challenges as a party of government.

"We as a nation now have greater confidence in our ability to do things for ourselves," he said. "This party has played a major role in making sure that has happened."

He added: "We now have a new political opportunity. Plaid Cymru as a party of government needs to deliver, to meet the opportunities that we face, but also to meet the challenges that will come upon us.

"In the election we promised change. We said that we wanted to make a difference. Now we have the chance of making a difference.

"This is a journey upon which we are starting, a new phase in our development as a nation and a party.

"I want the people of Wales to join us on this journey so that we can make Wales a better place to live for ourselves and our children and the next generation."