Elfyn Llwyd

Plaid Cymru has sought to address the problem of political apathy with a new "people's contract" setting out its key commitments.

In a move that has echoes of New Labour's pledge cards, the Welsh nationalists were on Friday set to detail their commitment to honesty in politics.

And seeking to woo disillusioned voters in Labour's heartlands, Plaid said it offered a socialist alternative to Tony Blair's "lurch to the right".

Setting out the party's key policies, the contract lists a series of commitments and principles Plaid Cymru candidates will sign up to "and stick to if elected".

Elfyn Llwyd, the party's parliamentary leader, was signing a copy of the contract as the party prepared for its spring conference in Caernarfon this weekend.

"When people on the doorstep ask our candidates what they get if they vote Plaid Cymru at the general election, we will show them the people's contract," he said.

"The contract makes it clear that when you elect a Plaid Cymru candidate you elect someone who is going to put Wales' interests first and never give in to the London agenda.

"Unlike New Labour in Wales who simply regurgitate London spin, Plaid Cymru's commitments are based on socialist values and are designed for the people of Wales."

Dafydd Iwan, president of the party, said the pledges would set out principles that the party could be held accountable for.

"New Labour has shifted so far to the right of the political spectrum many traditional Labour voters in Wales have been left feeling completely disillusioned with their party," he said.

"The principles and commitments outlined in Plaid's people's contract are an antidote to New Labour's lurch to the right and will show the people of Wales that Plaid Cymru is now the socialist party in Wales."