Spelman: Hoping for Welsh breakthrough

The election campaign in Wales is gathering momentum, with the Conservatives pledging to address the concerns of a "fed up" electorate.

Launching the official Welsh Tory poll push, shadow regions secretary Caroline Spelman also said her party had the policies needed to reward people who "do the right thing".

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru said the public would face a "clear choice" between the nationalists and Labour.

Speaking during a visit to the Vale of Glamorgan, Spelman said that people in Wales are "fed up that their hard work is not recognised or rewarded".

"Patients worry they’ll pick up an infection in hospitals which are dirty when they should be clean," she said.

"Pensioners worry not just about going out at night, but during the day - because crime is out of control, and they also worry about threats to their financial security.

"And parents worry that their kids can’t learn in class because there’s too little school discipline."

Pledging that a Conservative government would stick to its policy pledges, Spelman said that the people of Wales can "make a big difference" with their vote.

"They can vote for a local Conservative candidate who will be a strong champion for hard-working local families on the issues that matter," she said.

"A vote for Mr Blair’s local Labour candidate is a pat on the back for Mr Blair, and a vote for 5 more years of Mr Blair's talk. 

"So if people have had enough of Mr Blair, and support our commitment to hardworking local families and their priorities, then they must vote for the local Conservative candidate."

Plaid push

Setting out its election stall, Plaid Cymru sought to play down the challenge posed by the Conservatives.

"The choice for the people of Wales is clear in this election, between a New Labour candidate who will be the voice of London in Wales, or a Plaid Cymru candidate who will fight tooth and nail for Wales in Westminster," said parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd.

"As the election approaches, the people of Wales need to ask themselves: 'Can they trust New Labour?'

"In their 2001 general election manifesto they promised to cut waiting times in Wales year on year.

"The sad reality is that one in ten Welsh people are on a NHS waiting list."

Nationalist president Dafydd Iwan added that his party would be campaigning for "a proper parliament for Wales".

"A few more Welsh Labour MPs at Westminster will do little to advance the needs of Wales," he said.

"On the other hand, a few more Plaid Cymru MPs, whose track record in parliament has been outstanding throughout the years, will ensure a strong voice for Wales in London."