Parties in Wales have been making their final appeals for public support.

Welsh Labour was on Wednesday set to emphasise its record on delivering a successful economy.

Defending 34 of the 40 seats in Wales, the party is expected to see some limited losses to the other parties.

Monmouth may fall to the Conservatives, while the Liberal Democrats have high hopes of taking Cardiff Central.

Ynys Mon, currently held by Labour, could also fall to Plaid Cymru.

However, Labour has been warning against the dangers of of allowing a Conservative government back into office.

And the party has also emphasised the record of partnership between the administrations in London and Cardiff.

In contrast, the Welsh nationalists have said the election should be used to hold Tony Blair to account.

Plaid Cymru - which is defending four seats - has been critical of the prime minister's conduct over the war in Iraq.

And it is also setting out alternative policies in areas such as affordable housing, promoting rural development and cutting NHS waiting lists.

At this election the party is calling for the Welsh assembly to be given more powers as a stepping-stone on the way to full independence.

"In Wales there is a clear alternative to New Labour and that is Plaid Cymru," said parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd.

"When support for Plaid Cymru is strong, London listens, and right now we really need them to listen."

The Conservatives, which currently have no seats in Wales but are hoping to make at least one gain on May 5, have said there is one clear choice for voters.

In his final message to the public, Nick Bourne, the party's leader in the assembly, said the options were "five more years of talk from Mr Blair or action from the Conservatives who will take a stand on the things that really matter".

"The contrast between the Conservatives and the rest could not be starker," he said.

"Our message is about the future - action on cleaner hospitals, more police, lower taxes, school discipline, controlled immigration.

"Mr Blair's vision is more broken promises and higher taxes. After eight years in office his only message about the future is don't let the Tories in."

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are seeking to increase their current total of two Welsh seats.

The party is also backing extra powers for the Cardiff assembly, and is promising more police officers and replacement of the council tax with a local income tax.

And with top target Cardiff Central being home to a substantial student population, the Lib Dems are hoping their opposition to university top-up fees will also prove popular.

Welsh Lib Dem leader Lembit Opik said the party’s positive campaigning would be rewarded by the people of Wales.

"We’ve fought a positive campaign.  We’ve resisted dragging our comments down to the puerile name-calling of the other parties, and I think it’s a matter of great regret that the prime minister and leader of the Opposition have chosen to do otherwise," he said.

"Because politics should be a battle of ideas, not a war of words."