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Welsh nationalist leader blasts Brown government

12/09/2008

Gordon Brown's government has come under attack from Plaid Cymru's leader Ieuan Wyn Jones at his party's autumn conference in Aberystwyth.

The Welsh nationalist leader told party members that prime minister Gordon Brown has been "found wanting" and shown he is "incapable of handling a major economic crisis".

"Frankly, people have had enough. They want a government in London that not only understands their concerns but is prepared to do something about it," the Welsh Assembly first deputy minister said.

Mr Jones attacked the national government for failing to address fuel poverty, housing pressures and rising energy bills.

He contrasted Mr Brown's record with that of Plaid's, citing a £5 million mortgage rescue scheme and an extra £30 million for social housing as examples.

"We've been quick off the mark: our decisive Davies in contrast to their dithering Darling," Mr Jones added.

Despite the attacks on the national Labour government, Mr Jones insisted his party remained open to "good ideas" from outside the party.

"We are ready to share ideas with others for the good of Wales," he said. "We are ready to build bridges, ready to reach beyond the political tribalism which dominates much of Westminster politics."

Mr Jones insisted many of the divides in Wales had been healed, claiming north-south, urban-rural, town-country and language-speaking differences had been resolved.

"Our aim of ensuring prosperity all over Wales is ensuring momentum… We are one nation, moving together and when we're together we're much stronger."