Parties embark on final stretch

The four party leaders will feature in a televised debate on Monday night

The political parties have begun their last few days of campaigning before Thursday’s Welsh assembly elections.

It comes as the four main party leaders prepare for a TV debate on BBC One Wales on Monday night (2220 BST).

Liberal Democrats are campaigning on public transport, while the Conservatives are concentrating on the economy.

Labour is focusing on three key marginal constituencies, while Plaid Cymru is campaigning in Llanelli.

Peter Black and Stuart Rice, Lib Dem candidates for South Wales West, will outline the party’s commitment to accessible and sustainable public transport at Swansea’s Quadrant bus station.

“Getting public transport right is a critical part of ensuring that Wales grows successfully,” said Mr Black on Monday morning.

He said that the party would continue to press for the electrification of the railway line to Swansea.

And he added: “The Welsh Liberal Democrats will re-negotiate the Arriva Trains contract to ensure that we invest in re-opening new stations and electrifying the Valleys lines and make existing stations more accesible and safe.”

Welsh Labour leader Carwyn Jones is visiting three areas in three marginal constituencies – Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, Pentwyn in Cardiff Central and Whitchurch in Cardiff North.

Mr Jones began the day with a warning to voters on the possibility of a Tory-led coalition in Wales to add to that in Westminster.

“We are the only party in Wales who won’t do a deal with the Tories,” he said.

“A vote for the Lib Dems or Plaid will just let them in through the back door.”

He added: “We are the only party with a vision for this country; a vision based on fairness, equality and standing up for the people of Wales.”

Nick Bourne, Welsh Conservative leader, is due at a food firm in Porthcawl, where he will call for the abolition of business rates for all small businesses.

Plaid Cymru’s Helen Mary Jones was in Llanelli outlining the party’s plans on job creation and education.

Mr Bourne, Mr Jones, Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones and Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams will appear on the Leaders’ Debate programme, which is being recorded in Newport.

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