This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/6746001.stm
The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Labour-Plaid coalition 'on cards' | Labour-Plaid coalition 'on cards' |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| Plaid Cymru is likely to enter formal talks on forming a coalition Welsh Assembly Government with Labour, BBC Wales has learned. | Plaid Cymru is likely to enter formal talks on forming a coalition Welsh Assembly Government with Labour, BBC Wales has learned. |
| A senior Plaid source told the BBC that the party had received an offer that would be very difficult to refuse. | A senior Plaid source told the BBC that the party had received an offer that would be very difficult to refuse. |
| It is understood Labour has offered Plaid a minimum of three cabinet seats and a guarantee of a referendum on full powers for the assembly. | It is understood Labour has offered Plaid a minimum of three cabinet seats and a guarantee of a referendum on full powers for the assembly. |
| The Plaid AMs' group will meet on Tuesday night to discuss the offer. | |
| One senior party member told the BBC that it was an "odds-on certainty" that the group would support further discussion. | One senior party member told the BBC that it was an "odds-on certainty" that the group would support further discussion. |
| The development is the latest in a series of twists and turns in Cardiff Bay since the 3 May election left Labour the largest party, but five seats short of a majority. | |
| Rhodri Morgan was installed as first minister leading a minority administration just over two weeks ago. | |
| Plaid's decision to enter serious talks with Mr Morgan has come as a shock to the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. | |
| They believed Plaid favoured forming a so-called "rainbow coalition" administration with them. | |
| First Minister Rhodri Morgan may have to share power with Plaid | |
| This view appeared to have been reinforced on Monday night when Plaid leader Ieuan Wyn Jones effectively rejected overtures for co-operation from Labour. | |
| Mr Morgan wrote to Plaid and the Liberal Democrats last week. | |
| He offered an inquiry into the way the Welsh assembly is funded, a temporary halt to changes to hospital services and a group to examine the conditions for a referendum on assembly powers. | |
| Mr Jones demanded a better offer from Mr Morgan and it appears he has received one. | |
| Plaid Cymru's national council is due to meet on 7 July in Aberystwyth to discuss whether or not it endorses the proposal for a coalition between itself, Lib Dems and Conservatives. |