15 June 2007
Wales could end up with an historic coalition government as longstanding foes Labour and Plaid Cymru agreed to open talks on a pact on June 13.
Plaid leader Ieuan Wyn Jones confirmed that Cabinet seats for his party would be a part of any deal after the Nationalists' 15 Assembly members voted unanimously to begin negotiations.
First Minister Rhodri Morgan retained his position after opposition parties failed to agree on a power-sharing deal, in spite of Labour winning just 26 seats in the 60-member Assembly. He announced his Cabinet on June 1.
But senior Labour figures warned him in advance of a meeting with Welsh Labour MPs against rushing into a deal with Plaid, proffering 'blank cheques'.
Jones said it was about 'securing a good deal for the people of Wales'. He added: 'My aim is to make sure that by the summer there will be a stable government in Cardiff Bay.'
Mike German, leader of the six Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, said Labour were 'desperately keen on making sure they hang on by their fingertips to power'.
PFjun2007
