Wood: 'A once in a generation opportunity'

Speaking exclusively to the Guardian, Ms Wood said: “This election gives us a unique opportunity.

“We could well be in a position of incredible power.

“We can hold the balance of power at Westminster with our colleagues in Scotland and the Greens.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity for Plaid Cymru and the country.”

Ms Wood, who has become the darling of Wales – if not the UK – following her strong showings in the televised leaders’ debates said the response from voters on the doorstep this time around had been unlike anything she has previously experienced.

“It is all so positive,” she said.

“The reaction we have had in Ammanford today has been fantastic and it is the same wherever we go.”

That reaction is undoubtedly due – in part at least – to the South Wales Central AM’s performance during the TV debates and her attack on Nigel Farage live on air, with her appearance boosting both her personal celebrity and the interest of Plaid Cymru across the UK as well as Wales.

She believes her appearances also gave her the chance to underline the changing nature of Plaid Cymru and emphasise it was no longer the party of “only certain sections of Welsh society”.

“The debates gave me a fantastic opportunity to explain to people what we are all about,” she said.

“It was a great opportunity for Wales: How many times in the past during a General Election have we had party leaders actually talking about Wales?

“I have had people in England contacting me saying they wished they had a party like Plaid Cymru to represent them.

“We are the party that is speaking up for Wales.

The “Leanne factor” is something that might have taken many by surprise, but it has certainly changed the nature of the debate.

“This election is unlike anything before,” said Carmarthen East and Dinefwr candidate Jonathan Edwards.

“There is a big difference - that is down in part to the ‘Leanne factor’.

“The traditional support for Labour and the Conservatives has collapsed and I have had people coming up to me in the street saying they are going to change their party allegiances after a lifetime.

“People now know that we are not part of the Westminster system. We are going to shake up the system - we are going to reform it. This is a long-term project.

“All the energy for what is happening is Scotland is going to happen in Wales. This election can serve as a springboard for that.

“The fire in the belly of the Welsh dragon has started to roar.”

Leanne Wood’s appearances in front rooms across the UK have shown she is no dragon, but the fire in her belly has already scorched more than one party leader.