PLAID Cymru faces the crossroads at May's Assembly elections after their disappointing showing four years ago.

The warning comes from Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas, who expects Plaid to regain lost ground.

And Mr Thomas claims Plaid's cause is being boosted by disaffected Labour voters protesting against Tony Blair and the war in Iraq.

"I've never known such a strong anti-Labour feeling," said Mr Thomas. "I know of three people in their eighties who have voted Labour all their lives and now plan to vote Plaid.

"People are also angry Labour have reneged on their promise of free home care for the disabled, plus there's a lot of dissatisfaction at the state of the National Health Service."

Mr Thomas is confident Plaid can turn the tide following their disastrous showing in the 2003 elections when they could only capture 12 seats.

But his comments drew a sharp response from Labour candidate Kevin Madge, who accused Mr Thomas of failing to address the issues which matter.

"Rhodri Glyn doesn't want to concentrate on his own eight years in office so he's trying to turn this election into a referendum on the Iraq War," he said.

"He's just like Old Mother Hubbard - with nothing at all to show in his cupboard."