Chest pains op minister goes home

Andrew Davies has been Swansea West AM since devolution began

Finance Minister Andrew Davies is said to be in good spirits after he underwent a procedure at hospital to unblock an artery after chest pains.

The Swansea West AM, 56, was taken to the University Hospital Wales in Cardiff earlier this week.

He is a potential candidate to replace First Minister Rhodri Morgan next year.

It is thought he left hospital after two nights to spend time recovering at home from the operation which took place on Thursday.

Mr Davies has held various posts in the Welsh Assembly Government cabinet since devolution began in 1999.

Mr Davies has long been seen as likely to challenge for the top job when Mr Morgan steps down in autumn 2009.

Mr Morgan, 68, also had an artery unblocked in the Cardiff hospital in July 2007.

Before entering politics, Mr Davies qualified as a teacher and counsellor and worked for the Ford Motor Company.