Could Plaid work with the Tories?

Helen Mary Jones opposes the coalition

Plaid Cymru is holding talks with other parties about forming a "rainbow coalition", but idealistically could it work with its old foe the Conservative Party?

Plaid AMs Leanne Wood, Bethan Jenkins, Helen Mary Jones and Nerys Evans, who represent south and west Wales, already oppose linking up with the Tories.

But what are the views of grassroots supporters in Ceredigion, ahead of a Plaid council meeting in Aberystwyth on Saturday, where coalition will be discussed?

ADRIAN MORGAN, PLAID VOTER

Adrian Morgan - 'time for a change'

Mr Morgan, 22, a post-graduate student at Aberystwyth University, supports the rainbow coalition.

"This is all about making a better future for the people of this country.

"Some people have said that the party is selling its principles to get into government, but I don't believe that.

"Plaid Cymru thinks its policies will make a difference for people in Wales, and that's not rhetoric because people have had enough of Labour.

"It's definitely time for change."

MENNA MACRETH JONES, MEMBER OF PLAID YOUTH GROUP CYMRU X

Menna Macreth - 'make coalition work'

Ms Macreth Jones, 22, is president of the Welsh language students' union at Aberystwyth University and she also wants change.

"I was sceptical at the beginning, but if we want to move forward and implement our policies we're going to have to see change," she said.

"I think we should try something else and this seems to be the answer. It's a matter of making coalition work and making it a success, and if we do that then it could be a way of moving forward together.

"Coalitions in other small countries are normal."

SIMON THOMAS, FORMER CEREDIGION MP

Ex-Simon Thomas - coalition would be Plaid-led

Mr Thomas, 41, spent five years as a Plaid Cymru MP in Westminster. He said he had always disliked what Conservatives stood for, but stressed that the rainbow coalition was more about policies than parties.

"If we can get through a large percentage of our manifesto pledges on housing, devolution and the health service, then I think we might be ready for a coalition.

"It's not as though Plaid Cymru would be propping up a Tory government, the Tories would be supporting a Plaid-led government.

"I sympathise with the concerns of Leanne and Helen Mary, but I would ask our members to consider this on its merits rather than just because it's the Tories.

"I think it's a deal worth doing and we need to grasp this opportunity otherwise we'll end up looking weak. There's a great deal at stake here."

MORYS GRUFFYDD, PLAID CYMRU ACTIVIST

Morys Gruffydd - 'very, very wary'

Father-of-two Mr Gruffydd, 37, from Blaenplwyf, near Aberystwyth, opposes a coalition.

"I would be very, very wary about going into coalition with the Conservatives.

"If you look back in history, the party has a lot to answer for in Wales especially when you look at what the current party's predecessors did.

"I know they're trying to re-brand themselves as Welsh Conservatives now, but people like me will take a lot of convincing.

"Any coalition could also jeopardise future hopes of a directly-elected Plaid Cymru government, especially for those standing for election in places like the Valleys."