Countdown to the new government

Plaid's leader Ieuan Wyn Jones says the party will now concentrate on discussions with the other parties about a so-called "rainbow coalition".

The parties now face a week of meetings, with the clock ticking for a deal to be reached before the deadline on 30 May.

A WEEK TO TAKE POWER

Wednesday 23 May 1830 BST

The 14 members of the Welsh Conservative party's management board will meet in the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells in Powys, to agree their party's role in a "rainbow coalition".

Wednesday 23 May 1900 BST

The Welsh Liberal Democrats' assembly group and national executive will meet in the Media Resource Centre in Llandrindod Wells.

The party's Assembly leader Mike German cannot enter an Assembly Government without the say-so of a special conference of party members.

Wednesday's joint session will have to decide whether to proceed to a one-off conference scheduled for Saturday.

Thursday 24 May 1800 BST

Plaid Cymru's executive will meet in Cardiff City Hall to consider the three-party deal. It will make a recommendation for the party's national council.

Friday 25 May

The deadline for forming a government, dubbed the "drop-dead date" by Rhodri Morgan, is not until next Wednesday - 28 days after the election.

Twenty-four hours' notice is needed to arrange a plenary session to nominate a first minister.

But because of the bank holiday on Monday and civil servants' extra day off on Tuesday, parties should notify the presiding officer Dafydd Elis-Thomas on Friday.

Saturday 26 May 1000 BST

In Aberystwyth, Plaid's 377-member national council will be making its mind up at the town's Old College.

It will have to decide whether working with others, particularly the Tories, is a price worth paying for the historic prize of a Plaid first minister.

Saturday 26 May 1030 BST

Meanwhile, back at Llandrindod Wells's Metropole Hotel, a Welsh Lib Dems conference will discuss the same thing.

If party chiefs want Lib Dem ministers around the Cabinet table, it requires the grassroots' blessing.

Robust debate is expected, with some members wishing to stay in opposition.

They fear siding with another party will make next year's local elections difficult.

Wednesday 30 May

Midnight is the deadline for nominating a first minister. If AMs have not done so by then, they will face another assembly election - and the second in two months.