THE semi-racist tone of a New Labour attack on Plaid Cymru in a recent letter, shows how concerned they are after their poor performance in the Ogmore by election. They really should think twice about attempting to use the Welsh language against Plaid.

The longest hospital waiting lists in Western Europe cannot be covered up by the government, so New Labour stooges seek to deflect attention from Plaid's growing support.

New Labour is attempting to rubbish Plaid's vote in Ogmore. The facts tell a different story. At 20 percent Plaid's vote has increased by 13 percent in four years, more than the Liberal and Tory vote combined. New Labour's majority dropped from 25,000 (in 1997) to 5,721. They suffered a 23 percent drop in support.

We were the only parliamentary party to actually increase the number of votes since the last Westminster election.

There are growing crime problems, and we are being robbed of our share of European grants. Last year the Treasury received £69 million from Europe for projects in Wales, of which £21 million was passed on to Wales. No wonder New Labour tries to re-write election results.

Nic Hodges Barry Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales