Welsh Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan has told Labour Party conference delegates he will fight May's election on public services.

In a speech which sold the "New Wales" to UK party members, he spotlighted "practical achievements" delivered by his government.

Firing the starting gun on the second election to Cardiff Bay, he said he would focus on "public investment and jobs - not constitutional navel gazing" in a nod to recent Plaid Cymru wrangles.

We can make a difference because we are routed in Welsh values - Labour values

Rhodri Morgan

He also called on voters to give him "a proper working Labour majority in the assembly" - a "tall order", but one which could destroy the current coalition with the Liberal Democrats.

"With unity and unity of purpose and much Blackpool-style perspiration, it lies within our grasp."

Mr Morgan forged the partnership to stabilise the government after strong Plaid Cymru gains saw Labour win just 28 of the 60 Welsh Assembly seats at 1999's inaugural election.

But - with seven months still to go - the gloves are now clearly off in the race for votes.

Deputy First Minister Mike German last week claimed assembly policy successes were entirely down to his own Liberal Democrat party.

And Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones told his party conference in September he, too, is aiming to govern Wales.

'Practical achievements'

Staking his own claim, Mr Morgan highlighted his partnership government's record on economic development, "which is now bearing fruit in a strong economy".

He also cited the Welsh baccalaureate trials and the innovative non-profit ownership of Dwr Cymru as examples of successes.

He said it was a "devolution dividend being delivered - not just to Wales - but the whole of the UK".

"You can't help being proud of it if you're Welsh," he said.

"It's the 'New Wales' being built before our very eyes."

But he said Wales Labour Party would continue to develop a unique "Welsh way of doing things..."

"... the full use of devolution - Welsh solutions for Welsh problems."

"That will be the key battle ground for the assembly elections next year."

For example, earlier Wednesday, both Mr Morgan said indicated disagreement with Prime Minister Tony Blair, who advocated a "post-comprehensive era" in education.

And Mr Morgan reaffirmed his cautious approach to the private finance initiative (PFI) - which has dominated conference talk.

Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, he said private money would be used at certain schools and hospitals - but only where appropriate and with ancillary staff remaining in the public sector.