David Williams Political Editor BBC Wales

BBC News Online continues its series profiling the leaders of the four main political parties in Wales

When First Minister Rhodri Morgan revealed here last week that his interests outside politics were walking and wood carving, it was perhaps inevitable that his political opponents would step up a gear.

It wasn't surprising then to find Nick Bourne, the Conservative leader in the Welsh Assembly, in something of a lather in the gym.

He appeared to be rowing furiously, but going nowhere fast.

That's a little unkind as the rowing machine was firmly anchored to the floor and the whole purpose of the exercise was just that - exercise.

Conservative leader Nick Bourne: Furious speed

Aged 51, Mr Bourne likes to keep in trim and in the half hour I spent in the gym with him he certainly appeared to be a very fit middle-aged man.

He moved swiftly from the rowing machine to a punishing period doing step ups before mounting the exercise bike for a furious period of peddling.

All this activity was reflected in the mirror which lined the wall in front of him.

What was he thinking of as he stared at his own image?

Who is the real Nick Bourne?

What is his life outside politics?

He believes strongly that politicians should switch off and have friends outside their usual political circle.

'Active social life'

"I like training; I like sport and I enjoy walking," he told me.

Last summer Mr Bourne could be seen hiking along the Pembrokeshire coastal path and traversing the Brecon Beacons.

"I also enjoy travelling and socialising. I've got a very active social life outside politics, than goodness,"

Mr Bourne tells me, over a fresh orange juice.

The late Roy Jenkins thought it was particularly important for politicians to have, what he called, a hinterland.

Rhodri Morgan thought that phrase rather 'posh' but agreed with the thinking behind it.

Nick Bourne too thinks it's essential for a politician to have outside interests which take them away from what he calls a 'glass bowl existence.'

In that glass bowl it's not unusual to see Mr. Bourne and his political opponents knocking, 'six bells' out of each other.

But outside that artificial environment, Mr Bourne says the public would be surprised to see that political opponents often strike up friendships which transcend the party divide.

So why the need for the adversarial image that he and other politicians like to project?

"I've thought about that," he said.

"It's a kind of safety valve for me.

Mr Bourne says he likes training

"It's important to have a distinctive and different agenda from your political opponent.

"I differ fundamentally from the first minister, but that doesn't stop me liking him as an individual."

There you have it. Mr Bourne thinks Mr. Morgan is a good guy really!

And they also have a shared interest in walking and running.

But just as peace appeared to be breaking out, Mr Bourne - reinvigorated and energised by his lunchtime session in the gym - prepared to return to the assembly chamber to fire questions at Rhodri Morgan and Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt.

"I feel good," Mr Bourne declared. "Look out Rhodri and Jane Hutt."

Hostilities were resumed as they knocked 'six bells' out of one another.

You can take friendship and mutual interests just so far in politics!