Morgan: socialism is 'language of priorities'

But the party's failure to debate Iraq overshadowed events.

An attempt by some delegates to get Iraq on the agenda was ruled out by party officials because conference rules state that only issues devolved to the assembly can be examined.

In theory, that should suit Labour. The party is anxious to win an overall majority on 1 May, and is worried that apathy about politics, the assembly and voting in general could persuade many electors to stay home.

Most analysts believe Labour would be hit hardest if there is a low turnout.

Political experts also say there are concerns about the effect on the vote of military action in the Gulf.

Health Minister Jane Hutt, who has probably come under more criticism than any other member of the Cabinet, seemed to acknowledge the size of her task when she told delegates there was "never going to be a quick fix to ditch 18 years of Tory rule".

Jane Hutt: 'no place for faint hearts'

She also used that rarest of New Labour words - socialist - when she said: "There has been no time or place for faint hearts or whining wingers in seizing the socialist health agenda in the past 4 years".

But language is different at the Welsh Labour conference. In his speech, First Minister Rhodri Morgan referred to socialism as "the language of priorities".

For some time he has been emphasising the difference between the Welsh party and its UK big brother.

There was more in this vein from the Economic Development Minister, Andrew Davies. He said: "We are a socialist government with a programme of social justice which ensures jobs and opportunities in all parts of Wales, for all people."

Like Ms Hutt, Mr Davies attacked the Conservatives. He said Labour's task was to "repair the damage created by 18 years of Tory rule which saw our coal and steel industries and our manufacturing sector decimated."

But Plaid Cymru is likely to present the biggest threat to Labour's hopes of a majority, and ministers lined up to attack their main rivals.