Party chairman Marc Phillips: Key role

Mr Jones must take his party forward to success at the next general election, maintaining the momentum that Plaid has seen at recent elections in Wales.

The party has to increase its share of the vote and the number of seats it holds at Westminster to increase its political foothold.

Mr Jones, therefore, must inspire his party on the next stage of its political upswing.

But the task of adding to the party's power base in the House of Commons could prove Plaid's toughest challenge yet.

'Comparable status'

Guto Bebb, a former chairman of Caernarfon constituency party, said the issue of self-governance of Wales remained an important one for the party.

"The current position is that we are looking for a status that is comparable with other nations in Europe," he said.

"I think we are looking at the development of a new means of governing Wales in Europe and the wider world.

"Whether that means continued links with Westminster is a matter to be discussed. We should not shy away from the issue of more power for Wales."