Michael Howard wants more power returned to national parliaments

Mr Howard, visiting south Wales on Monday, said he felt confident ahead of council and European elections on 10 June.

He said his party would put Britain first in Europe.

But he thought people were disillusioned with politicians and were being judged by the public.

Mr Howard was meeting supporters and candidates in Cardiff before visiting a youth centre in Barry.

"We should stay outside the Euro, I think we should say 'no' to a European constitution too Michael Howard

He told BBC Radio Wales: "People are so disillusioned with the government and feel very let down by Labour that they are disillusioned with all of us - all politicians - and they're not yet convinced to be honest that we would do better."

Mr Howard reaffirmed his commitment to a more "flexible" European Union.

'Effective ideas'

He said he wanted EU countries free to integrate more closely if they wished, without others having to do the same.

"We should stay outside the Euro, I think we should say 'no' to a European constitution too," he told Good Morning Wales.

"We should be saying to our partners in Europe that we need more power for national governments, less power for Brussels.

Some opinion polls have suggested increased support for the UK Independence Party, which wants to pull out of the EU.

Mr Howard said: "There are some people who think you can do one of two things: either continue to give up more and more power to Brussels, which is what Labour and the Liberal Democrats want and indeed Plaid Cymru too, or pull out all together.

"We think there's a much better way - we should stay in the European Union fighting for Britain's corner, putting Britain first in Europe.

The Conservative leader said that after these elections he would be laying out the "effective ideas" for improving healthcare and education.

"These ideas would lead to improvements... and we need to concentrate on pushing those forward after the election," he added.