Ieuan Wyn Jones used a speech in Cardiff to say Plaid - if it wins a majority at May's Welsh Assembly election - would immediately start consulting on a tax-varying, law-making body.

But First Minister Rhodri Morgan said the policy pledge was "odd" given Plaid had a "complex" over independence - a term the party has already abandoned.

Welsh Assembly powers

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A similar review of assembly powers - headed by former Labour cabinet member Lord Richard of Ammanford - is already under way at Cardiff Bay, taking submissions from all parties.

Mr Jones promised a fresh, two-year-long National Convention would be established to gauge opinions around Wales.

"I believe there is a majority of people in Wales in favour of moving the assembly to a parliament," Mr Jones said, ahead of his speech.

"What we've got to do is mobilise that support.

"It's fairly obvious the Scottish Parliament has been able to do things the the Welsh Assembly hasn't particularly...

"... things like care for the elderly and student grants and fees."

Devolution process

He may need support from other parties in the assembly. A parliament could be created by 2007 with a positive outcome.

But Plaid - Wales' second party with 17 of the 60 seats - must first claim a May majority which would give it power.

Nobody can take it seriously Rhodri Morgan, First Minister

Meanwhile, Labour is eyeing an outright majority of its own, which could make its Lib/Lab coalition obsolete.

Labour's noted "architect or devolution" Ron Davies said in the 90s that devolution was "a process, not an event".

Opinions on more powers at Cardiff Bay are split and Monday's wrangling shows Plaid Cymru angling for votes May votes in the latest step on that road.

Ministers will not make up their mind until the Richard Commission reports back later in 2003.

"Nobody can take [it] seriously," Rhodri Morgan said of Mr Jones' pledge.

"It seems to be something do to with this complex that Ieuan and Plaid Cymru have over the word 'independence'."

At its 2001 conference, Plaid shelved its earlier aim for an independent Wales.

'Gimmick' promise

Labour Welsh Secretary Peter Hain branded Mr Jones' pledge a "gimmick" and a "sham".

He instead played up the assembly's practical achievements but refused to rule out parliamentary power.

Liberal Democrat AM Peter Black said it was "fantasy politics", adding: "It's just flying a kite in the hope of boosting their popularity."

Conservative shadow Welsh Secretary Nigel Evans said a vote for Plaid would mean falling "down the slippery road, to a fully independent Wales".