James Criddle Plaid Cymru THIS election is about who you trust to represent Islwyn and Wales in London - Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales or New Labour.

Wales has the resources to improve the lives of each and everyone of us but to achieve this we need a proper Parl-iament in Wales.

Progress is being hampered by Tony Blair and his large majority. Most of them have little interest in Wales and set policies dictated by a London-based agenda.

New Labour MPs have let Wales down over the last four years - backing Bush's illegal war in Iraq and leaving our NHS in crisis.

You can trust Plaid Cymru MPs to put Wales' interests first.

I have always lived in Islwyn and don't need anybody to tell me about the area.

All Plaid Cymru candidates have signed a contract with the electorate. It is not based on spin or lies, smoke or mirrors, but on the values of the people of Wales.

We have signed up to our principles and will stick to them Winning a proper Parliament to improve our public services and economic success Providing affordable homes in safe communities Ensuring fair funding for Wales and scrapping the council tax Tackling global warming and creating a living countryside.

Jim was educated at Libanus Primary, Blackwood, and Lewis Boys, Pengam.

He obtained a degree in applied science at UWIST and has been a teacher of mathematics since 1971.

He teaches at Ysgol Gyfum Cwm Rhymni. He studied with the Open University in his spare time to obtain an additional degree in maths. He is currently studying for an OU degree in European Studies with French.

He was elected a member of Islwyn council in 1976 and served for 20 years.

Council rules forced him to stand down when the local councils amalgamated into Caerphilly borough because he was employed by the new local authority.

He has also served as a Blackwood town councillor from 1999 to 2004 and played a large part in re-introducing the carnival.

In his younger days Jim played rugby for Pontllan-fraith, Blackwood, Ynysddu, Cross Keys and Newbridge.

He speaks fluent Welsh which he learned as an adult. He has had many years experience as a school governor in Pontllanfraith, Black-wood, Oakdale and Pengam.

He is a former county secretary of the teaching union UCAC and was a member of TGWU when working during his days as a student.