FIRST Minister Rhodri Mo-gan claimed yesterday it would be "an abuse" for voters to use the forthcoming Assembly election to express feelings about the war on Iraq.

And he again refused to make his stance on the conflict clear.

Mr Morgan was speaking at the launch of Labour's election campaign.

He said candidates faced a "very difficult next few weeks" because of all the attention on the war, but hoped the focus would return to domestic politics during the second half of the campaign.

"This election is about better public services, more jobs and safer streets. This election matters," he said.

The First Minister acknowledged there were Labour members who were opposed to the war, but said there was no sign of it affecting the Party's chances in the elections on May 1.

He said there was "no point" in him expressing his view on the UK government's decision to go to war, as it was not a devolved matter.

But added: "I agree with them Parliament the right to vote for the first time, so the Prime Minister doesn't keep to himself the decision to go to war."

Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, added: "Our thoughts are with the Gwent boys who are fighting so bravely in defence of freedom, against tyranny and to disarm Saddam Hussein of chemical, biological and potential nuclear weapons."