A debate at the National Assembly to mark the death of the Queen Mother yesterday had a better turnout than had been expected.

Out of 60 AMs, 40 made the trip back to pay their respects to the Queen Mother.

Some, like Newport East Labour AM John Griffiths, stayed away on ideological grounds, but others - including Monmouth Conservative AM David Davies and regional Plaid Cymru AM Phil Williams - were either on holiday, or committed to prior engagements.

Plaid Cymru business manager Jocelyn Davies told the Argus after the 40- minute meeting, that she is anything but a royalist, but argued it was right for her, and others with similar views, to attend.

"The Assembly protocol on royal deaths gives discretion to the First Minister and Presiding Officer to recall the Assembly. If they recall, I will come. " Some other members are away on family holidays, and others had long-standing constituency engagements they felt they couldn't break, so I felt those of us in reasonable distance should attend. I felt that was the right thing to do."

The protocol was only recently agreed among the parties to ensure a dignified response to the death of a senior member of the royal family.

Conservative AM William Graham was critical of the turnout among Plaid Cymru, but thought it had been right to recall the Assembly.

"Eight out of 16 Plaid AMs is a bit disappointing", he said, "but the general tenor of remarks was appropriate and encapsulated the feelings of the people of Wales. It was a worthwhile meeting."

Mr Graham was one of a dozen AMs who spoke during the 40 minute session. He said that the Queen Mother's death marked "the end of an era".

Blaenau Gwent Labour AM Peter Law said he was pleased that the Assembly had been recalled, and that it was the appropriate way to express the views of the people of Wales.

"This Assembly is a focus for the tributes and sentiments of the people for all such international events".

He praised her "care for the ordinary people" and said she would be remembered with "affection, warmth and respect".

* THE MAYOR of Torfaen has urged people to sign the books of condolence that have been opened in the borough.

Councillor Colette Thomas unveiled one of the books at the civic centre in Pontypool on Wednesday.

Others were simultaneously placed at libraries in Pontypool, Cwmbran and Blaenavon and in all 41 of the county borough council's sheltered housing complexes.