PLAID Cymru formally launch their election campaign today under the banner Fighting Back for Wales.

With Parliament closing down for the duration of the campaign, Plaid's MPs will be back in Wales to promote the cause.

The gathering in Swansea will bring together 20 candidates ahead of next week's manifesto launch.

With the party set to publish their document on Monday, it seems likely to be the first Welsh manifesto off the presses. The Hilton Hotel is expected to be the launch venue. All four main parties will launch Welsh manifestoes next week.

Welsh MEP Glenys Kinnock is due to become the first big-name visitor to Gwent as she joins Labour's candidate in Monmouth, Huw Edwards. The closely contested Monmouth seat is likely to be the focus of most high-profile visits to Gwent over the coming weeks as both Labour and the Conservatives try to give their man the edge.

Mrs Kinnock will be launching her party's holiday postal vote campaign in Cardiff prior to her visit to Chepstow.

With the rules relaxed on obtaining a postal vote, counting officers are already predicting that the postal vote will be at least 50% higher than in previous years.

Ahead of her visit, Mrs Kinnock said: "People gave their lives to ensure we have the right to vote. It is vitally important for us all to play our part in the democratic process, and I urge everyone to make sure they use their vote in next month's General Election.

"So whether you'll be in Cardiff or Casablanca on June 7th, don't lose the chance to have your say."

Nigel Evans, leader of the Conservative's General Election campaign in Wales, and Robert Walter, the party's spokesman for Wales, will be borrowing a theme from popstars Hear'Say to attack Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems today.

The duo will say there is a "Pure and Simple" choice facing the people of Wales.

"Plaid Cymru are not even trying to form a UK Government and the Lib Dems polled a third less than the Conservative party in Wales at the last General Election," said Mr Evans.

"The choice is 'Pure and Simple', Labour or Conservative, 'Spin or Common Sense'."

Foot-and-mouth disease will be the main theme for the Liberal Democrats today.

Jenny Randerson, AM, will be launching their code of conduct which will set out how they view the election should be fought in rural areas during the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

The party holds two seats in Powys - the worst affected area of Wales - and cannot risk alienating farmers.

They will highlight the high risk posed by campaigners in spreading foot-and-mouth disease yet further.