DEPUTY First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has expressed his bitter disappointment that the result for the assembly elections has been "split’’ in two.

The count in South Wales began around 11pm yesterday - less than an hour after polling stations closed.

But, following a decision by returning officers, the count of votes cast in North Wales will not begin until this morning.

This means, unlike previous elections, voters will not be able to wake in up in the morning and find out who has won the battle for control of The Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

The final figures are expected to spill into this afternoon - just before the collation of ballot slips for the alternative vote referendum begins.

Plaid leader Mr Jones, AM for Ynys Mon, said: "It would have been far better that all the results were counted at the same time.

"It is a shame there is a split.’’ Mr Jones also rebuffed suggestions his position as leader of the Welsh nationalists was under threat - amid speculation Plaid would see a drop in the 15 seats it won at the 2007 election.

"My leadership is not important,’’ he added. "I'm very proud of our candidates, our campaign and our manifesto. We will act in the best interests in Wales.’’ The 61-year-old added he would not be drawn on whether Plaid conclusively ruled out any coalition agreements with the Conservatives or the Liberal Democrats, should Labour fail to win an overall majority.

He said: "What we've got to do is see what the outcome is first of all.

"We've made it clear we would find it very difficult to work with Conservatives or the Liberal Democrats because of their position in Westminster.’’ Should Plaid decide to join forces with the Tories or Lib Dems it would be likely to spark discontent among some of its members.

Plaid's Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones has previously said she would refuse to work in government with either of the two parties.

But she reaffirmed her loyalty to Mr Jones, saying he was an "incredible leader’’ and would not interested in talk of who may succeed him in the future.

She added: "The only election I am interested in is the one here.’’