IT IS known that Carwyn Jones wants to make Wales stand on its own two feet economically.

Now that he has announced Labour is to go it alone in running the Assembly following last week's elections, he has got to make economic stability and growth the keynote of this term of office.

Private investment and job creation is in our view vital for the future of Wales.

Of course, every government needs to provide public service and in no way do we want to undermine the public-sector jobs that exist in Wales.

But as a whole Wales is too heavily reliant on them. The private sector must be encouraged to invest and flourish in Wales.

What is welcome is the positive note Mr Jones struck in his speech yesterday, which in our view augers well for the future.

The stability that Carwyn Jones seeks will only be possible if all parties work together for the good of Wales. Will that happen? The simple answer is, it has to.

As we have said before, the election was a chance to mark a significant change in the way we think.

We are not interested in who opposes the Westminster government the loudest. We want to know that Wales will always get the best deal when it comes to health, education and attracting new jobs.

Those in charge have a huge task in front of them. Wales cannot expect to rely on the public sector in the future. Manufacturing jobs need to be created and the economy needs to grow with private-sector jobs.

The Assembly now has more powers and responsibility than ever before. It is vital they are used well.