Party leaders have been criticised for avoiding the issue of Afghanistan during the election campaign, despite a poll showing that 77% of voters support the withdrawal of troops.

Three of the parties dubbed 'other' by the media - but who have elected or governing representatives - have criticised the "narrow" TV prime ministerial debates.

Plaid Cymru, the Party of Wales, said that it was "time to burst the Westminster bubble" as it launched its UK election campaign platform yesterday.