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One week after the election was called and I can report the first minor eruption of the Elfynometer, that independent measure of the Plaid Cymru parliamentary leader's grumpiness.

Elfyn Llwyd can always be relied on to deliver independence of thought even if it travels some way from the party's message.

Plaid's election strategy is based on there being a hung parliament. Vote for us, so they say, and if we hold the balance of power we'll drag policy concessions out of the London (sic) parties.

The party's leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones, is leading a campaign in which he is not a candidate fuelling questions about Mr Llwyd's role. He told activists at their manifesto launch that a hung parliament looks "increasingly likely".

Unfortunately, no-one had fed the script to Elfyn Llwyd, who told Radio Wales listeners earlier: "Do we know for example if it's going to be a balanced parliament? I rather doubt whether it is."

I was unable to resist the temptation to (politely) point out at the manifesto launch that, on this issue at least, both Elfyn Llwyd and Ieuan Wyn Jones can't be right.

Cue slight eruption of Elfynometer, with the odd harrumph accompanied by a reddening of the face ("it was very hot" said an aide). Mr Llwyd suggested that "we'll see who's right" come polling day.

You may not be surprised to learn of his choice of personal campaign slogan: "A safe pair of hands".

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