The central criticism is not that Plaid Cymru failed to win every argument, nor that it should have abandoned its principles. Rather, the criticism is that it did not rise above the ordinary grammar of party politics. A party that claims to speak for the nation must, at decisive moments, demonstrate that it can think beyond its own electoral advantage. It must be able to say that Wales is bigger than Plaid Cymru, bigger than Labour, bigger than Westminster, and bigger than ideological habit.

A government united around health, wealth and happiness could have offered Wales a simple and powerful national purpose. Health would have meant not only treating illness, but preventing it: better housing, stronger communities, shorter waiting lists, improved mental health support and healthier local environments.

Wales has not failed because it lacks talent, identity or ambition. It has been let down because too many of the indicators that define national success point in the wrong direction. Education has not consistently delivered opportunity. Health services have left too many waiting. The economy has not produced enough high-paid, high-productivity work. Poverty and low household wealth continue to limit life chances. Public spending has not always produced the results people deserve.

The case for change is therefore urgent. Wales needs honesty about performance, seriousness about delivery and a relentless focus on measurable improvement. A proud nation deserves institutions and outcomes worthy of its people.