If Plaid win in Wales, that won't mean independence - at least not yet

If Plaid win in Wales, that won't mean independence - at least not yetJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleGareth LewisWales political editorBBCIn a further education college in the Pembrokeshire town of Haverfordwest, a studio audience had gathered to hear leaders of Wales' political parties make their pitch at a BBC Wales Ask the Leaders debate.After an audience member asked Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth about independence, presenter Nick Servini followed up with a question about whether the party's plans for Welsh independence had been "paused".Ap Iorwerth replied: "Do I sound as if I've paused on my ambition for Wales or my belief that this isn't as good as things could be for Wales? No, my situation on this has been the same, life-long. It's a question for the people of Wales."How brave we want to be, how far we want to go."Take a closer look at the question and a closer look at the answer.The question is about independence; the answer does not include that word.Rhun ap Iorwerth, seen here at the debate in Haverfordwest, says he believes "the normal state for any nation is to be independent"The polls suggest that two diametrically opposed parties - Plaid Cymru and Reform, who are pro and anti-independence respectively - are vying to lead the Welsh government for the first time.During this election, independence has certainly been part of the conversation - with claims that it is "the normal state for any nation", or "unaffordable", bandied about by either side. But it has not dominated the campaign. And there is an odd dynamic at play: the Welsh pro-indy parties tend to be talking about it less than those who are against it.On the campaign trail, the parties are weighing up whether the issue of Welsh independence is a vote winner or loser.As far as independence is concerned, the big question is: what would happen to the cause if Plaid Cymru wins and ap Iorwerth beco...