SNP LEADER Alex Salmond launched the party’s economic blueprint to increase jobs and growth in Fife. Mr Salmond was speaking in support of the party’s by-election candidate Douglas Chapman.

The SNP says implementing the paper, called Let Fife Flourish, could lead to:

The creation of 14,000 more jobs for the region over the next 10 years.

The growth of the Fife economy by £1.3 billion, the equivalent of £3400 for every resident.

Higher average wages.

A saving of between £450m and £720m on a second Forth road bridge compared with one financed by public finance initiative and public-private partnership.

Mr Chapman plans to meet businesses in the area over the coming weeks to discuss the proposals.

Mr Salmond said, “This paper sets out our ambition to build a better future for Fifers. It focuses on delivering a more competitive Scotland, which in turn will bring increased wealth and new and better jobs to the people of Fife.

“We will reduce the tax burden facing Fife businesses, improve transport connections and the local infrastructure and provide the next generation with the jobs and opportunities that will allow them to find success close to home.

“Since Labour came to power Fife has lost 7000 manufacturing jobs. This, and the recent closure of Lexmark in Rosyth, shows the complacency that exists at the highest levels of government.

“After almost 10 years of a Labour government in London and seven years of devolution, it is clear that Scotland has made too little progress.”

Mr Chapman added, “I want to put the pride back into Fife. For too long our region has accepted second best and we have allowed those with the power to grow increasingly comfortable and complacent.

“Without doubt, we need a new approach so we can deliver a fair deal for Fife and for Scotland.

“In Fife, we know better than most the importance of good transport links. We cannot afford to be left high and dry by increased toll charges, and must not be burdened with the excessive cost of a PFI bridge project.”

Meanwhile, Willie Rennie, the Lib Dem candidate, said he believed the way forward for Fife’s economy lay in attracting more high-value jobs. He called for a united effort to fight for new investment and fresh opportunities for the Fife workforce.

“The issue of jobs and the strength of our local economy has never been more important. It is vital that as much positive support is given to all those affected by the Lexmark closure at this time.

“I am delighted that Lib Dem enterprise minister Nicol Stephen has taken immediate action to get practical help to the former employees.

“After the shock news of earlier this week, it is important to focus on Fife’s future. We need to fight for new investment and jobs for this area.

“We need to attract more high-value jobs in areas such as research and development and financial services, which are rapidly expanding sectors within the Scottish economy.”

Scottish Socialist candidate John McAllion is to take his message to the people with a series of street stall events at the weekend.

“The SSP has a case to put to the public about tackling poverty, defending the NHS and scrapping the council tax and we intend to take that case direct to the public in Dunfermline and West Fife.

“The scandalous tactics of New Labour in calling the by-election with just the legal minimum of time for discussion is designed to shut down debate, but the SSP will work flat out to ensure that the real issues are put to the voters.”