EDINBURGH TRAMS – MACKAY RESIGNATION CONFIRMS PROJECT IN CHAOS FROM THE START

For immediate use: Wednesday 3rd November 2010




Attn: NEWSDESKS


POLITICAL / TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENTS



SOMERVILLE DEMANDS TIE AND TRANSPORT CONVENER ANSWER PARLIAMENT QUESTIONS



Commenting on the resignation of Tram Chairman David MacKay and his description of the project as “hell on wheels” SNP MSP for Lothians Shirley Anne Somerville said his comments showed the project had been in chaos from the start. David MacKay points to Labour’s Iain Gray, Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott and the Labour Councillors in control in 2005 as rushing the project to prevent the SNP putting a stop to it.




Ms Somerville has asked the Scottish Parliament’s Transport Committee of which she is a member to call the councillor responsible for the project –Lib Dem Gordon MacKenzie –and Tram Chief Executive Richard Jeffries to answer questions on the problems facing the scheme at the earliest possible opportunity.



Ms Somerville said:


“If David MacKay’s resignation reflects the state of negotiations with the contractors then this city could be facing real problems.


“If someone with his experience cannot tough these negotiations out what does it say for the future. Does his departure mean the contractors are winning?



“It is time those responsible came to Parliament and answered to the people of Edinburgh.


“David MacKay has blown the cover of those Labour, Lib Dem and Tory politicians who have hidden the truth from the people of Edinburgh for the last five years.


“Today's developments confirm the SNP’s warnings that the tram project was being pushed for political not practical reasons. There was clearly chaos in the project from as early as 2005 yet Labour, Lib Dem and Tory determined to push ahead and TIE told the city and the Parliament
everything was fine.


“Sacking contractors without resolving disputes will only cost this city more. This whole project has been hindered by the failure of its supporters to answer questions and put the truth to the people of Edinburgh. That must be the priority.



“The SNP warned our political opponents that forcing the Scottish Government to implement this project would lead to funding problems and chaos for people in Edinburgh. It is deeply unfortunate that with David MacKay’s resignation we are seeing our worst fears realised."