Dunfermline Liberal Democrat Candidate

THE Liberal Democrats have unveiled their candidate for the Dunfermline & West Fife by- election, declaring the contest a two-horse race with Labour.

Willie Rennie, 38, needs a 14 per cent swing to win the Commons seat left vacant following the death of Labour MP Rachel Squire.

Announcing his candidacy, Mr Rennie claimed Labour had "neglected" the area and vowed to campaign for more teachers in local schools and to oppose both proposals for Forth Road Bridge tolls and any moves to centralise hospital services in Kirkcaldy.

Education, transport and health are all issues devolved to the Scottish Parliament, where the Lib Dems share power with Labour in a coalition Executive. However, Mr Rennie blamed much of the constituency's problems on Labour politicians and their local authority, insisting also he was right to campaign on any subject of public concern.

"These are the issues that people of Dunfermline and West Fife have risen with me," he said. "For instance, it's the Labour- controlled FETA that has proposed the £4 charge [mooted for the road bridge]."

Keen runner Mr Rennie is a member of Carnegie Harriers and was a runner-up in the Scottish Coal-Carrying Championship.