Lib Dems fast closing the gap on Labour

With the Lib Dems fast closing the gap on Labour in the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election, Scottish Lib Dem leader Nicol Stephen MSP today joined Willie Rennie on the campaign trail.

They paid a visit to Ceramic Experience - one of Dunfermline's small business success stories - where they met staff, visitors and small children.

Speaking from the campaign trail, Willie Rennie said:

"This election is a close two-horse race between the Liberal Democrats and Labour.

"People on the doorsteps tell me that they feel let down by Labour and that it's time for a change. They want someone who will stand up for our area and fight for better schools and education for our children, for more NHS services at our hospital, for action to regenerate Dunfermline City Centre and, of course, to oppose the £4 Forth Bridge toll hike.

"These are the issues that matter most to local people and I will keep on fighting for action to transform these vital services.

"Local people disillusioned with decades of Labour's neglect have a real chance this week to vote for a change. It's our chance to send a powerful message to Tony Blair."

Nicol Stephen, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has been on the doorsteps every week of the campaign and says that there is now a clear swing in favour of Fifer Willie Rennie:

"Only a handful of votes separate Willie Rennie from Labour in Dunfermline and West Fife.

"More and more people are backing Willie Rennie because they agree with his priorities for the area - better schools for our children, more local health services and a city centre which local people can be proud of.

"Willie Rennie will be a strong champion for the Dunfermline area and electing him will send a powerful message to Tony Blair's government."

Dunfermline Lib Dems