SMITH WELCOMES NEW COALITION ON FIFE COUNCIL

2.03.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th May 2007

North East Fife MSP, Iain Smith has welcomed the new coalition deal for Fife Council between the Liberal Democrats and the SNP and has highlighted that Fife now has a bright future with the Lib Dems in administration.

"I would like to congratulate Liberal Democrat Leader, Elizabeth Riches and her colleagues for their success in forming this new coalition. Fife has been let down by Labour and now has a bright future with the Liberal Democrats in Administration.

"This deal now paves the way for a fair deal for North East Fife. I am very pleased that there has been a particular priority to restoring the education budget and I therefore urge the new Council to look again at the closure of Dunshalt primary school and the proposed teacher cuts at Elie, St Monans and Ladybank primary schools. I would also urge the new administration to give priority to the need for a new secondary school which serves the Tay Bridgehead area and for a single site Madras College.

Mr Smith also congratulated Cllr Frances Melville on her election to the post of Provost of Fife. Commenting Iain Smith said, "I would like to congratulate Frances on her election to this very prominent post, I am sure that she will do an excellent job as provost."

ENDS