The plans for the new Forth Road Bridge have yet again come under turmoil as it emerged that Edinburgh City Council have requested that the Scottish Government should not commit to the Bridge until 2011/12. However it was hoped that work would start in 2011 in order for the bridge to open in 2016.

Edinburgh Council, like Fife, is an SNP / Lib Dem coalition, however the two seem to be competing for the funds.

Thomas Docherty, Labour candidate for Dunfermline and West Fife, said, "Once again, the Lib Dems say one thing in Fife and another in the Lothians. The Lib Dems need to explain why they are anti-motorist and anti-Fife.

"This is just the kind of confusion that could lead to delays in the project and we are urging the Lib Dems to stop opposing the scheme."

Labour MSP John Park said "I have real concerns about the way the Scottish Government are handling the development of the new Forth Crossing.

"There is a huge opportunity for communities to benefit from the project but we could see the opportunities for skilled jobs and training for local people lost if this project is botched.

"The minister (Stewart Stevenson) has already refused to rule out importing the steel and other components for the bridge from China which seems madness when it is being built right beside Rosyth.

"It's not just millions of pounds that could be squandered on this project but job opportunities and a future for many people here in Fife.

"I hope Stewart Stevenson will go before the Finance Committee to explain himself."