The cost of building project has soared
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Scottish Labour leader Jack McConnell has announced that he plans to set up a major inquiry into the
soaring costs of the Holyrood parliament building if re-elected as first minister.
In a letter to former MSP Margo MacDonald, Mr McConnell spoke of his anger that runaway spending on the building has compromised public faith in government since devolution.
The other main political parties welcomes the inquiry move.
However, the Tories said that making the announcement so close to the 1 May vote was "blatant electioneering".
And the Scottish National Party accused Mr McConnell of a "breathtaking u-turn".
Detailed inquiry
Mr McConnell said he was searching for a suitably authoritative and independent figure to investigate the entire decision process.
He wants to know how an original estimate of £40m has spiralled to a massive £400m.
However, he stopped short of ordering a full public inquiry, claiming it would be yet another unnecessary cost to the public purse.
Instead he will consult opposition parties and independent MSPs over who is best suited to carry out the detailed inquiry.
As I made clear last week huge amounts of taxpayers, money have been wasted on this project which has caused widespread anger across Scotland
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Ms MacDonald, who is standing as an independent candidate in the Lothians regions in the Holyrood election, was "delighted" by the move.
"As I made clear last week huge amounts of taxpayers, money have been wasted on this project which has caused widespread anger across Scotland."
She added: "This is a good example of the power of the independent voice in Scottish Politics."
Both the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party welcomed the news.
A Lib Dem spokesman said that the Holyrood project was one of the biggest disappointments of devolution so far.
Spiralling costs
He said there was absolutely no doubt that there were plenty of lessons to be learned.
SNP leader John Swinney said that he had called for a "no holds barred" inquiry into the Holyrood project.
He said: "Jack McConnell faces some very difficult questions. As Finance Minister, he was responsible for signing the cheques yet did nothing to stop the spiralling costs.
"His late conversion to an inquiry does nothing to remove the responsibility he must bear for the lies that were told and the money that has now been spent."
The Conservatives agreed it was correct to hold an inquiry, but they said it was suspicious that the decision was taken so close to the election.
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