The collapse of papermaker Tullis Russell was a hot topic amongst would-be MPs as the cut and thrust of political debate again gripped Fife.
Five general election contenders took part in the hustings at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes.
Organised by the Federation of Small Businesses, and chaired by The Courier’s political editor Kieran Andrews, those taking part in the free event were Huw Bell (Conservative candidate for North East Fife); Tim Brett (Liberal Democrat candidate for North East Fife); Andy Collins (Green candidate for North East Fife); Peter Grant (SNP candidate for Glenrothes and Central Fife) and Melanie Ward (Labour candidate for Glenrothes and Central Fife).
Issues surrounding foodbanks, poverty, affordable housing, education and job opportunities for the young stirred up the passions of both the panel and the full-house audience of around 140.
But perhaps not surprisingly it was the collapse of Markinch-based Tullis Russell which set the tone with an opening question about what needs to be done to help those out of work in Fife.
Labour’s Melanie Ward described it as “truly terrible news”. She said her heart went out to the workers and their families. She revealed she had met union leaders and would offer full support.
The SNP’s Peter Grant highlighted the wider impact on surrounding villages and pledged his “unwavering support” for the task group.
Conservative Huw Bell highlighted the work going on behind the scenes by Glenrothes Tory candidate Alex Stewart-Clark to find a solution.
Liberal Democrat Tim Brett drew comparisons with the impact of the Guardbridge Mill closure a few years ago.
The Greens’ Andy Collins said that the Government should step in and treat Markinch “like a small disaster area” in the wake of the announcement.
Other questions from the audience included: what would the panel do to resolve the problem of late payments for small businesses? Public spending good or bad? Scotland voted Labour five years ago and got a Tory government why should Scotland vote Labour now? What will they do to resolve a social housing crisis? And what can be done to improve mobile connectivity in Fife?Standing room only as Glenrothes talks politicsIt wasn’t just the FSB hustings that drew the crowds to the Rothes Halls.
Hundreds of parents also descended on the venue for the first night of the Fife Primary Schools Glee Show Choir 2015.
Not to be outdone, however, it was the cut and thrust of the hustings upstairs that proved not all of the election candidates were singing from the same song sheet.
The night got off to a controversial start. With dozens of people queuing outside, it quickly became clear that there wasn’t enough space inside for everyone.
It was great for democracy to see the standing room only crowds.
For some there was disappointment as they were turned away, but for the 140 or so who did make it inside, they were treated to a heated and passionate discussion.
The organisers called for a “fair hearing” while The Courier’s political editor Kieran Andrews called for “sensible and respectful” debate.
Inevitably though given the passionate audience split relatively evenly between Labour-leaning and SNP-leaning supporters it seemed there was plenty of shouting, and no one was willing to back down.
There were plenty of serious issues to talk about. On the back of job losses at Velux, Bi Fab, HMRC, the police control room closure, Kirkcaldy Tesco closure, this week’s Tullis Russell announcement set the tone for a “really worrying situation”, as one candidate put it.
Add to that exchanges from the audience about foodbanks, disabled people having their benefits stopped and Fife’s highest levels of poverty within the Glenrothes constituency, and with the SNP fancying their chances to clinch the seat from Labour, there was plenty of heat.
But there were also lighter moments too. Shortly after being accused of “living in a fantasy world”, there was stunned silence when Tory candidate Huw Bell revealed he had visited a Job Centre that was until a member of the audience retorted: “Aye, and you’ll be back there next week!”