‘Distracting’ public inquiry must wait for progress to be made

THE Scottish Government has ruled out an immediate public inquiry into the tram project – saying it would be too “distracting” to have it while major work is ongoing.

Finance secretary John Swinney has insisted the government wants to “let the project get on and get more progress under its belt” before instigating a formal inquiry.

MSPs of all parties want a full inquiry into the handling of the project by Edinburgh city council, its tram firm TIE and the Scottish Government to be held as soon as possible. However, First Minister Alex Salmond has refused to say when an inquiry should get under way.

Mr Swinney told a BBC Scotland documentary on the troubled project: “I think an inquiry now would be distracting to those who are trying to get the project moving and get some action under way.”

The minister’s views emerged as a senior councillor admitted it was unlikely the inquiry would begin before next year’s local government elections, which are likely to be dominated in the capital by the tram scheme.

Liberal Democrat councillor Tim McKay, the council’s deputy economic development leader, said: “Everyone wants to see the inquiry get under way as soon as possible, but I can’t see any evidence being taken until after next May.”