IRVINE MSP Margaret Burgess has blasted Brian Donohoe for his support for further austerity cuts.

The SNP politician insists that it will be the ordinary people in his constituency that will suffer the most as a result of £75bn of cuts imposed by the coalition Government.

In a scathing attack, Mrs Burgess heaped scorn on Mr Donohoe’s support for the cuts describing Labour’s vote alongside the Conservatives as a “toxic alliance”.

The Cunninghame South MSP said: “Labour have shown their true colours in siding with the Tories, and it is now clearer than ever that only by voting SNP can we challenge Westminster’s obsession with austerity cuts.

“Mr Donohoe stood shoulder to shoulder with the Tories during the referendum campaign – but this vote with the Tories to continue austerity makes it clear that their toxic alliance lives on.

“Despite the fact that he represents some of the areas which have been hardest hit by Westminster austerity measures, Donohoe chose to vote along with the Tories - and it will be ordinary, hard-working people in this constituency who will continue to suffer.

“At the General Election in May it is vital that Central Ayrshire sends an SNP MP to Westminster to work to protect Scotland’s budget and fight against austerity – and to deliver more powers that will enable the Scottish Parliament to protect and improve our public services.”