IRVINE'S MSPs have once again been embroiled in a bitter war of words.

Labour politician Margaret McDougall has accused her SNP rival Margaret Burgess of voting with the Tories to reject the introduction 50p tax rate to improve education for Scotland’s poorest children Ms McDougall insists that the £125m plan set out by Labour would close the attainment gap between the worst and best-performing student.

And the West Region MSP this week blasted Mrs Burgess for her party’s decision.

She said: “Never has the phrase Tartan Tories been more true.

“Just weeks after taking lead from Housing Minister and local MSP Margaret Burgess to vote down Labour amendments to the Welfare Bill the SNP are at it again voting with the Tories to block the introduction of a 50p rate of tax.

“Labour has set out a £125m plan over and above the SNP’s spending and we would pay for it with a 50p top rate of tax.” “It’s a progressive policy based on redistributing from the wealthiest in our society to benefit the poorest – the SNP need to explain why they joined the Tories in voting it down.

“Based on previous records the SNP have yet to introduce a single redistributive policy in the Scottish Parliament.” Mrs Burgess was quick to hit back at her Labour counterpart’s remarks.

In a scathing response, Cunninghame South MSP accused Ms McDougall of having a “brass neck” and insisted the Scottish Government’s new £100m Scottish Attainment Challenge fund will narrow the attainment gap between rich and poor.

The SNP politician said: “More nonsense from Ms McDougall – spending money that’s not there, to be raised by powers we don’t have!

“In the face of this constant moaning from a Labour party that’s just spent two years campaigning shoulder-to-shoulder alongside the Tories, her comments are ludicrous.

“The SNP Government continues to deliver, taking positive action while Labour stand on the sidelines complaining.

“Ms McDougall really has a bit of a brass neck, representing a Labour party which voted against the Scottish budget, against free school meals, against an additional £353m to Scotland’s NHS.

“In the real world, education in Scotland is continuing to improve, with record exam results and record numbers of school leavers in work, education or training.

“The Scottish Government’s new £100 million Scottish Attainment Challenge fund will narrow the attainment gap between rich and poor, focusing on literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing.”