"I am grateful to the SNP for recognising the success of the UK economy despite the drastic fall in oil price" was the response from Conservative candidate Jamie Greene after local MSP Kenneth Gibson was quoted as welcoming figures which showed record levels of employment in Scotland.
Mr Greene said "What would have been a total catastrophe for Scotland, had we voted for independence on a financial plan built on high expectations from oil, we truly are better together in tough world economic times.
"Whilst the Conservative government is getting people back into work, the SNP controlled administration is failing the people of North Ayrshire. The stats speak for themselves."
According to official figures, the unemployment figure in North Ayrshire and Arran is double that of the Scottish average and the percentage of people on long term benefits is a third higher in North Ayrshire and Arran than the rest of Scotland average.
Mr Greene added "Moreover only 2.3% of business in this part of Scotland are classed as medium sized. Given that this area is now served by the SNP in both the UK and Scottish parliaments, I wonder what is being done to attract big new job creating businesses to the area. Rather than claim credit for growth, perhaps the SNP can tell us which of the powers it has will be deployed to create jobs in North Ayrshire. Take your pick from planning, business rates, infrastructure, broadband, SDI network, enterprise agencies and commercial LBTT for example."