MSP Jamie Greene says Robbie Drummond faced an 'impossible' job at ferry firm Caledonian MacBrayne.
He left the Gourock-based operator as chief executive this week with immediate effect, following a leadership review.
Mr Greene said: "As he leaves CalMac I want to thank Robbie Drummond for his efforts to improve ferry services for local residents across west Scotland.
“Unfortunately, the failure of the Scottish Government to invest in lifeline ferry services means Mr Drummond’s job was always going to be an impossible juggling act.
“The ageing ferry fleet, the shortage of vessels, and the consistent failure to invest in crucial port infrastructure all reflect more than a decade of negligence and incompetence from successive SNP ministers.
“With Mr Drummond’s sacking coming so soon after that of ex-Ferguson Marine boss David Tydeman, many people are rightly wondering what is coming next.
“Ministers must be transparent with taxpayers about exactly what challenges lie ahead for the ferry network.
“Far too many people are now taking the rap for ministerial incompetence. The SNP should come clean, own up, and tell the truth."
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