FAILURE to find a new boss for regeneration outfit Riverside Inverclyde may have been caused by budget cuts, it was suggested today.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil said he was disappointed that — as the Tele reported last week — a new supremo had not been recruited after interviews held in March.

A new £75,000 a year chief executive was due to begin work on 1 April to lead RI into a three-year ‘single operating plan’ — but a suitable candidate could not be found for the lucrative post.

Labour’s Mr McNeil believes that cash fears and the fallout from last summer’s bust up over a leaked report into RI’s performance may have played a part.

Mr McNeil said: “This could have been caused by budget reductions and by the damage done through the leaking of a confidential report.” Temporary chief executive, council regeneration director Aubrey Fawcett, is to continue in the post for another six months, seconded on his existing council salary.

Previous top official Bill Nicol resigned following last year’s angry row over a controversial leak of a report which disclosed that RI had failed to meet a string of key objectives.

Mr McNeil said: “Major budget cuts and the leak haven’t done RI any favours.” Meanwhile, the MSP says he is keeping up pressure for movement on multi-million pound plans to extend Greenock’s Ocean Terminal to cater for more ships.

The proposals were discussed with Scottish Government finance minister John Swinney during a visit to town in October 2012.

Mr McNeil was told last year by Scottish Enterprise that progress was being made, and he has now raised the issue again with Mr Swinney, who said the government is keen to see the cruise sector expanded.

Mr Swinney said: “I am pleased to advise that discussions are continuing between Scottish Enterprise and Clydeport with a view to developing a case for public sector support for the project.

“To assist with the feasibility study to date, Scottish Enterprise recently provided just under £9,000. Further support will be dependent on the full business and funding case currently being developed by Clydeport.” Mr McNeil hopes to have a meeting with Scottish Enterprise to discuss the proposals.

He said: “It seems that Inverclyde is on pause. We need to get back on track.”