Former deputy prime minister John Prescott put tackling unemployment at the top of the agenda as he joined Labour's Inverclyde by-election candidate on the campaign trail on Wednesday.
Speaking just hours before the polls open, Mr Prescott said Iain McKenzie's message was "jobs, jobs, jobs".
He added: "I am delighted to be out and about in Inverclyde today supporting Iain McKenzie to be a strong, local voice in Westminster.
"He's a local man who knows this area like the back of his hand. Iain didn't just arrive in Inverclyde for the by-election.
"It's about jobs, jobs, jobs. Unemployment here is too high.
"The Tories are ruining the economy, punishing families and hurting decent people just looking for work.
"Inverclyde needs a local champion to go down to Westminster and fight the corner. That's why I'm here to back Iain."
SNP leader and First Minister Alex Salmond urged voters to back party candidate Anne McLaughlin's plan for jobs.
Ms McLaughlin and Mr Salmond hit the streets on the final day of campaigning to meet shoppers in Gourock.
Mr Salmond said: "Anne has shown she will fight for the people of Inverclyde and fight for their jobs.
"If people in Inverclyde want a hard-working local MP with a real action plan to bring jobs and investment to this area then the only choice at this election is to vote for Anne McLaughlin."
Conservative Party leader Annabel Goldie joined candidate David Wilson to see the final preparations being made for the Tall Ships race.
Mr Wilson is chairman of the Tall Ships Committee.
He said: "Inverclyde needs an MP who will stand up, speak out and be a champion for all the people they serve.
"I am happy to be judged on my record.
"I hope I have shown over the last four years - as a councillor and as depute provost - that I put Inverclyde first."
Liberal Democrat MEP George Lyon has urged voters to get behind party candidate Sophie Bridger.
Mr Lyon pointed to Ms Bridger's experience and commitment to serving the community, as well as her vision to create jobs in Inverclyde as reasons to vote for her.
He said: "It is vital that Inverclyde residents get out and vote on Thursday, and that they vote for a candidate with the drive and vision to be a great MP for the area. Sophie Bridger has all of these qualities."
UKIP's Mitch Sorbie is also standing to become the area's new MP.
Labour has a majority of 14,416 in Inverclyde at Westminster but the party holds the Scottish Parliament seat of Greenock and Inverclyde by 511 votes.
IN DETAIL:
