Alex Salmond: Trending quotes (page 9)

“Politicians often like to believe that we exist to make law - and that only through constantly changing the law we achieve our policy objectives. That view of political leadership is mistaken.”

Alex Salmond

Principles and Priorities : Programme for Government (September 5, 2007)

Law , Change

“Like any internationalist, I embrace Scotland's interdependence and the advantages that such interdependence confers. But in international relations - perhaps even more than the economic sphere - there are major advantages to pursuing an independent policy that promotes Scotland's global interests. Indeed it precisely because we live in an interdependent world - one where markets are integrating and information flow is unstoppable - a world where the reality of climate change acts as a daily reminder of our reliance on each other - that independence matters. Interdependence is a welcome fact of modern global politics. What matters in the Scottish national interest - above all else - are the terms on which Scotland engages. The equality of esteem, of authority between nations matters more now than it has ever done.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008)

World , Reality , Change

“As Scots our Celtic heritage ties us closely together. It binds us with our cousins in Northern Ireland, the Irish Republic and Wales. And with other Europeans lucky to blessed with good weather. We have Celtic cousins in Brittany, Galicia and Cornwall. Our is a heritage shared in a love of music and song, of poetry - and a special affinity with the sea and with nature.”

Alex Salmond

Vision for Scotland in the European Union (December 12, 2007)

Love , Music , Nature , Weather

“That sense of an inclusive Scottishness - one which does not simply tolerate diversity but rather celebrates it - is at the heart of what I want St Andrews Day to become.”

Alex Salmond

St Andrew's Day (November 30, 2007)

Sense , Heart

“Scotland will not be a foreign country after independence, any more than Ireland, Northern Ireland, England or Wales could ever be “foreign countries” to Scotland.”

Alex Salmond

Speech in Carlisle. http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2014/04/alex-salmonds-st-georges-day-speech-full-text (23 April 2014)

Country

“Our Gaelic language and culture has prevailed.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

“I believe it is through independence that we can do most to help our nation to flourish, to improve our quality of life.”

Alex Salmond

Citizens Advice Bureaux (August 15, 2007)

Life , Help

“Many American presidents believe they are Irish by descent. Some believe themselves to be Scottish by descent. Actually, most of them are Scots-Irish by descent - certainly the good ones!”

Alex Salmond

Scotland and Northern Ireland (June 18, 2007)

“The Declaration of Arbroath of 1320 … was a challenge not just to the ambitions of our neighbour but too many of the accepted views of that time. As a statement of the 'community of the realm', the Declaration of Arbroath may be Europe's first statement of a contractual relationship between government and citizens.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008), Church of Scotland (May 25, 2009)

Communication , Time

“I have a particularly happy memory of a 's ability to score a penalty. I believe I am correct in saying that while papal infallibility is assured, the doctrine of the Church says much less about the infallibility of Cardinals. And even less about the infallibility of Paul McStay!”

Alex Salmond

Cardinal Winning Lecture (February 2, 2008)

Penalty , Memory , Happiness

“I want to see Scotland at the heart of Europe's energy policy and future.”

Alex Salmond

Vision for Scotland in the European Union (December 12, 2007)

Future , Heart

“I use the word 'celebrate' quite deliberately.”

Alex Salmond

Cardinal Winning Lecture (February 2, 2008)

“It is time to get down to business. Scotland's new politics starts now. … Let's start as we mean to continue - with respect for diversity of opinion.”

Alex Salmond

Strategic objectives of new Government (May 23, 2007)

Business , Time

“As we look again to rebuild a rich country, we must make sure this time round we also build a rich society - a society where the measure of wealth is not only the money in our pockets but the wellbeing of our communities.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008), Church of Scotland (May 25, 2009)

Money , Communication , Time , Country

“This Government believes that it would be economically advantageous for Scotland to be an independent country. Other parties disagree. But as we continue that debate, let us at least agree that this country - our country - has the capacity to become one of the most successful economies on the planet.”

Alex Salmond

Strategic objectives of new Government (May 23, 2007)

Success , Country

“Our courage and our resolve will be tested. And so too will our imagination. Because our world is changing. And if we are prepared to imagine and to shape it in new ways, we will find ourselves stronger, more free - a better, closer community.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008), Church of Scotland (May 25, 2009)

World , Way , Imagination , Communication

“The choice for Scotland is quite clear. We can choose to remain a bit part player - unable to advance our interests and influence the international agenda other than through the United Kingdom. Alternatively, as in independent country, we can actively seek responsibility - eager for the opportunity to help shape the great global debates.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008)

Help , Parting , Country

“Gaelic is not a regional language - it is a truly nationwide language. And the future success of Gaelic depends on attracting new speakers to the language here as much as its does on fostering Gaelic in its traditional heartland.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

Success , Future , Dependency

“There has always been - and always will be - interdependence between the economic prospects of Scotland's Gaelic speaking population and the strength of our Gaelic culture. The language will thrive only once there are real economic opportunities for Gaelic speakers.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

“Ten years ago, alongside the return of the Book of Deer, I was arguing strongly for the return of the Lewis chessmen to Scotland. Sadly this campaign is as yet incomplete. Of the ninety-three pieces known to us today, the National Museum of Scotland holds only eleven. The other eighty-two remain in the British Museum in London. I still find it utterly unacceptable that the Lewis chessmen are scattered around Britain in a bizarre parody of the Barnett Formula. And you can be assured that I will continue campaigning for a united set of Lewis chessmen in an independent Scotland!”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

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