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Alex Salmond Quotes
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Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond is a Scottish politician who served as the First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014. He was the leader of the Scottish National Party for over twenty years, having served for two terms, firstly from 1990 to 2000 and subsequently from 2004 to 2014. He was the Member of Parliament for Banff and Buchan between 1987 and 2010, when he stood down to focus on his other roles, and then for Gordon from 2015 to 2017, when he lost his seat to Scottish Conservative candidate Colin Clark. During the 2015–2017 parliament, he was the SNP International Affairs and Europe spokesperson in the House of Commons.

From 1987 to 2010, Salmond served as MP for Banff and Buchan. Following the establishment of the devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999, Salmond also served as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Banff and Buchan from 1999 to 2001, while continuing to serve as that constituency's MP. Salmond served as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Gordon from 2007 to 2011, and for Aberdeenshire East from 2011 to 2016.

Salmond resigned as SNP leader in 2000 and did not seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament. He did however retain his Westminster seat in the 2001 general election. Salmond was once again elected SNP leader in 2004 and the following year held his Banff and Buchan seat in the 2005 general election. In 2006 he announced his intention to contest Gordon in the 2007 Scottish Parliament election. Salmond defeated the incumbent MSP and the SNP emerged as the largest single party. After the SNP secured confidence and supply support from the Scottish Green Party, Salmond was voted First Minister by the Scottish Parliament on 16 May 2007. During his first term, he headed a minority Scottish Government. At the 2011 Scottish Parliament election the SNP won with an overall majority, a feat previously thought almost impossible under the additional member system used in elections for the Scottish Parliament.

Politically, Salmond is one of the foremost proponents of Scottish independence, repeatedly calling for a referendum on the issue. Salmond has campaigned on global warming and in government has committed Scotland to legislation on emission reduction and the generation of renewable energy. The day after the 2014 independence referendum, at which a majority of Scottish voters chose to remain part of the United Kingdom, Salmond announced his intention not to stand for re-election as leader of the SNP at the SNP National Conference in November, and to resign as First Minister thereafter. He was succeeded as SNP leader by his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, as she was the only candidate to stand for the leadership election. He submitted his resignation as First Minister on 18 November, and was succeeded by Sturgeon the following day.In August 2018, Salmond resigned from the party after allegations of sexual misconduct. In January 2019, he was arrested and charged with 14 offences, including counts of attempted rape and sexual assault. Wikipedia  

✵ 31. December 1954
Alex Salmond photo
Alex Salmond: 183   quotes 2   likes

Alex Salmond Quotes

“Let’s not pretend we’re in a worse position than we were half a century ago. That’s just not true. Then, sectarianism was inculcated into life, politics, business – into all sorts of institutions where prejudice should have no part whatsoever. That has largely gone. That Monklands byelection was one of the last redoubts of religion dividing politics.”

Alex Salmond
Life , Religion , Business , Parting

“Gaelic language and culture is inseparable from the future success of the Scottish economy.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

Success , Future

“The SNP's commitment to a Bill of Rights and written constitution means that we will outlaw any discrimination but we also have to eradicate it from the dark recesses of the Scottish psyche. We also have to speak out against institutionalised discrimination. For example, it is a scandal of some considerable proportions that no Catholic can sit on the throne, or marry the heir to the throne -- an attitude entrenched in law that belongs to the archaic arrangements of the eighteenth century, not the bright prospects of the twenty-first.”

Alex Salmond

Speech http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/major-s-contradiction-on-constitutional-reform-questioned-by-snp-leader-salmond-calls-for-same-say-for-scotland-1.669219 in Northern Ireland (27 July 1995).

Law

“You are the blood of our blood and the bone of our bone.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland and Northern Ireland (June 18, 2007)

“Let no-one mistake. This Church, and other faith groups, have the ability to be agents for change and change for the better. … You have worked to promote understanding among faiths. To tackle sectarianism. To promote development worldwide. … And let me say that for our Parliament, that is something that may not yet be formally our responsibility. But it is, in reality, our obligation. … In ancient times it was said that Sparta had no city walls. It did not need them, the people were the walls of Sparta. This church and our other institutions - spiritual and secular are the walls of Scotland - the rocks on which reform and renewal will be built. … We will continue to draw on this Church as a source of wisdom. A source of strength. A source of hope.”

Alex Salmond

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

Wisdom , People , Faith , Hope

“Modern Scotland is about continuing that traditional welcome for those of all faiths or none, of including those from every part of the world and of every belief in our social mix. That diversity is our strength. That ability to welcome and to accommodate those from other nations and to develop an elastic sense of what it is to be 'Scottish' makes us bigger and better as a nation.”

Alex Salmond

St Andrew's Day (November 30, 2007)

World , Faith , Sense , Parting

“I believe that all of us - whether native Scots or our friends abroad - should strive for a shared understand of our heritage and origins.”

Alex Salmond

St Andrew's Day (November 30, 2007)

Understanding

“We Scots are proud Europeans. By history Scotland is - and by our ambition Scotland will remain - a European nation, a full member of the European Union. This is the starting point of our engagement with Europe. We will always play our full part and work to advance common European interests.”

Alex Salmond

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

History , Parting

“Without the church there would be no Scotland - and something important, precious and distinctive would have been lost to the world.”

Alex Salmond

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

World

“We have pushed hard to ensure that the UK negotiating line takes full account of Scotland's circumstances - and we will continue to do so. But we have no guarantee of success. Nor can we be sure that Scottish interests will not fall victim to trade-offs that the UK Government has to make at the Brussels negotiating table. Independence would remove that uncertainty at a stroke.”

Alex Salmond

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

Success

“We must remove, not erect, barriers to degree level education.”

Alex Salmond

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

Education

“I want to see Gaelic thrive across the whole of Scotland.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

“To win and retain the trust of the people requires an administration willing to focus on showing competence and direction in the day to day business of government.”

Alex Salmond

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

People , Business

“It is the very stuff of politics that parties like to have a go at each other - a vibrant democracy demands no less.”

Alex Salmond

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

Democracy

“Not only would an independent Scotland within Europe be at ease with ourselves and our partners at the table. We would be naturally suited to the aims and values of Europe itself - and with the responsibilities of being modern, compassionate, global Europeans.”

Alex Salmond

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

Nature

“We celebrate the values which define modern Scotland: the values of humanity, compassion, enterprise, ambition, and a determined internationalism.”

Alex Salmond

St Andrew's Day (November 30, 2007)

“It would be much easier if we had the full powers of an independent country. Therefore I was anticipating being in that position by 2017.”

Alex Salmond

Speech (13 November 2007), quoted in The Guardian, ' Scotland in 2017 - independent and flush with oil, says Salmond http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/nov/14/scotland.devolution1' (14 November 2007).

Country

“Scotland is a country which has at its core an internationalism which has been much affected by centuries both of migration and also of welcoming those from other countries.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland and Northern Ireland (June 18, 2007)

Country

“It would be a mistake to believe that Chilcot and current events are entirely unconnected. The link is through the Labour Party.”

Alex Salmond

“We should all look forward to an exciting journey.”

Alex Salmond

Strategic objectives of new Government (May 23, 2007)

“I have always had a special regard for the General Assembly and its members. This is the place - and you are the people - that do so much to give expression to the heart of Scotland.”

Alex Salmond

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

People , Heart

“I have believed in Scottish independence all my political life, I continue to believe in Scottish independence, I shall do everything I possibly can to contribute to that cause.”

Alex Salmond
Life

“The future strength of our rural economies and communities will depend upon the availability of a sufficient and appropriate supply of housing.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

Communication , Future , Housing , Dependency

“Let us achieve great things for those who granted us the privilege to serve.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland and Northern Ireland (June 18, 2007)

“I think that’s been a good kick of the ball.”

Alex Salmond

Speaking from his official residence at Bute House in Edinburgh after the Scottish independence referendum, 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-29277527 http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/alex-salmond-insists-scotland-can-4291189 (19 September 2014)

Thinking

“Any house built on sand - big or small - will not survive the storm.”

Alex Salmond

Reference to Matthew 7:24-27
Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008), Church of Scotland (May 25, 2009)

Housing

“People naturally aspire to the symbols and the ideals of our nation. Yet whether it is a political party, a church, a charity - any institution built by man can fail and can fall. The key thing is to aspire to be better. And, for our political institutions, to understand that self sacrifice - just like forgiveness - is at the centre of the order of things.”

Alex Salmond

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

People , Forgiveness , Understanding , Nature

“Is not because I am a poor sailor and fear the voyage to Skye.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

Fear

“In truth, most people already believe there is too much legislation and yearn for a more considered and more restricted approach. I embrace that sense of legislative restraint.”

Alex Salmond

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

People , Truth , Sense

“All that this country can achieve depends on developing our nation as a high growth, vibrant economy. In the modern global economy, even the greatest political ambition is doomed to failure without an economy driving employment, investment, research and development and rewarding success.”

Alex Salmond

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

Failure , Success , Dependency , Country

“There is nothing wrong with Scotland that cannot be fixed by what is right with Scotland.”

Alex Salmond

Paraphrase of Bill Clinton's "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America."
Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008), Church of Scotland (May 25, 2009)

“We cannot take Gaelic's future for granted, particularly when the number of speakers continues to diminish. As the stewards of Gaelic in Scotland, we are responsible for ensuring that the language is able to flourish.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

Future

“I believe that here we are in full agreement on the tremendous role that faith schools can play in Scottish society. And they do so by endowing our children with a strong moral foundation. A positive and distinctive identity. A keen sense of personal responsibility and the common good. A strong commitment to charity - the true meaning of which is helping others.”

Alex Salmond

Cardinal Winning Lecture (February 2, 2008)

Children , School , Faith , Sense

“This Parliament is led by Scotland's first minority Government. That innovation was unintended - very un intended - but it is one which has breathed new life into our political debate.”

Alex Salmond

Third Session of Parliament (June 30, 2007)

Life

“I will not give you an elegy - words to stir your hearts as our beloved Gaelic slowly fades away. And I will not be prescribing palliative care.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

Heart

“It is the foundation of my Government's mission to build a modern, compassionate and just society in Scotland. A society where we not only meet our immediate needs, but ensure that all can share in the benefits of prosperity. And a Scotland that is ever conscious of its global responsibilities - promoting peace, supporting international development and protecting our environment. Building this society and instilling these values in our population requires the highest standards of teaching in our education system - and a strong ethical dimension.”

Alex Salmond

Cardinal Winning Lecture (February 2, 2008)

Education , Peace , Support , Strong

“About my approach to law making. Despite waiting a long time - a very, very long time - to govern, it is not my position that legislative change is always or often the best way to effect change.”

Alex Salmond

Strategic objectives of new Government (May 23, 2007)

Law , Way , Change , Time

“In this Parliamentary Chamber, above the clash of debate and the arm wrestling over amendments and motions, these enduring themes prevail - our responsibilities to the people we serve, our responsibility to our country and Scotland's responsibility to the world.”

Alex Salmond

Third Session of Parliament (June 30, 2007)

People , World , Country

“Those are the objectives - competence, consensus and vision - against which we should be judged. Of course that judgement could come earlier if the opposition parties wished to force an election!”

Alex Salmond

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

“It is about much more than the constitution. It is about how we create the vibrant economy, the healthy society and the socially and environmentally just society in which we - all of us - believe.”

Alex Salmond

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

“We all accept that renewable energy is vital to reducing climate change.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

Change

“We lost the referendum vote but can still carry the political initiative. More importantly Scotland can still emerge as the real winner.”

Alex Salmond

“Make no mistake - Scotland has already changed. And Scotland is continuing to grow and develop as a nation and a society. Last May, the people of Scotland sent out a clear message. They did not just vote for a change of government. They voted for a change in governance. A stronger, more effective, more democratic Scotland. And they expressed their hunger for a higher level of ambition - in our government and in ourselves. In the country we seek to build. And in our image and standing abroad. These are profound and permanent changes.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008)

Hunger , People , Change , Country

“The coup was timed to avoid Corbyn calling for Blair’s head next Wednesday from the then he sealed his fate as leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party.”

Alex Salmond
Fate , Time

“The role and function of backbench politicians deserves to be treated with respect.”

Alex Salmond

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

“A critical aspect of increasing economic growth is creating a smarter Scotland.”

Alex Salmond

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

“Scotland has a unique opportunity to develop one of the strongest renewable and green energy industries in Europe - and, a world centre for excellence.”

Alex Salmond

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

World

“When the European roof is falling in on one Prime Minister it is difficult to concentrate on just how a previous one destabilised the planet.”

Alex Salmond

“Trust is the lifeblood of a decent society. The true currency of democracy.”

Alex Salmond

Scotland in the World Forum (February 4, 2008), Church of Scotland (May 25, 2009)
Variant: Trust is the lifeblood of a decent society. The true currency of democracy.

Democracy

“As the world becomes increasingly inter-linked and competitive, we know that our future economic success and prosperity will be predicated upon the strength of our human capital, and our ability to forge and to sustain competitive advantage.”

Alex Salmond

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (December 19, 2007)

World , Success , Future