Alex Salmond Quotes

I would welcome a Westminster election next month - just as long as it is not organised by the under !

I wouldn't dream of intruding into a reserved matter.

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!

Government must always be about vision. Restoring belief in the power of democratically elected Government to effect change - something which remains one of the great challenges for any modern Government - is about focusing on the 'possible' rather than merely accepting the status quo.

The people of Scotland want a Government based on principle but able to move with mainstream opinion to build consensus in the public interest.

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.

Such are the joys of national leadership!

It is not the purpose of Government to legislate - rather it is for Government and Parliament to legislate with a purpose.

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.

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.

Whatever our constitutional arrangements and no matter how well off we are, there will always be a need for Scotland's citizens to talk about their problems. Therefore, we will always need independent, reliable and accurate advice to help guide them at certain points in their lives.

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

We must tackle the causes of personal debt, and not just the consequences.

While individuals must take responsibility for their spending, they are entitled to protections from outrageous credit charges.

I don't think it's a good idea for politicians to design television programmes, but what we can do is design policies - and by implementing those policies we help to create an environment in which talented people can do great things, and significant and dynamic creative companies can be built for this generation and the next generation. That means having the infrastructure, the skills, and the education. We need a clear vision. We need to identify the opportunities and provide the resources.