Tributes To Salmond

Reaction as First Minister announces he's stepping down in November.

Deputy First Minister and Deputy SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Alex Salmond's achievements as SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister are second to none. He led the SNP into government and has given our country a renewed self confidence. Through policies such as the council tax freeze, free prescriptions and the scrapping of tuition fees, he has made a real difference for hundreds of thousands of Scots. And yesterday he inspired 1.6 million of our fellow citizens to vote Yes to independence.  The personal debt of gratitude I owe Alex is immeasurable. He has been my friend, mentor and colleague for more than 20 years. Quite simply, I would not have been able to do what I have in politics without his constant advice, guidance and support through all these years.  Alex' announcement today inevitably raises the question of whether I will be a candidate to succeed him as SNP leader. I can think of no greater privilege than to seek to lead the Party I joined when I was just 16. However, that decision is not for today. My priority this weekend, after a long and hard campaign, is to get some rest and spend time with my family. I also want the focus over the next few days to be on the outstanding record and achievements of the finest First Minister Scotland has had. "

Scottish Labour Leader Johann Lamont said: 

"Alex Salmond turned a minority party into a party of opposition into a party of government and was responsible for there being a referendum on Scotland leaving the United Kingdom.

"He has undoubtedly been an immense figure in Scottish political history.

"I do not detract from his achievements when I say that his love of Scottish independence sometimes blinded him to its consequences.

"He should be proud of his career and not allow the manner of its ending to dominate his thinking.

"There is no question that Nicola Sturgeon and he were a formidable team."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said:
 
"Alex Salmond has been the dominant figure in Scottish politics for the last seven years. 

"No-one can dispute his political achievements, nor fail to acknowledge his political gifts. 

"He has done the right thing in resigning.

"While the referendum campaign has been hugely invigorating, by its very nature it has divided too. 

"His decision to step down will help our country come back together again.

 "I am pleased that the First Minister says he will continue to serve in Scottish politics. 

"Scotland will benefit from his experience and service as we move forward."

Scottish Green Party Co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP said:

"It's no secret that the Scottish Green Party and I haven't always agreed with Alex Salmond about a range of policy issues, but nobody in Scottish politics can doubt his commitment to the cause of Scottish independence, or the impact he has had not only within Scotland, but also on a movement which still has the potential to reshape politics throughout these islands.

"The First Minister is 100% right to say that the aftermath of the independence referendum remains redolent with possibility, and that the incredible public engagement in our political process means that power must now lie with the public will, not with political parties in Westminster or Holyrood.

"Despite our differences on a range of issues, I want to pay tribute to Alex Salmond for the role he has played in changing our political landscape. The future of Scottish, and of UK politics, could be entering a more open and creative period than we have known for many years. If nothing else, Alex Salmond has been central to bringing us to that moment."

The Equality Network, Scotland's national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality charity, has responded to the breaking news of Alex Salmond's resignation.
 
Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said; 

"While the Equality Network is neutral on party politics, we want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to Alex Salmond for significantly advancing LGBTI rights in Scotland during his time as First Minister. Scotland is now a leader on LGBTI equality, and while more needs to be done, Alex Salmond should be incredibly proud of leading a government that has spoken out for LGBTI human rights, put in place some of the best hate crime legislation in Europe, and delivered one of the most progressive equal marriage laws in the world."

The president of the Law Society of Scotland, Alistair Morris, said:

"As Scotland takes the next steps in its constitutional journey, there is no doubt that Alex Salmond's place in our nation's political history is assured.

"His achievements cannot be underestimated, not only as the longest serving First Minister and the first to obtain an overall majority at Holyrood, but also in securing a historic referendum on independence.

 "His passion for Scotland, his commitment to creating a fairer and more prosperous society and his formidable debating skills, both at Holyrood and Westminster, have been at the heart of Scottish politics for over 30 years. He has also been a proud and effective ambassador for Scotland on the world stage.

 "We wish him well for the future and I have no doubt he will continue to make a major contribution as an MSP. We also look forward to working with the new First Minister once they have been selected by Members of the Scottish Parliament."