Alex Salmond quotes - page 4

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)
Is not because I am a poor sailor and fear the voyage to Skye.
Alex Salmond
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
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
There is nothing wrong with Scotland that cannot be fixed by what is right with Scotland.
Alex Salmond
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
We all accept that renewable energy is vital to reducing climate change.
Alex Salmond
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
The role and function of backbench politicians deserves to be treated with respect.
Alex Salmond
A critical aspect of increasing economic growth is creating a smarter Scotland.
Alex Salmond
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
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
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)
We Scots derive a strong sense of identity from our nationhood. Scotland has always retained a unique culture and character - not defined in opposition to our neighbours, but by ourselves and our basic values. We Scots have made great contributions in the world of philosophy, economics, science and letters. We were the first country in the world to adopt free education for all. And our legal system is a unique hybrid of the civil and common law traditions.
Alex Salmond
We now have the opportunity to hold Westminster's feet to the fire on the "vow” that they have made to devolve further meaningful power to Scotland. This places Scotland in a very strong position.
Alex Salmond
No Member State, even the most passionately pro-European, is always fully in agreement with all the policies of the EU. And all make their voice heard on the issues that affect them most. This is how Europe should work. It is how an independent Scotland would act.
Alex Salmond
The people of Scotland want a Government based on principle but able to move with mainstream opinion to build consensus in the public interest.
Alex Salmond