Alex Salmond To Quit...

[Jomlett]

BBC News - Alex Salmond to quit as Scottish First Minister http://bbc.in/1v09Ujb

[maggiebee]

I am very sorry that Salmond will resign as First Minister of Scotland. He has taken us a long way since his first campaigns of the 70s/80s. A referendum at that time was just a pipe dream but hey, it's happened.

[jomifl]

Since Scottish independance is the raison d'etre of the Scotnats. and Salmond failed in his mission with little chance of another referendum in his lifetime I cannot see what else he could do.

[murraymints]

hooray hooray hooray !

[Jomlett]

He's not a happy bunny...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bx5_q0PIgAEEUjn.jpg:large

[jno]

another poll in 10-15 years would be reasonable. The polls showed that support for the union was highest among older people; when they die, the balance may well tip the other way. But Salmond is unlikely to be still around when it happens.

[Jomlett]

Salmond: You don’t have to be leader of the SNP or first minister to contribute to the political process.

I love the fact I’ve been the longest serving first minister … It has allowed lasting progress to be made.

He says his proudest achievement is free (higher) education.

[jomifl]

jno In 15 years everybody will be 15 years older.

[lady-janine]

not as far as the English are concerned jomlett.

[jomifl]

I think Scotland will benefit from the disappearance of his bluster,bully and browbeat debating methods.

[DTCwordfan]

I'm not surprised.

Honour amongst St Andrews alumni and all that.

More interestingly, I'm wondering what Gordon Brown will do as his speech was something else. Leader of the SLP and perhaps First Minister soon?

[ChillDoubt]

minty,

Stop sitting on the fence! LOL

[lady-janine]

oh gawd DTC.

[Jomlett]

From the Guardian...

Why is Salmond going now? He has been saying for weeks when asked if he planned to resign in the event of losing the referendum vote, he would complete his term as first minister, which would take him to the next Scottish election in 2016.

So why now? He may already have had a deal in place with Sturgeon depending on the referendum result. He may have judged, as he suggested in his resignation speech, that she is capable of reaching the parts of the electorate immune to his charms, primarily women, and also someone younger to consolidate and build on the enthusiasm of all those new young recruits.

[anotheoldgit]

Perhaps he should cross the border and get a referendum draw up for the English, because we won't get one any other way?

[Bazile]

Does this mean that the number of labour MP's will not now be affected , barring general elections and all that business ?

[SirOracle]

Agreed Wharton....and I am certain that they will go from strength to strength
in the future.

Things could rapidly escalate if the "Promises" given by the Westminster lot do not materialise in the very near future
.

I am disgusted by the nasty underhand tactics taken by "big business" and some "trade unions" in bullying their employees / members to vote no. Aye Politics is a dirty business.

[Jomlett]

I think Cameron has a cunning plan to curtail Scottish MPs voting on 'certain matters'.

[jim360]

He sounded almost broken in that resignation speech. Quite a surprise.

[anneasquith]

maybe he's just knackered ? and wants a rest.