Opponents pay tribute to Salmond

Politicians and figures from across the business community have paid tribute to Alex Salmond after he announced his resignation as First Minister.

The news that Mr Salmond would quit his post as leader of the SNP and First Minister came at a press conference at his official residence Bute House in Edinburgh following the loss of the independence referendum.

Tributes were paid by Mr Salmond's rivals Prime Minister David Cameron and Better Together leader Alistair Darling, as well as former SNP leader Gordon Wilson, Mr Salmond's deputy and likely successor Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney and leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie, who also campaigned for independence.

The Prime Minister said: Alex is a politician of huge talent and passion. He has been an effective First Minister and always fights his corner.

While we disagree profoundly about his goal of a separated Scotland, and many other things, I respect and admire his huge contribution to politics and public life.''

Mr Darling said: Alex Salmond is a formidable political figure. He transformed the SNP into a party of government and delivered their referendum on independence which they had craved so long.

Today he has accepted Scotland's verdict, recognising that it is for others in his party to take the SNP forward.

He has rightly said that the referendum was a once-in-a-lifetime event and that we all need to work to bring Scotland together.

He can look back with pride on being the longest-serving First Minister and to the huge contribution he has made to public life in Scotland. I wish him well in the future.''

Mr Wilson said: Alex Salmond fought a brilliant referendum campaign.

It is not his fault that the Scottish people did not vote for independence on this occasion.

The winning of 45% of the vote in the Scottish independence referendum is a superlative achievement.

It is a mark of Alex's integrity that he has taken personal responsibility. He is undoubtedly the greatest Scottish politician of his generation.

He has led the SNP with distinction over a 20-year period and made a tremendous contribution. I am vexed that he has felt it necessary to offer his resignation.

From personal experience, I know just how exhausting the responsibilities of leadership are and Alex had to carry also the responsibilities of First Minister of the Scottish Government.

To form that government and win a majority is his major achievement in a formidable political career. I wish him and his wife, Moira a long and happy retirement.'' Ms Sturgeon said:Alex Salmond's achievements as SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister are second to none.

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's 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.''

Mr Swinney tweeted: Thank you @AlexSalmond for your outstanding leadership in winning Govt and persuading 1.6 million people to vote Yes. It has been a privilege.''

Mr Harvie 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.

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.''