112 quotes
A visible police presence on the streets is the best means we have of reassuring communities throughout Scotland. We know too that high visibility policing deters criminals.
Principles and Priorities : Programme for Government (2007)
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.
It would be a mistake to believe that Chilcot and current events are entirely unconnected. The link is through the Labour Party.
The Scots were thus truly a chosen people, highly favoured of the Lord!
St Andrew's Day (2007)
We lost the referendum vote but can still carry the political initiative. More importantly Scotland can still emerge as the real winner.
As we look to secure our ambitions for this nation's future, we must recognise that a vibrant Gaelic language and culture are central to what it means to be Scottish in the modern world.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lecture (2007)
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!
Principles and Priorities : Programme for Government (2007)
To free education for all. ... We seek to build an education system that is open to all.
Cardinal Winning Lecture (2008)
I would welcome a Westminster election next month - just as long as it is not organised by the Scotland Office under electronic voting!
Principles and Priorities : Programme for Government (2007)
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.
Principles and Priorities : Programme for Government (2007)
No matter the lie, even if I was on my own, I'd have to play it. I can hear my dad saying: 'Play the ball as it lies.' Because of the way I was taught, I would feel awful about it. I don't know if that makes me dead honest or dead stupid.
I believe that all of us - whether native Scots or our friends abroad - should strive for a shared understand of our heritage and origins.
St Andrew's Day (2007)
Scots of my generation and above should be looking at themselves in the mirror and wonder if we by majority, as a result of our decision, have actually impeded progress for the next generation, something no generation should do.
My favourite is a hung parliament with 20 SNP MPs. I want to be calling the shots, organising the tune.
I am well aware that in theological and democratic terms I am, no more than "God's silly vassal"
Church of Scotland (2009)
David Mundell MP said it would take a miracle to save Glasgow University participation in the Crichton campus. It is now official - miracles happen in an SNP run Scotland!
Principles and Priorities : Programme for Government (2007)
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.
Principles and Priorities : Programme for Government (2007)
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.
Strategic objectives of new Government (2007)
As you sowed, so Scotland reaped.
Church of Scotland (2009)
The Church was the anchor, the rock of the independence movement in the days of Wallace and Bruce, it was the only institutional force that could be relied upon – it certainly wasn’t the nobles.