Alex Salmond’s decision to resign as First Minister of Scotland following the 2014 independence referendum has been a topic of much discussion and reflection in recent years. In a new documentary by ITV Border titled “A Decade of Debate,” Salmond admitted that stepping down the day after the referendum was a “mistake.” He expressed regret over his decision, stating that he would not have handed off the reins to deputy Nicola Sturgeon at the time if he had known that Scotland would still not be independent after a decade.
Salmond’s decision to resign came in the wake of the referendum results, which saw the Yes campaign lose by 55% to 45%. At the time, he believed that stepping down would be a strategic move for the national movement towards independence. However, looking back, Salmond now acknowledges that his decision was premature and misguided.
Reflecting on his resignation, Salmond said, “I thought to make a point of departure for the referendum in the future was a right thing for the national movement. Looking back, that was a mistake.” He admitted that he had hoped for a quicker path to independence and did not anticipate the prolonged wait that followed.
In the documentary, Salmond expressed his frustration over the delay in achieving independence, despite what he perceived as “manifest opportunities” over the past decade. He stated, “If you’d told me then that ten years later, we’d still be waiting despite the manifest opportunities there have been, then I would have said, ‘well, I’ll just hang about then and see the matter through.'”
While Salmond has been introspective about his decision to resign, Nicola Sturgeon, who succeeded him as First Minister, questioned whether he would have acted differently if given another chance. Sturgeon remarked, “So clearly he’s going to think that he could have done things so much better. I say that in as gentle a way as possible, to coin one of his favorite phrases.”
Sturgeon also shared her own perspective on the transition of leadership from Salmond to herself. She revealed that she had initially hesitated to step into Salmond’s shoes, reflecting on whether she truly wanted the role and believed she was capable of fulfilling it. Ultimately, Sturgeon took the time to introspect and make an informed decision, which led to her successful tenure as First Minister.
The dynamics between Salmond and Sturgeon have been a subject of interest, with Salmond expressing doubts about whether they will be on speaking terms again. Despite their political differences and personal history, both leaders have navigated the complexities of Scottish politics with resilience and determination.
As Scotland continues to grapple with the question of independence, the legacy of the 2014 referendum and its aftermath remains a defining chapter in the nation’s history. The debate surrounding Salmond’s decision to resign post-referendum serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the pursuit of independence.
In conclusion, Alex Salmond’s admission of regret over his decision to resign as First Minister following the 2014 independence referendum sheds light on the challenges and complexities of Scotland’s quest for independence. The reflections shared in the ITV Border documentary offer valuable insights into the political landscape of Scotland and the personal journeys of its key leaders. As the debate on independence continues to evolve, the lessons learned from the past decade will shape the future of Scotland’s political landscape.