At these big set-piece events like the leaders' debates, that exterior of calm and serenity is nothing compared to what's going on inside most of the time.

Isn't it the case, ... that there were deep divisions inside the executive over the issue and rather than tell the prime minister that, the first minister chose to abdicate responsibility and stay completely silent.

What I always said about Al was that he had a rough exterior, but inside he was a big teddy bear. He had a passion for the game and he loved kids. I never saw Al mad, except at the refs, when he was coaching. Whatever Al did, he had fun. He loved life.

A good education is the most important gift we can give our young people.

Scotland is not a region of the U.K.; Scotland is a nation, and if we cannot protect our interests within a U.K. that is going to be changing fundamentally, then that right of Scotland to consider the options of independence has to be there.

Most people would agree that the E.U. is too bureaucratic, not transparent or democratic enough and that it often interferes too much in matters that are best left to national governments.