ALEX SALMOND, SNP LEADER AND FIRST MINISTER
First Minister Alex Salmond said the independence referendum in 2014 would bring new opportunities for Scots to make their own choices. Mr Salmond promised that 2014 would be just great and advised Scots not to think too much about 2013, treating it more as a place-marker, as it were, and not really a year in its own right.
He highlighted the SNP administration's 2007 decision to "restore Scotland's centuries-old tradition of free education" as he invited people to consider what differences could be made in other policy areas if there were a yes vote in the referendum.That's the referendum to be held in 2014, which is shaping up to being a really great year. Honest.
Mr Salmond said: "This year, people accepted into Scottish universities have increased. And we've record numbers of Scottish, English and overseas students studying higher education at our Scottish colleges and universities.
"In contrast, the prospect of sky-high tuition fees in England has seen acceptances for universities there sinking like a stone.Mr Salmond predicted that 2013 would see further falls in English student numbers but argued that the crunch year was likely to be 2014, when, in all likliehood, Oxford and Cambridge would have to shut down due to the flood of students racing north to study at Napier.
"Now this contrast between what is happening here and what isn't happening there has only been made possible because it is the Scottish Parliament which runs Scottish education. But let's imagine what would happen if we didn't control education or if, as some people suggest, we imposed English-style tuition fees.And let's imagine that 2013 is safely out the way, with the shining promise of 2014 on the horizon. Just think, this time next year and I won't have to mention 2013 at all! Which to be honest, is a bit shit as far as years go...
Mr Salmond invited Scots to consider how they might vote if the referendum in 2014 was for an independent Scotland to give up its independence and hand over powers in areas like welfare or foreign affairs to London.
Those arguing for such a move would be pursuing "mission impossible" and would be "laughed at from Gretna Green to Dunnet Head", he said. Mr Salmond promised that by 2014 he'd come up with a convincing argument for using the Gretna Green analogy thing which doesn't make a lot of sense to be honest...
The first minister ended his message by saying the Scottish government has a "positive vision of the future". A future that really gets going in 2014, a much better year than 2013 when nothing of any importance will happen.
He added: "We can build a new independent nation." In 2014, but not before, and by "before" Mr Salmond means 2013.
2013:move along please, there's nothing to see here.
2013:move along please, there's nothing to see here.
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