Speaking following the election today of Alex Salmond as Scotland's First Minister, Cardinal Keith O'Brien said;

"I welcome the news that Alex Salmond has been elected as the First Minister of Scotland.

Having met with him previously in London and in Edinburgh, I am sure that he will work for the good of all the people of this country.

I have had very friendly relations with previous First Ministers and members of the Scottish Executive, and I look forward to the same friendly relations continuing in the next four years of the life of this Scottish Parliament."

ENDS

Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow
G1 2DH
0141 221 1168
pk@scmo.org
www.scmo.org